Analysis of the dimensional variation of 3D printed objects (FMD) subjected to annealing postprocessing

The annealing process in FDM printing applying materials such as PLA and HTPLA, is a technique that looks for the improvement of the mechanical characteristics of post-printing products. The aim of the research is to determine the most suitable annealing process that does not generate significant changes in the dimension of the object. To this end, 108 test pieces were manufactured within the applied methodology, which were exposed to combined tests that considered variables such as the type of printing material, the fill level, temperature and coating. Once the experiment was carried out, it was concluded that the most suitable annealing process is in PLA or HTPLA material at 100% filler, exposed to 200°C with plaster stone coating.