Numerical Modeling and Analysis of Transient and Three-Dimensional Heat Transfer in 3D Printing via Fused-Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused-Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a commonly used 3D printing method for rapid prototyping and the fabrication of plastic components. The history of temperature variation during the FDM process plays a crucial role in the degree of bonding between layers. This study presents research on the thermal analysis of the 3D printing process using a developed simulation code. The code employs numerical discretization methods with an implicit scheme and an effective heat transfer coefficient for cooling. The computational model is validated by comparing the results with analytical solutions, demonstrating an agreement of more than 99%. The code is then utilized to perform thermal analyses for the 3D printing process. Interlayer and intralayer reheating effects, sensitivity to printing parameters, and realistic printing patterns are investigated. It is shown that concentric and zigzag paths yield similar peaks at different time intervals. Nodal temperatures can fall below the glass transition temperature (T_g) during the printing process, especially at the outer nodes of the domain and under conditions where the cooling period is longer and the printed volume per unit time is smaller. The article suggests future work to calculate welding time at different conditions and locations for the estimation of the degree of bonding.