BeamMaker: an open hardware high-resolution digital fabricator for the masses

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Calderon ◽  
James Griffin ◽  
Juan Cristóbal Zagal
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Public Access ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Digital Light Processing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Surface Quality ◽  
Open Hardware ◽  
Printing Quality ◽  
3D Printers

Purpose – The democratization of invention is a long lasting desire for the advancement of society. Having access to education and the means of production appears as the major factors for the implementation of this goal. 3D printing is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to bring digital manufacturing to everyone. However, the rise of personal fabrication requires an increase in printing quality, a reduction on machine cost and an increase in knowledge shared by the open hardware community. The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a new Open Hardware printer project to address these points. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have designed and constructed a low-cost photopolymer-based 3D printer called BeamMaker. The printer is connected to a host computer and a digital-light-processing projector. This work details the design process and how improvements were implemented to reach good printing quality. The authors provide public access to the instructions, software, source code, parts list, user manual and STL and CAD files. Findings – The BeamMaker printer can build objects with a high surface quality that is comparable to the quality obtained by industrial photopolymer-based 3D printers. When testing the ability to print a sample cylinder, the printer shows higher accuracy when compared to other personal 3D printers. These findings are encouraging considering the low cost of the system. Research limitations/implications – The printing failure rate of the system has not been measured to date. The system requires some improvements to produce large objects. Practical implications – The printer cost is just USD380. This is five to eight times less expensive than popular personal 3D printers available today. The cost is 30 times less expensive than a personal photopolymer 3D printer produced by a main commercial company and yet producing results of similar quality. The authors expect good avenues for collaboration from the open-source community to continue improving these systems. Social implications – The high cost of current personal 3D printers prevents users from developing countries from entering into the open hardware trend. A dramatic reduction in printer cost such as that explored in this work might contribute to the real democratization of personal fabrication. Originality/value – The authors report on the status of three other photopolymer-based personal 3D printer projects. To the best of the authors' knowledge, BeamMaker is the first fully open hardware 3D printer project which uses this technology.

scholarly journals Design and Validation of an Open Source 3D Printer Based on Digital Ultraviolet Light Processing (DLP), for the Improvement of Traditional Artistic Casting Techniques for Microsculptures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 3197
Author(s):  
Jose Luis Saorin ◽  
Manuel Drago Diaz-Alemán ◽  
Jorge De la Torre-Cantero ◽  
Cecile Meier ◽  
Ithaisa Pérez Conesa
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Ultraviolet Light ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Liquid Crystal Display ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Digital Light Processing ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
Deposition Modeling

The adoption of open-source digital manufacturing technologies in small art workshops may improve their competitiveness. Pieces modeled by computer and made with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers that use PLA (polylactic acid) can be implemented in the procedures of artistic casting. However, models printed by PLA are limited to approximate minimum sizes of 3 cm, and the optimal layer height resolution is 0.1 mm. These sizes and resolutions are not suitable for creating microsculptures used, in many cases, in jewelry. An alternative to solve this limitation, is to use a DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) 3D printer. However, due to its high cost, it is a technology that is difficult to introduce in small artistic foundries. This work detailed the design and validation of a DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printer, using backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens with ultraviolet light. Its development is totally “open source” and is proposed as a kit made up of electronic components, based on Arduino and easy to access mechanical components in the market. Most parts can be manufactured in low cost FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers. The result is an affordable, high resolution (0.021 mm), and open-design printer that can be implemented in artistic contexts.

Research on the printing error of tilted vertical beams in delta-robot 3D printers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuezong Wang ◽  
Jinghui Liu ◽  
Mengfei Guo ◽  
LiuQIan Wang
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Kinematic Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Simulation Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Printing Quality ◽  
Delta Robot ◽  
Error Generation ◽  
Error Simulation

Purpose A three-dimensional (3D) printing error simulation approach is proposed to analyze the influence of tilted vertical beams on the 3D printing accuracy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of such errors on printing accuracy and printing quality for delta-robot 3D printer. Design/methodology/approach First, the kinematic model of a delta-robot 3D printer with an ideal geometric structure is proposed by using vector analysis. Then, the normal kinematic model of a nonideal delta-robot 3D robot with tilted vertical beams is derived based on the above ideal kinematic model. Finally, a 3D printing error simulation approach is proposed to analyze the influence of tilted vertical beams on the 3D printing accuracy. Findings The results show that tilted vertical beams can indeed cause 3D printing errors and further influence the 3D printing quality of the final products and that the 3D printing errors of tilted vertical beams are related to the rotation angles of the tilted vertical beams. The larger the rotation angles of the tilted vertical beams are, the greater the geometric deformations of the printed structures. Originality/value Three vertical beams and six horizontal beams constitute the supporting parts of the frame of a delta-robot 3D printer. In this paper, the orientations of tilted vertical beams are shown to have a significant influence on 3D printing accuracy. However, the effect of tilted vertical beams on 3D printing accuracy is difficult to capture by instruments. To reveal the 3D printing error mechanisms under the condition of tilted vertical beams, the error generation mechanism and the quantitative influence of tilted vertical beams on 3D printing accuracy are studied by simulating the parallel motion mechanism of a delta-robot 3D printer with tilted vertical beams.

