Three D printer using FDM technique
This project is the requirement of manufacturing industry or in universities for rapid prototyping to build 3D models for graphic design and rapid prototyping courses. 3D printing technology is one of the latest developments in the fields of manufacturing technology. It was earlier developed as rapi
2025-06-28 16:36:22 - Adil Khan
Three D printer using FDM technique
Project Area of Specialization 3D/4D PrintingProject SummaryThis project is the requirement of manufacturing industry or in universities for rapid prototyping to build 3D models for graphic design and rapid prototyping courses. 3D printing technology is one of the latest developments in the fields of manufacturing technology. It was earlier developed as rapid prototyping machine to cut down product development time. But currently it is evolving as an alternative manufacturing method to traditional manufacturing process. This technology is also known as Additive Manufacturing Process as the final object is built layer after layer. The 3D–printing machine prints 3D objects by progressive layering method from a digital file created. This technology is used by a large number of professionals such as engineers, designers, educators and they can make any prototype or product for their requirements. It is widely used in aerospace, aviation, automobile, medical industries, footwear. This technology is also used by designers to create accessory products, garments etc.
The role of 3D Printing in education cannot be undermined. Students can use 3D Printing in their school and college projects: Let’s say in a chemistry class, when the professor talks about a peculiar arrangement of molecules, the students can print the molecular structure and see for them how the bonds are arranged around a crystal lattice. This not only increases a student’s urge to learn but also recreates a new learning experience. Or perhaps in a science class when the teacher refers to a certain internal body organ – which is difficult to visualize – the students can print the same in the class. This will give them a chance to actually perceive the theoretical things in a practical way.
The objectives of our projects are:
- To study about the applications and techniques of 3D printing.
- To develop and study the FDM 3D Printer.
- To understand working of each component of a 3D printer
Starting with the structure at first after that adding the six stepper motors and for the x y and z axis.
After this our second step will be setting up the print bed on the z axis.
The final step will be testing and troubleshooting.
Benefits of the Project- 3D printer is popular in the manufacturing industry.
- Can be used by the architectures for model making.
- Can be one of a solution for the Toy industry dealing with soft toys.
- It can help in education by allowing the students to create prototypes of any desired item.
It is a type of 3D printer which uses material extrusion technology. This type of 3D printing uses extrusion of thermo plastic material which is easily available. The name FDM was suggested by Stratasys Co. , the company that originally developed the FDM 3D printer .
In this technology plastic filament is melted and deposited, via extruder composing a layer at a time onto a bed which is called platform which acts as according to 3D data supplied to the printer. After the layer composition it gets harden and deposited on the preceding layer.
CARTESIAN TYPE :
Cartesian 3D printers are named after the dimensional coordinate system, the x,y and z-axis Which is used to determine where and how to move in three dimensions, Cartesian 3D printers typically have a print bed which moves only in the Z-axis. The extruder sits on the X-axis and Y-axis, where it can move in four directions on a gantry.
- Easiest to build and program
- Most common coordinate system
- Constant resolution across all axis
- Rectangular Build volume
- Easily scaled up or down
MOTORS AND ENDSTOPS
Motors get the printer moving, obviously. Almost all printers use stepper motors, and most home built use NEMA 23 motors. NEMA is a standard and the 23 is the size of the motor. NEMA 17 steppers are also used, but the 23 is the most popular size. A well-built printer will not need powerful motors, and NEMA 23s have more than enough power to overcome friction from dirty or poor-fitting bearings and bushings. Each printer will need at least four motors (one for all three axis and one for the extruder), but it is common to see five motors on most Cartesian printers where two motors are used in tandem on the Z-axis
Endstop are just small switches that tell the printer when it has reached one end of an axis. Typically you only need one endstop for an axis, and they are usually placed at the “0” or “home” position of an axis. When a printer homes, it goes to the endstops to figure out exactly where it is. Mechanical endstops are the most common, but optical ones can be used with a bit of extra programming.
Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry ManufacturingOther Industries Education , Medical Core Technology 3D/4D PrintingOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Quality Education, Affordable and Clean EnergyRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 19380 | |||
| Stepper motor | Equipment | 6 | 1800 | 10800 |
| Arduino mega | Equipment | 1 | 1300 | 1300 |
| stepper driver drv 8825 | Equipment | 6 | 180 | 1080 |
| Endstop Limit Switch With Cable | Equipment | 4 | 400 | 1600 |
| Printer heat bed | Equipment | 1 | 2500 | 2500 |
| power supply | Equipment | 1 | 1300 | 1300 |
| Ramps 1.4 | Equipment | 1 | 800 | 800 |