Short answer

When high dimensional accuracy is paramount in FFF 3D printing, prioritize PET-G for length and height, and PLA for width, and consider PLA for applications requiring a smoother surface finish.

Field
Final Production
Source
Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi (2022)
Method
Experimental
Evidence
Moderate effect

PET-G and PLA filaments exhibit better dimensional accuracy in 3D printed parts compared to ABS, particularly when considering length, height, and width respectively. This final production research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi. Using Experimental, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When high dimensional accuracy is paramount in FFF 3D printing, prioritize PET-G for length and height, and PLA for width, and consider PLA for applications requiring a smoother surface finish.

Study
Final ProductionHigh ImpactModerate effect

PET-G and PLA Offer Superior Dimensional Accuracy in FFF 3D Printing

PET-G and PLA filaments exhibit better dimensional accuracy in 3D printed parts compared to ABS, particularly when considering length, height, and width respectively.

Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi · 2022

01

Key Findings

  • 01PET-G samples showed the highest dimensional accuracy for length and height.
  • 02PLA samples demonstrated the best dimensional accuracy for width.
  • 03PLA samples generally achieved better surface quality (lower roughness) compared to PET-G and ABS.
02

Application

Design takeaway

When high dimensional accuracy is paramount in FFF 3D printing, prioritize PET-G for length and height, and PLA for width, and consider PLA for applications requiring a smoother surface finish.

How to apply

When designing parts for FFF, consult material datasheets and consider empirical data like this study to predict dimensional deviations and adjust CAD models accordingly, or select the most suitable filament for the application's tolerance needs.

Project actions

  • 01When selecting materials for your design project, research their typical shrinkage or expansion rates.
  • 02Consider how layer height might affect the final dimensions and surface quality of your prototype.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo determine the impact of filament type (PLA, PET-G, ABS) and layer height on the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of 3D printed tensile test samples.
MethodExperimental
ProcedureTensile test samples were 3D printed using PLA, PET-G, and ABS filaments with layer heights of 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.4 mm. Printing parameters like nozzle and bed temperature were adjusted for each material, while other settings were kept constant. The length, width, and height of the printed samples were measured and compared to their design dimensions. Surface roughness was also assessed.
ContextAdditive Manufacturing (Fused Filament Fabrication)

Variables

IV["Filament type (PLA, PET-G, ABS)","Layer height (0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm)"]
DV["Dimensional accuracy (length, width, height)","Surface roughness"]
CV["Printing technology (FFF)","Other printing parameters (e.g., infill density, print speed, retraction settings - assumed constant)","Geometry of test samples (tensile test samples)"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Direct comparison of three common FFF filaments.
  • +Quantification of dimensional accuracy and surface roughness.

Limitations

The study only tested three specific filaments and a limited range of layer heights. Real-world printing conditions, such as ambient temperature and humidity, were not controlled.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is supported by direct measurement and comparison to design dimensions. Reliability could be enhanced by repeating measurements and using multiple samples per condition.

Think critically

How might variations in ambient temperature and humidity affect the dimensional accuracy of different filament types during the FFF process, and how could this be investigated?

05

Design Principles

"Material properties significantly influence the dimensional fidelity of additive manufactured parts; select materials based on specific geometric tolerances and surface finish requirements."

Understanding filament behavior regarding dimensional accuracy is crucial for designers and engineers aiming to produce functional parts with FFF technology. This insight helps in selecting appropriate materials and printing parameters to minimize post-processing and ensure design intent is met.

06

What This Means for Your Design

When you 3D print things, PLA and PET-G plastic are usually more accurate in size than ABS plastic. PLA also looks smoother.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing material selection for your 3D printed components and justifying why you chose a particular filament based on dimensional accuracy or surface finish requirements.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The selection of filament material in FFF 3D printing directly impacts dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Research indicates that materials like PET-G and PLA generally offer superior dimensional fidelity compared to ABS, with PET-G excelling in length and height accuracy, and PLA in width accuracy. Furthermore, PLA often results in a finer surface finish, which can be critical for aesthetic or functional requirements of a design.

09

Source

Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi

An Investigation on Dimensional Accuracy of 3D Printed PLA, PET-G and ABS Samples with Different Layer Heights

journal · 2022

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about pet-g and pla offer superior dimensional accuracy in fff 3d printing?
When high dimensional accuracy is paramount in FFF 3D printing, prioritize PET-G for length and height, and PLA for width, and consider PLA for applications requiring a smoother surface finish. Evidence: Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi (2022).
Why does "PET-G and PLA Offer Superior Dimensional Accuracy in FFF 3D Printing" matter for design?
Understanding filament behavior regarding dimensional accuracy is crucial for designers and engineers aiming to produce functional parts with FFF technology. This insight helps in selecting appropriate materials and printing parameters to minimize post-processing and ensure design intent is met.
How can designers apply this research?
When high dimensional accuracy is paramount in FFF 3D printing, prioritize PET-G for length and height, and PLA for width, and consider PLA for applications requiring a smoother surface finish.
What were the main findings?
PET-G samples showed the highest dimensional accuracy for length and height.. PLA samples demonstrated the best dimensional accuracy for width.. PLA samples generally achieved better surface quality (lower roughness) compared to PET-G and ABS.
What research method was used?
Experimental.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Dergisi.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing parts for FFF, consult material datasheets and consider empirical data like this study to predict dimensional deviations and adjust CAD models accordingly, or select the most suitable filament for the application's tolerance needs.
What are the limitations?
The study focused on tensile test samples; results may vary for different geometries. Other printing parameters beyond layer height were kept constant, and their interaction with filament type was not explored.