Investigating the achievable accuracy of three dimensional printing

Purpose - The research was undertaken to characterise the three dimensional printing (3DP) process in term of the achievable dimensional and geometric accuracy. Design/methodology/approach - New benchmark models were developed that represent characteristics needing to be investigated. The parts were fabricated in different materials. A program was written to measure the features on a numerically controlled coordinate measurement machine. Finally, a statistical analysis was done. The results are reported in terms of statistical parameters and international tolerance (IT) grades. Findings - The paper provides general IT grades of the 3DP process for parts printed using different materials (powders). Research limitations/implications - The research is limited to specific materials and equipment. Practical implications - The data is very useful for designing products to be manufactured on 3DP machines applying either direct or indirect methods. Originality/value - 3DP is more and more used for rapid prototyping with great potential towards rapid manufacturing. Designers need to know the capability profile of the process they are going to use. There is a significant lack of published data on the 3DP process characteristics. This research was conducted to fill this gap and provide much needed accuracy information.