Design, Fabrication and Performance analysis of a custom build 3D printer

The 3D printing process build a three dimensional object from a computer aided design model, usually by successively adding material layer by layer, which is why it is also called additive manufacturing.  There are different processes used in 3D printing technology, but we choose the mo

Project Title

Design, Fabrication and Performance analysis of a custom build 3D printer

Project Area of Specialization

3D/4D Printing

Project Summary

The 3D printing process build a three dimensional object from a computer aided design model, usually by successively adding material layer by layer, which is why it is also called additive manufacturing. 

There are different processes used in 3D printing technology, but we choose the most commonly used 3D printing process which is an extrusion technique called fuel deposition modeling. Also with this FDM, numerous mechanisms are used. After a lot of research and looking into the availability of stock and cost we choose the more accurate Core XY mechanism. 

Here in this mechanism the extruder with hot end will move in xy direction while the bed will move in only z direction. The belt mechanism is used for the movement of extruder while lead screws are used for the bed movement in z direction. 

The basic frame wll be made from aluminum. The software use will be an open source software. We will use the available open source software is cura. For designing and modeling we will use pro e. The filament use for printing will be PLA( poly lactic acid).

This will be a proof of concept design. 

Project Objectives

The 3D printing industry in Pakistan is very backward and expensive and we want to change that state by the introduction of high quality and low cost portable 3D printer. 

The 3D printer available locally are very expensive and if one look for a low cost alternative, the quality gets degraded substantially. So the objectives of our project are is the creation of a high quality and low cost 3D printer. Our design of the 3D printer is based on the more accurate Core XY mechanism which will produce very high quality prints at an affordable price. 

Project Implementation Method

The method of fabricating our final design after a lot of research and study of various papers that were published on this subject in our mind is through direct hands on approach. We created the conceptual model of our 3D printer design and after that we have only been hands on our project. We get the specific components we need and modify the design accordingly. 

We also make many custom parts ourselves through the direct use of CAD software and CNC machines. Our method of implementing our knowledge is based on CAD and hands-on measurements. 

Benefits of the Project

There are numerous benefits to the state of additive manufacturing in our local area. Here in Pakistan, the concept of 3D printing is new and throughly exploded.

One of the main objectives of our project is to come up with such a design of our custom build 3D printer that can be high quality (core XY mechanism) and low cost at the same time. This 3D printer will create an environment of competition in our area and will promote the additive manufacturing industry. 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Our project is a type of rapid prototyping as well as additive manufacturing (for small components is the more common word used for our project. The type of 3D that we will be constructing will be based on FDM( Fused Deposition Modeling).

The mechanism we will be using is Core XY mechanism ( which is uncommon and the software will be open source. The firmware that we will be using for the MKS Gen V1. 4 will be Marlin firmware. The extruder used will be MK8.

The lead screws used will be of 2mm pitch. The stepper motor used are Nema 17. Also with this lot of custom built parts will be used as well. 

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Manufacturing

Other Industries

Others

Core Technology

3D/4D Printing

Other Technologies

Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Decent Work and Economic Growth, Responsible Consumption and Production

Required Resources

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