A multi-criteria decision making method for vapor smoothening fused deposition modelling part

Purpose This paper aims to enhance the surface finish of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) part using the vapor smoothening (VS) post-processing method and to study the combined effect of FDM and VS process parameters on the quality of the part. Design/methodology/approach Analysis of variance method is used to understand the significance of the FDM and VS process parameters. Following this, the optimized parameter for multiple criteria response is reported using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution. The process parameters alternatives are build orientation angle, build surface normal and exposure time and the criteria are surface roughness and dimensional error percentage. Findings The result observed contradicts the result reported on the independent parameter optimization of FDM and VS processes. There is a radical improvement in the surface finish on account of the coating process and an increase in the exposure time results in the decrease of the surface roughness. Minimum surface roughness of 0.11 mu m is observed at 1,620 build angle and the least dimensional error of 0.01% is observed at build orientation angle 540. The impact of VS on the up-facing surface is different from the down-facing surface due to the removal of support material burrs and the exposure of the surface to vapor direction. Originality/value A study on the multi-criteria decision-making to ascertain the effect of post-processing on FDM component surface normal directed both to downward (build angle 0 degrees-90 degrees) and to upward (build angle 99 degrees-180 degrees) are reported for the first time in this article. The data reported for the post-processed FDM part at the build angle 0 degrees-180 degrees can be used as a guideline for selecting the optimal parameter and for assigning appropriate tolerance in the CAD model.