Enhancing mechanical performance of FDM-printed ABS parts through annealing optimization

This study examines the impact of annealing on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The research investigates how different annealing temperatures (90°C, 105°C, and 120°C), production orientations (upright, on edge, and flat), and infill patterns influence hardness, tensile strength, and impact resistance. Experiments were conducted using a Stratasys F370 printer, and samples were tested following ISO standards for mechanical performance. Results indicated that annealing at 90°C and 105°C generally improved hardness, tensile strength, and impact resistance, particularly for upright and on-edge orientations. However, annealing at 120°C led to a decrease in these properties, likely due to microstructural changes observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The study highlights the importance of optimizing production parameters and annealing conditions to achieve desired mechanical properties in FDM-printed ABS parts. These findings may inform post-processing strategies for enhancing the reliability and performance of additive manufactured components, particularly for applications in industries utilizing ABS materials for customized and prototype parts.