3D printer

3d printing also called additive manufacturing has progressively matured technically  is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. Additive process, where an object is created by laying down successive layers of a material to a surface in different shapes. Each o

Project Title

3D printer

Project Area of Specialization

Wearables and Implantable

Project Summary

3d printing also called additive manufacturing has progressively matured technically  is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. Additive process, where an object is created by laying down successive layers of a material to a surface in different shapes. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross section of the eventual object.  It all starts with making a virtual design of the object we want to create. This virtual design is for instance a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file. This CAD file is created using a 3D modeling application (Solidwork, AutoCAD, sketchup etc.) or with a 3D scanner (to copy an existing object). A 3D scanner can make a 3D digital copy of an object . This file is saved as StereoLithoGraphySlicing (STL) file. Then CAM software i.e slic3r uses this file in making different layers of that model called slicing. Slicing is dividing a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. When the 3D model is sliced, this file is send to a g code generator that convert the 3d model of object into instructions that controller of printer understand and it generates electrical signals that control stepper motors in x y z direction to extrude filament onto a surface creating an object through sequential layering.

Project Objectives

Design 3D model of a simple object (i.e a cube, glass etc.) using general purpose Arduino as controller

We can use it in the production of body parts models from CT or other scans? Producing tangible 3D replicas of actual case studies

In the production of 3D chemical models and lattice structures in support of ongoing research being performed by graduate and undergraduate students working closely with teaching and research faculty. 

In the  production of custom parts needed to prototype development in support of patent applications without overly costly outsourcing of work.

We can use it in different industries as well in mamking different objects through this printer

Project Implementation Method

Today 3D printing can be an innovative tool for your communication support. Your customers might not be used to the technology yet and will be curious to discover it. For example, the FrenchTech movement needed to create a badge to represent the logo but also to show some innovation. Then they 3D printed emblem to wear during FrenchTech events. The badge is at the same time an intriguing object for your customer but also an excellent medium of communication for your brand.

If you are working in the business office, then you are probably thinking about how to create the most personalized product or service for your customer. Often it is a tricky and costly strategy. However, with 3D printing whether you produce ten identical goods or 10 different the cost is the same. Indeed, additive manufacturing allows the possibility of mass-customisation , which means that you can produce a series of products with every item personalized. 

Using 3D printing is also a concern for the financial department. However, it is less about a disruptive way to work rather than a financial strategy to implement.  Depending on the technology you choose, 3D printing can be a costly investment in terms of time, staff and money. Then if your company wants to use it, there are three main ways to access the technology.

Benefits of the Project

Reduce costs

Faster producation

Easily accesible

Better quality

Unlimited shapes and geometry

Less waste production

Risk reduction

Reduce time

 Stay ahead of competition

Reduce errors 

Confidentiality 

Production on demand

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

a) Arduino (controller):

This is brain of printer that control all the operations from the beginning to the end of a model design.

b) Stepper motors: These are a type of electric motor that can be accurately controlled with the controller and are used for the 3d movement of extruder i.e along x y z direction in a controlled and measured way.

c) Stepper drivers: These are chips that act as a middle-man between stepper motors and controller as it simplify the signal that is to be sent to the motors.

d) Sensors (End stops, Heat sensor) :  Printing method by material deposition requires a through movement control and temperature analysis . For this sensors are used as

i) End Stops: These are small and simple circuit boards with a switch on it that limit the movement of motors in each direction.

ii) Heat sensor: These are the thermistors used to control the temperature of heating bed and nozzle.  

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Type of Industry

Education , Agriculture , Manufacturing , Transportation , Others , Security

Technologies

Artificial Intelligence(AI), Internet of Things (IoT), 3D/4D Printing, Robotics

Sustainable Development Goals

No Poverty, Good Health and Well-Being for People, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com