Unfortunately, this final project really begun when the Fab Academy 2013 was close to finish. Initially, I had another project in mind but I left it for some reasons. Since then, I have worked until now to finish this very ambitious project: Design and build a new 3d printer machine (FDM technology).
The goal is to get a strong, durable and reliable 3d printer, to work intensively in any fablab environment. Because the portability is not a requirement at this stage, the weight is neglected, except for the moving mechanical devices.
I think that this machine can be used and appreciated by who needs a cheaper but very close to industrial machine for prototyping purpose.
After project concluded, and tested, I have in mind to proceed with patenting process of innovation devices that I may create. After registration of the provisional patent application I have an year to complete the process and can preserve the authoring of these possible inventions.
Then, I will show the machine working to potential vendors of prototyping equipaments, highlighting all the improvements achieved compared with similar low cost machines. The goal is to make a partnership and introduce in the (national) market a strong, durable, reliable with easy maintenance requirements 3d printer, but much more cheaper than an "industrial" machine.
Following this process, , I submitted in Portugal three provisional patent application, generally described below.
At this stage, there are companies interested in make a partnership to produce this machine and negotiations are ongoing (In Portugal).
Item 1
3d printing cubes inside of Aluminum square tubes, these set holds the shafts (axis), allowing quick alignment between parallel axis, and the assembly/disassembly is very easy because they don't have screws connected (provisional patent application Nº20141000060128, submitted in Portugal).
Item 2
Compact set for filament traction and extrusion (provisional patent application Nº20141000060526 submitted in Portugal for an improved model)
Item 3
Freewheel pulley for tensioning the belt and for providing misalignment compensation when the belt isn´t perfectly oriented with both pulleys (motor and freewheel). This mechanism was submitted in Portugal as a provisional patent application Nº20141000060492. The set contains 18 parts and allows pre-tension regulation of the belt. It can make small angular movements for compensation of belt misalignments. In adition, It allows the change of the belts becames a very easy operation.
More details about this item in Project Development
