Part build orientations based on volumetric error in fused deposition modelling

In any rapid prototyping process, the layer by layer building process intro duces an error in the amount of material used compared to the volume specif ied by the computer-aided design model. This affects the dimensional accura cy as well as the surface finish for different part build orientations. Thi s paper describes a methodology for computing the volumetric error for any orientation of the parts built by the fused deposition modelling rapid prot otyping system. The technique can be applied to determine the best orientat ion of the part, based on the minimum volumetric error. The technique is ve rified by comparing the results with the experimental measurements of the v olumetric errors of the parts built at different orientations.