A Systematic Method for Assessing the Machine Performance of Material Extrusion Printers

Abstract

The performance assessment of additive manufacturing (AM) printers is still a challenge since no dedicated standard exists. This paper proposes a systematic method for evaluating the dimensional and geometrical performance of such machines using the concept of machine performance. The method was applied to an Ultimaker 2+ printer producing parts with polylactic acid (PLA). The X and Y axes of the printer were the most performant and led to narrower potential and real tolerance intervals than the Z axis. The proposed systematic framework can be used to assess the performance of any material extrusion printer and its achievable tolerance intervals.

Keywords

• additive manufacturing
• material extrusion
• machine performance
• capability
• GBTA
• artifact