Surface characterization in fused deposition modeling

Fused deposition modeling is a proven technology, widely diffused in industry, born for the fabrication of aesthetic and functional prototypes. Recently used for small and medium series of parts and for tooling, it received particular attention in order to integrate prototyping systems within production. A limiting aspect of this technology is the obtainable roughness and above all its prediction: No machine software and Computer-Aided Manufacturing implements a relationship between process parameters and surface quality of components. The prediction of the surface properties is an essential tool that allows it to comply with design specifications and, in process planning, to determine manufacturing strategies. Recently, great effort has been spent to develop a characterization of such surfaces. In this chapter, prediction models are presented and a new characterization approach is detailed. It is based on the theoretical prediction of the geometrical roughness profile, thus allowing it to obtain, in advance, all roughness parameters.