Development and Optimisation of Additively Manufactured Radiometer Casing for Cosmic Particles Characterization

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a digital technology for producing components directly from a 3D model. This study develops the radiometer casing using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) of the AM technology. The 3D model of the casing was modeled in a Rhinoceros environment while the implementation was carried out using the FFF. The optimisation of the process parameters was carried out using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the Central Composite Design (CCD). The range of the process parameters were: extrusion temperature (230-250oC), extrusion velocity (50 mm/sec-250 mm/sec), filament orientation (0-90o) and layer thickness (0.10-0.50 mm). Taking the surface roughness as the response of the designed experiment, the statistical analysis of the results obtained from the numerical and physical experiments was used to obtain a predictive model for surface roughness. Furthermore, the combinations of the process parameters that produced the least surface roughness (2.05μm) were: extrusion temperature (240 oC), extrusion velocity (150 mm/sec), filament orientation (45o) as well as layer thickness (0.30 mm). This study provides an insight into the feasible range of process parameters that will enhance the surface finish of products developed using Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) filament.