Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum nozzle diameter for parts production with polylactic acid using a three-dimensional printer. The additive manufacturing method used was fused filament fabrication. Design/methodology/approach Designers and researchers have focused on the effects of these parameters on part strength. Additionally, production time is one of the disadvantages of this manufacturing method that researchers are trying to overcome. The production parameters that stand out at this point are nozzle diameter and layer thickness. Findings As a result of the study, it was determined that the increased nozzle diameter led to increased part strength. At the same time, layer thickness had the most significant effect on surface quality. The increased nozzle diameter and part density led to decreased production time. It was concluded that larger nozzle diameter and lower layer thickness should be used for parts with superior properties. Research limitations/implications The experimental printing parameters used in the study were nozzle diameter (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 mm), layer thickness (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm) and printing orientation (0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees). The effects of printing parameters on part strength, dimensional accuracy, surface quality and part density were analyzed experimentally. Originality/value The effects of several printing parameters have been examined in the literature. However, the effect of different nozzle diameters has been ignored. There are limited experimental studies that examine the effect of nozzle diameter on mechanical properties, surface roughness, dimensional quality and production time. In this regard, the results obtained from various nozzle diameters used in this study will significantly contribute to the literature.
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