Comparative study about dimensional accuracy and form errors of FFF printed spur gears using PLA and Nylon
Irene Buj-Corral, Enrique Ernesto Zayas Figueras
Abstract
In the present paper the comparison of dimensional accuracy and form errors of FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printed spur gears obtained in two different polymeric materials (PLA and Nylon-PA6) is presented. Two types of gears were designed and printed, having different module and teeth number. First, the gear modelling process is presented. The printing parameters were defined for both materials. Then, the measuring processes were described. Using the method of the sector span, the base circular thickness and the base pitch of the gears were determined. Additionally, the root and tip diameters were measured, and their roundness and concentricity errors were determined. The analysis of the results shows that, in general, PLA allows obtaining better dimensional accuracy than Nylon. Nylon parts, which were obtained with lower infill ratio than PLA parts showed lower from errors.