Research Article

Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes

Volume: 7 Number: 1 June 16, 2026
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Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes

Abstract

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widely preferred additive manufacturing technology due to its design flexibility and cost advantages. However, structural and visual defects such as stringing, layer shifting, warping, or off-platform issues frequently occur in FDM-based three-dimensional (3D) printing processes. This results in losses of raw materials, energy, and time. This study aims to classify common defect types occurring in FDM-based 3D printing using image-based deep learning algorithms. In this study, a transfer learning approach is adopted using the EfficientNetB0 and MobileNetV2 architectures, both pre-trained on ImageNet, with a dataset of 1912 images. The model’s generalization capability is enhanced through data preprocessing and enhancement techniques. The model can successfully classify defect types using print images without additional sensors or hardware components. The results show that the EfficientNetB0 model has an overall accuracy of 87.7%, while MobileNetV2 achieves 97%. The MobileNetV2 architecture demonstrates strong performance, particularly in error classes such as Layer Shifting and Stringing, with high F1 scores. The proposed architectures have the potential to reduce losses in FDM-based 3D printing processes by providing a low-cost and accessible visual quality control system.

Keywords

Thanks

The authors would like to acknowledge the use of the FDM 3D Printing Defect Dataset obtained from Kaggle for the experimental phase of this research. This work is derived from the doctoral thesis entitled ‘Development of a Hybrid Machine Learning Method for Quality Optimization in 3D Printing’. The study was supported by the Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (BAP) under Project No: 25.FEN.BİL.11.

References

  1. Abdulshahed, A. M., & Wafa, F. (2025). Surface roughness prediction in additive manufacturing: presenting the power of neural networks compared to linear regression. Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Systems, 24(01), 69-88.
  2. Aktepe, E., & Aktepe, Ş. (2024). PLA ve geri dönüştürülmüş PET Filamentlerinin 3D Fdm Baskida Boyutsal Doğruluk ve Geriçekilme Performansinin Karşilaştirilmasi. International Journal of 3D Printing Technologies and Digital Industry, 8(1), 114-123.
  3. Aktepe, E., & Ergün, U. (2025a). A Systematic Analysis of 3D Printing Research in Doctoral and Specialization Theses in Turkey. In S. Kocer & O. Dundar (Eds.), Next generation engineering: Smart solutions and applications (pp. 13–36). ISRES Publishing
  4. Aktepe, E., & Ergün, U. (2025b). Machine learning approaches for FDM-based 3D printing: a literature review. Applied Sciences, 15(18), 10001.
  5. Aktepe, E., & Koca, Y. B. (2024). Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters Using Machine Learning Techniques. In International Congress of Electrical and Computer Engineering (pp. 277-286). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
  6. Ali, S., Nouzil, I., Mehra, V., Eltaggaz, A., Deiab, I., & Pervaiz, S. (2025). Integrated optimization scheme for 3D printing of PLA-APHA biodegradable blends. Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 10(1), 875-886.
  7. Alli, Y. A., Anuar, H., Manshor, M. R., Okafor, C. E., Kamarulzaman, A. F., Akçakale, N., Mohd Nazeri, F. N., Bodaghi, M., Suhr, J., & Nasir, N. A. M. (2024). Optimization of 4D/3D printing via machine learning: A systematic review. Hybrid Advances, 6, 100242.
  8. Armin, E., Ebrahimian, S., Sanjari, M., Saidi, P., & Pourreza, H. R. (2025). Defect detection in 3D printing: A review of image processing and machine vision techniques. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 140(3), 2103-2128.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Electronic Device and System Performance Evaluation, Testing and Simulation

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 16, 2026

Submission Date

March 16, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 1

APA
Aktepe, E., & Ergün, U. (2026). Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A, 7(1), 109-121. https://doi.org/10.55546/jmm.1910657
AMA
1.Aktepe E, Ergün U. Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes. J. Mater. Mechat. A. 2026;7(1):109-121. doi:10.55546/jmm.1910657
Chicago
Aktepe, Elif, and Uçman Ergün. 2026. “Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes”. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A 7 (1): 109-21. https://doi.org/10.55546/jmm.1910657.
EndNote
Aktepe E, Ergün U (June 1, 2026) Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A 7 1 109–121.
IEEE
[1]E. Aktepe and U. Ergün, “Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes”, J. Mater. Mechat. A, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 109–121, June 2026, doi: 10.55546/jmm.1910657.
ISNAD
Aktepe, Elif - Ergün, Uçman. “Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes”. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A 7/1 (June 1, 2026): 109-121. https://doi.org/10.55546/jmm.1910657.
JAMA
1.Aktepe E, Ergün U. Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes. J. Mater. Mechat. A. 2026;7:109–121.
MLA
Aktepe, Elif, and Uçman Ergün. “Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes”. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A, vol. 7, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 109-21, doi:10.55546/jmm.1910657.
Vancouver
1.Elif Aktepe, Uçman Ergün. Deep Learning Application for Image-Based Defect Detection in 3D Printing Processes. J. Mater. Mechat. A. 2026 Jun. 1;7(1):109-21. doi:10.55546/jmm.1910657