Table 5 The list of ME printer settings taken into consideration during the fabrication of the polymer–textile composites

Z-distance

Build platform to extrusion nozzle

Calibrate the optimum Z-height through first layer calibration

Grimmelsmann et al. (2018), Prusa3D (2018)

Build platform to extrusion nozzle adding fabric thickness

Multiple first layer calibration and preliminary printing tests results given that the optimum Z-height increment is by adding halved of the fabric thickness. (i.e. increment between + 0.05 mm and + 0.07 mm for fabric thickness of 0.15 mm). This is applicable when using mid-weight to heavy-weight and textured textile substrates

Sanatgar et al. (2017), Spahiu et al. (2017)

Printing temperature

Nozzle temperature

Increase 5 °C to 10 °C on top of suggested temperature by manufacturer

Build platform temperature

As suggested by manufacturer

Layer height

First layer

0.2 mm

Subsequent layer

0.1 mm

Printing speed

First layer

20 mm/s

Perimeters

45 mm/s

Fill

Pattern

Rectilinear

Angle

0°; solid infill threshold area 90°

Density

100%

Extrusion width (nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm)

First layer

0.42 mm

Subsequent layer

0.45 mm

Flow rate

N/A

100%

Surface

Build platform

PEI sheet, blue painter’s tape, Build Tak, flex plate, Magigoo or heated glass

Loh et al. (2020)