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Week 05 — Group Assignment

3D Printer Characterization

Objective

The goal of this group assignment was to characterize our 3D printers by testing:

  • Nozzle temperature behavior
  • Maximum volumetric flowrate limits

We used OrcaSlicer calibration models to evaluate print quality under different parameters.

Printers Used

Student Printer Nozzle Slicer
Giga Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 0.4 mm OrcaSlicer
Dato Anycubic Vyper 0.4 mm OrcaSlicer

Test 1 — Temperature Tower (PETG)

Goal

Determine optimal PETG temperature using a stepped temperature tower.

Material & Settings

  • Filament: Generic PETG
  • Nozzle: 0.4 mm
  • Layer height: 0.20 mm
  • Bed: Textured PEI Plate
  • Slicer: OrcaSlicer → Calibration → Temperature Tower

Slicer Preview

Temperature Tower Slicer

🔍 Printed Results — Temperature Tower

Bambu Lab X1 Carbon — Real Print

X1C Temp Tower Front

Anycubic Vyper — Real Print

Vyper Temp Tower Front

Observations

Surface Quality

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Stringing

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Layer Adhesion

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Best Temperature

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Test 2 — Flowrate / Max Volumetric Speed (PLA)

Goal

Determine maximum stable extrusion rate before defects appear.

Material & Settings

  • Filament: Generic PLA
  • Nozzle: 0.4 mm
  • Layer height: 0.20 mm
  • Slicer: OrcaSlicer → Calibration → Max Volumetric Speed

Slicer Preview

Flowrate Slicer

🔍 Printed Results — Flowrate Test

Bambu Lab X1 Carbon — Real Print

X1C Flow Front X1C Flow Front

Anycubic Vyper — Real Print

Vyper Flow Front

Observations

Surface Consistency

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Under-Extrusion Appearance

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Maximum Stable Flowrate

  • Bambu:
  • Vyper:

Comparison Summary

Parameter Bambu Lab X1C Anycubic Vyper
Optimal PETG Temp
Stable PLA Flowrate
Surface Finish
High Speed Stability

Week 05 — Individual Assignment

3D Design & Printing — Adjustable Drone Camera Mount

Project Description

For the individual assignment, I designed and 3D printed an adjustable camera mount for my drone.

The mount is designed specifically for the SIYI FPV camera and allows adjustable tilt angle.
The objective was to create a lightweight, strong, and easily assembled mount suitable for aerial filming and inspection.

Hardware Used

  • Camera: SIYI FPV Camera
  • Drone: Custom multirotor platform
  • Fasteners: M4 bolts and hex nuts
  • Printer: Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
  • Slicer: BambuClicer
  • CAD Software: Fusion 360

Reference Setup

Drone Mounting Area

Drone front view Drone mounting area

Camera Reference

Drone front view Drone mounting area

Design Process in Fusion 360

1️⃣ Importing Drone Front Panel

I already had the full drone CAD model, so I imported the front panel part into a new design file.

This helped me:

  • Align the camera mount correctly
  • Match hole spacing
  • Check clearances with frame parts

2️⃣ Designing the Base Mount

I created the base mount that attaches directly to the drone front panel.

3️⃣ Creating a Simple Camera Model

Before designing the holder, I built a simplified model of the SIYI FPV camera.

This model included:

  • Main body dimensions
  • Mounting hole positions

4️⃣ Designing the Adjustable Holder

I then designed the camera holder.

5️⃣ Assembly in Fusion 360

After modeling both parts:

  • Converted bodies into components
  • Positioned them together
  • Applied Revolute Joint
  • Tested movement angle

6️⃣ Slicing

I exported both parts as STL and imported them into BambuSlicer.

  • Oriented parts
  • Checked supports
  • Verified layer preview

7️⃣ Printing & Assembly

  • Printed both parts
  • Removed supports
  • Installed M4 bolts
  • Mounted the camera

8️⃣ Mounted on Drone

Finally, I attached the mount to the drone.