An Overview of Material Extrusion Troubleshooting
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Paper gives an overview of the main topics of systematic issues and solutions concerning material extrusion. The analyzed topic is interesting and well included between the main scope of the journal.
The paper is well organized and comprehensively described. The reported results are valuable from an academic and practical point of view. The structure of this manuscript is acceptable. Moreover, the paper is written in very good English.
I checked the paper according to the topics addressed and it is interesting and worth of publication.
Other comments:
Considering a large number of investigations of AM and ME, the manuscript submitted for the review consists very limited number of references. It is difficult to determine if the methodology of review was in accordance with PRISMA guidelines required for presenting Reviews in MDPI journals ( https://www.mdpi.com/editorial_process#standards ). It is necessary to correct the manuscript using PRISMA checklist, especially details of review method should be described.
Abstract and Introduction: An abbreviation of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has not been defined in the text.
Figs. 1 and 8 have not been referenced in the text.
One definition of specific abbreviation is sufficient for the whole article. For example, glass transition temperature (Tg) has been defined in lines 40 and 87. Material Extrusion has been abbreviated in lines 702 and 26. etc.
The abbreviation “PMMA" has not been defined in the text.
Reference list: Volumes and page ranges are required according to the https://www.mdpi.com/files/word-templates/applsci-template.dot
Author Response
Reviewer 1 Comments
- Considering a large number of investigations of AM and ME, the manuscript submitted for the review consists very limited number of references. It is difficult to determine if the methodology of review was in accordance with PRISMA guidelines required for presenting Reviews in MDPI journals ( https://www.mdpi.com/editorial_process#standards ). It is necessary to correct the manuscript using PRISMA checklist, especially details of review method should be described.
Author Response: The number of references has been increased with added new information and changes suggested by the reviewers.
- An abbreviation of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has not been defined in the text.
Author Response: The full term has been added and defined in both abstract and introduction text as highlighted on line 13 and 30.
- 1 and 8 have not been referenced in the text.
Author Response: Figure 1 (line 39) and 8 (line 308) are now referenced and updated in the text.
- One definition of specific abbreviation is sufficient for the whole article. For example, glass transition temperature (Tg) has been defined in lines 40 and 87. Material Extrusion has been abbreviated in lines 702 and 26. etc.
Author Response: Additional definition for specific abbreviations, glass transition temperature (Tg) and Material Extrusion (ME) have been removed.
- The abbreviation “PMMA" has not been defined in the text.
Author Response: Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is added in the text as highlighted on line 58-59.
- Reference list: Volumes and page ranges are required according to the https://www.mdpi.com/files/word-templates/applsci-template.dot
Author Response: The reference list has now been extended.
Other modifications are showed on the changes in track change function of word.
Reviewer 2 Report
The submitted work reviews the material extrusion (ME) based additive manufacturing processes targeting polymeric and composite materials and lists the common problems and trouble shooting of ME additive manufacturing. There are no technical errors in the submitted work.
The newer ME technologies such as Markforged enables fabrication of Carbon and metallic materials. It would be great if the authors can add the following:
- Add a table that lists all the OEM, ME equipment, capabilities, materials and part accuracy
- Add a table on the properties of ME processed polymeric parts and their targeted applications, compared to the traditional processes and associated defects
Author Response
Reviewer 2 Comments
- Add a table that lists all the OEM, ME equipment, capabilities, materials and part accuracy.
Author Response: Table 2: Examples of desktop, professional and industrial ME equipment and their capabilities has been added into the paper as highlighted on line 53 and 71.
- Add a table on the properties of ME processed polymeric parts and their targeted applications, compared to the traditional processes and associated defects.
Author Response: Table 1: Examples of ME thermoplastic materials and their targeted sector and specific applications has been added into the paper as highlighted from line 73 to 79.
Other modifications are showed on the changes in track change function of word.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
They have adequately addressed my comments and suggestions, and I feel that this manuscript is now acceptable for publication.
