Abstract:Based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, the influences of building orientation on surface roughness and supporting area are studied. The surface roughness of parts made by polylactic acid (PLA) at different building orientations is tested in experiments, and combined with the theoretical and empirical formula, a novel model for surface roughness prediction is established which conforms to the actual situation in manufacturing. Through the determination of functional surface, the set of building orientations is established in which the best building orientation can be found aiming at improving the surface quality of a complex multiple-surface part. Based on the stereolithography (STL), a mathematical model for the supporting area is established. The single objective genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the building orientation to minimize the supporting area. Coupling surface roughness and supporting area, a multi-objective optimization based on GA is established to search for the global optimal solution.