13.Machine building¶

Group Assignment:¶

- Design a machine that includes **mechanism + actuation + automation + application**.
- Build the mechanical parts and operate it manually.
- Document the group project and your individual contribution.

My Idea and Goal for This Week¶

This week, my goal is to develop a 3D printer that can print with silicone. The objective is to create a printer capable of working with flexible materials for applications in fields like robotics, medicine, and prototyping.

Tasks for Developing the 3D Printer that Prints with Silicone¶

1. Research and Planning¶

• Research different types of silicone materials suitable for 3D printing.
• Study existing 3D printing technologies for flexible materials.
• Identify the required printer components (hotend, extruder, etc.) for silicone printing.
• Investigate the challenges of silicone extrusion and the required temperature and flow control.

2. Design and Prototyping¶

• Design the mechanical structure of the 3D printer, focusing on precision and flexibility.
• Develop the printing head (hotend/extruder) for silicone extrusion.
• Create a frame and guides for the printer, ensuring smooth movement for flexible printing.

3. Hardware Setup¶

• Assemble the frame, motors, and electronics (controller board, stepper motors, etc.).
• Integrate the silicone extruder with the existing 3D printer components.
• Configure temperature control to ensure proper extrusion of silicone.

4. Software Development¶

• Modify or develop custom firmware for controlling the silicone printing process.
• Implement G-code adjustments specific to silicone printing.
• Develop a slicing software (or modify existing software) to handle the unique properties of silicone materials.

5. Testing and Calibration¶

• Test the extrusion mechanism for smooth flow and correct printing of silicone.
• Calibrate the speed and temperature settings for optimal silicone extrusion.
• Test the accuracy and quality of the printed silicone objects.

6. Final Assembly and Optimization¶

• Finalize the printer setup and ensure all components are integrated.
• Optimize the print head design for consistent and reliable silicone extrusion.
• Perform final test prints and evaluate the strength, flexibility, and quality of the printed silicone objects.

7. Documentation and Reporting¶

• Document the design process, materials used, and challenges faced.
• Prepare a detailed report with results, improvements, and further development suggestions.

3D printing part¶

Moment in 3D Printing¶

Project Description: Combining Floppy Drive Mechanism with Arduino for Motion Control¶

Mechanical Part:¶

I am using the drive mechanism from a floppy disk (shown in the first image) for the precise control of motion. The gears and stepper motors from the floppy drive will be repurposed to create controlled movement in my project. This is ideal for applications requiring fine control, such as 3D printing.

Electrical Part:¶

For the electrical components, I am utilizing an Arduino board along with a CNC shield (as seen in the second image). The CNC shield provides power and motor control to interface with the stepper motors and other connected components.

The Arduino will act as the central controller, ensuring that the mechanical components move as desired according to the input commands.

Stepper Motor:¶

The stepper motor from the floppy disk drive is used for precise control over movement. Stepper motors allow accurate rotational movement, which is crucial for tasks like 3D printing or robotics.

Summary:¶

In this project, I’m combining the floppy disk drive mechanism, Arduino, and CNC shield to control stepper motors. This setup will provide the motion control required for the project, such as 3D printing or automation tasks.

Silicone Extruder Development¶

For my silicone 3D printer project, I developed an extruder using a syringe (shown in the first image) to hold and dispense silicone. The setup allows the syringe to be filled with silicone, and the material is then extruded using a motorized mechanism.

Testing the Drive Mechanism:¶

I initially tried two different drive mechanisms:

1. First Version: DC Motor with Gearbox

2. I used a DC motor with a gearbox to drive the extrusion. However, I found the speed to be insufficient for consistent and smooth silicone extrusion, which hindered the printing process.

3. Second Version: Servo Motor

4. I then switched to a servo motor (shown in the second image), and this setup performed better. It provided more precise control over the extrusion, which was ideal for silicone printing.

I decided to stick with the servo motor drive mechanism because it gave better performance and control.

Video¶

Final Design of the 3D Printer¶

This is the final version of the 3D printer designed to print with silicone. The setup includes a compact and functional design, with the extruder mechanism in place. It uses a servo motor for controlled extrusion, providing precise movement for the silicone material.

Key Features:¶

• 3D-Printed Components: The structure of the printer is fully 3D printed, including the base and the extruder holder.
• Servo Motor: Used for precise control of the extrusion process.
• Extruder Mechanism: The syringe mechanism allows silicone to be dispensed with fine control.
• Compact Size: The machine is compact, making it suitable for small-scale applications.