Prediction of the shape accuracy of parts fabricated by means of FLM process using FEM simulations

The prediction of component properties from the Additive manufacturing (AM) process poses a challenge. Therefore, this paper presents the development of a novel machine data (G-Code) based procedure as well as its programming implementation of a process simulation in ANSYS Mechanical for the fused layer modelling (FLM) process. For this purpose, an investigation of additively produced components with varying parameters made of polylactic acid (PLA) is carried out and simulated by means of the developed method. Application of the developed method makes it possible to predict the thermally induced distortion of PLA-Parts based on the machine data from the FLM process before production.