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Impact of FDM Layer Thickness on Strength

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Hello! I am currently designing a high-load component for industrial plants using a high-strength polymer such as Ultem 1010 or PC (FDM printing). The component must withstand significant stress and impact.

I’m wavering between a layer thickness of 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. I know that a smaller layer thickness can affect the mechanical properties, but I’m worried that at a layer thickness of 0.3 mm, small particles/industrial dust might get between the layers, which could affect the long-term durability.

Does anyone have experience with how different layer thicknesses affect the compressive strength, tensile strength, and impact toughness? Which layer thickness would you recommend?

Thank you!

Peter

Automatically translated from: Deutsch
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Solved by Nikolaus Mroncz

Hello Peter,

thank you for your question and please excuse the delay.

In fact, a higher layer thickness leads to higher strength, but of course then brings the disadvantage of a worse surface.

Infill also plays a role here and should not be too sparse for higher strength (50%+).

In your case, I would choose a layer thickness of 0.2mm.

Experiments have shown that the actual difference is also relatively minor.

VG

Niko

    • P
      Hello! I am currently designing a high-load component for industrial plants using a high-strength polymer such as Ultem 1010 or PC (FDM printing). The component must withstand significant stress and impact.

      I’m wavering between a layer thickness of 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. I know that a smaller layer thickness can affect the mechanical properties, but I’m worried that at a layer thickness of 0.3 mm, small particles/industrial dust might get between the layers, which could affect the long-term durability.

      Does anyone have experience with how different layer thicknesses affect the compressive strength, tensile strength, and impact toughness? Which layer thickness would you recommend?

      Thank you!

      Peter

      Automatically translated from: Deutsch

      See original
      0
    • Xometry Engineer

      Hello Peter,

      thank you for your question and please excuse the delay.

      In fact, a higher layer thickness leads to higher strength, but of course then brings the disadvantage of a worse surface.

      Infill also plays a role here and should not be too sparse for higher strength (50%+).

      In your case, I would choose a layer thickness of 0.2mm.

      Experiments have shown that the actual difference is also relatively minor.

      VG

      Niko

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      Reply
      • P
        Nikolaus Mroncz

        All clear

        Thank you very much!

        0
        Reply
Impact of FDM Layer Thickness on Strength
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