Towards modelling of Free Form Extrusion: analytical solution of transient heat transfer

The performance of parts produced by Free Form Extrusion (FFE) may be limited by poor mechanical properties, due to poor bonding between the individual extruded filaments. In this work, an analytical solution is proposed for the transient heat transfer during filament deposition, taking into account contacts between filaments. The solution is inserted in a code developed using Matlab®. This tool allows the study of the influence of the main process variables during filament deposition and may assist process optimization.