Week 1: Potential final project¶
Update: Jan.28, 2025
1. Concept: Mobile 3D printer¶
The idea is a mobile 3D printer. Unlike ordinary 3D printers, this machine can print things bigger than its own size. Theoretically, it can print infinite size… It uses 3 or 4 omni wheels to move in X and Y, and an arm for elevation in Z (this limits the print size in Z though). Ideally, the machine would have the ability to climb on top of the object printed and continue printing.
A. Context: Termites and construction machinery¶
As I considered the potential of mobile 3D printers, termites came to mind. These insects build anthills far larger than themselves using distributed intelligence, without a centralized master plan (Termite Wiki).
I also thought about construction machinery. Although quite different in size, modern 3D guided construction machines work very similar to 3D printers, essentially inputting 3D data of the target and current terrain to move actuators. Generally speaking, the larger the construction machinery, the greater the work that a single operator can perform. But what if a swarm of small machines without individual operators could operate as construction machinery?
B. Potential applications¶
Unlike ordinary 3D printer, this machine would not for precise printing in a stable indoor environment, but for relatively rough and larger printing. Below are potential applications I could imagine;
- Printing large products
- Building housing and foundation
- Construction and reparing of road
- Building lunar base
2. Components¶
Below are essential components.
Input devices:
1. Thermostat
2. Accelerometer?
3. Rotation sensor?
Output devices:
1. Stepper motor (e.g.,Nema 17) for wheels and extruder
2. Hotend heater
3. Cooling fan for extruder
Controll:
1. Microcontroller
2. 3D printer firmware (e.g., Merlin, Clipper) to translate G-code to stepper motor control
3. Custom slicer for avoiding conflict with machine and objects (Grassshopper)
3. Design principles¶
- Keep it simple
- Make it smaller
- Make it robust
- Compromise accurecy (e.g., not mm accurecy but cm)
4. Project targets¶
I will set multiple project targets and triage the importance and dependencies of each task…
1. Proof of concept 01: XY move controlled with G-code (without Z move and printing capability)
2. Proof of concept 02: Controling extruder with microcontroller
3. Minimum viable products 01: Integration of XY move and extruder
4. Minimum viable products 02: Implimentation of Z move and custom G-code generator