Kinematic Error Modeling of Delta 3D Printer

2021 ◽  
Vol 1037 ◽  
pp. 77-83
Author(s):  
Andrew V. Kochetkov ◽  
T.N. Ivanova ◽  
Ludmila V. Seliverstova ◽  
Oleg V. Zakharov
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Travel Speed ◽  
Error Modeling ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Structural Components ◽  
Deterministic Models ◽  
End Effector ◽  
Positioning Errors ◽  
Parallel Movement ◽  
3D Printers

The development of additive manufacturing requires the improvement of 3D printers to increase accuracy and productivity. Delta kinematics 3D printers have advantages over traditional sequential kinematics 3D printers. The main advantage is the high travel speed due to the parallel movement of the platform from three pairs of arms. Another advantage is the relatively low cost due to the small number of structural components. However, delta 3D printers have received limited use. The main reason is the low positioning accuracy of the end effector. Errors in the manufacture and assembly of components of a parallel drive mechanism add up geometrically and cause an error in the position of the end effector. These formulas can be applied to a 3D printer as well. However, well-known studies consider deterministic models. Therefore, the analysis is performed for limiting size errors. The purpose of this article is to simulate the effect of statistical errors in displacements and arm lengths on the positioning errors of a platform with the end effector. The article effectively complements the field of error analysis research and provides theoretical advice on error compensation for delta 3D printer.

scholarly journals Flexible 3D Printed Molds for Educational Use. Digital Fabrication of 3D Typography

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (13) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Bonnet De León ◽  
Jose Luis Saorin ◽  
Jorge De la Torre-Cantero ◽  
Cecile Meier ◽  
María Cabrera-Pardo
Keyword(s):  
3D Modeling ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
School Environments ◽  
Flexible Material ◽  
Educational Environments ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
The Subject

<p class="0abstract"><span lang="EN-US">One of the drawbacks of using 3D printers in educational environments is that the creation time of each piece is high and therefore it is difficult to manufacture at least one piece for each student. This aspect is important so that each student can feel part of the manufacturing process. To achieve this, 3D printers can be used, not to make pieces, but to make the molds that students use to create replicas. On the other hand, for a mold to be used to make several pieces, it is convenient to make it with flexible material. However, most used material for 3D printers (PLA) is very rigid. To solve this problem, this article designs a methodology that allows the use of low-cost 3D printers (most common in school environments) with flexible material so that each mold can be used to manufacture parts for several students. To print flexible material with low-cost printers, it is necessary to adapt the machine and the print parameters to work properly. This article analyzes the changes to be made with a low cost 3D printer and validates the use of molds in school environments. A pilot test has been carried out with 8 students of the subject of Typography, in the School of Art and Superior of Design of Tenerife. During the activity, the students carried out the process of designing a typography and creating digital molds for 3D printing with flexible material. The designs were made using free 3D modeling programs and low-cost technologies.</span></p>

scholarly journals Effects of Filament Diameter Tolerances in Fused Filament Fabrication

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Cardona ◽  
Abigail H Curdes ◽  
Aaron J Isaacs
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Extrusion Rate ◽  
Filament Diameter ◽  
Printing Quality ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
And Control

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies due to the growing availability of low-cost desktop 3D printers and the relatively low cost of the thermoplastic filament used in the 3D printing process. Commercial filament suppliers, 3D printer manufacturers, and end-users regard filament diameter tolerance as an important indicator of the 3D printing quality. Irregular filament diameter affects the flow rate during the filament extrusion, which causes poor surface quality, extruder jams, irregular gaps in-between individual extrusions, and/or excessive overlap, which eventually results in failed 3D prints. Despite the important role of the diameter consistency in the FFF process, few studies have addressed the required tolerance level to achieve highest 3D printing quality. The objective of this work is to develop the testing methods to measure the filament tolerance and control the filament fabrication process. A pellet-based extruder is utilized to fabricate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament using a nozzle of 1.75 mm in diameter. Temperature and extrusion rate are controlled parameters. An optical comparator and an array of digital calipers are used to measure the filament diameter. The results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve high diameter consistency and low tolerances (0.01mm) at low extrusion temperature (180 °C) and low extrusion rate (10 in/min). 

scholarly journals Business model patterns for 3D printer manufacturers

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1281-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Holzmann ◽  
Robert J. Breitenecker ◽  
Erich J. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Depth Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business models that 3D printer manufacturers apply to commercialize their technologies. The authors investigate these business models and analyze whether there are business model patterns. The paper describes the gestalt of the business model patterns and discusses differences and similarities. Design/methodology/approach The authors review the literatures on business models and 3D printing technology. The authors apply a componential business model approach and carry out an in-depth analysis of the business models of 48 3D printer manufacturers in Europe and North America. The authors develop a framework focusing on value proposition, value creation and value capture components. Cluster analysis is used to identify business model patterns. Findings The results indicate that there are two distinct business model patterns in the industry. The authors termed these patterns the “low-cost online business model” and the “technology expert business model.” The results demonstrate that there is a relationship between business model and technology. The identified patterns are independent of age, company size and country of origin. Research limitations/implications The empirical results complement and extend existing literature on business models. The authors contribute to the discussion on business models in the context of novel technology. The technology seems to influence the gestalt of the business model. The sample is limited to European and North American companies and the analysis is based on secondary data. Originality/value This is the first empirical study on the business models of 3D printer manufacturers. The authors apply an original mixed-methods approach and develop a framework that can function as a starting point for future research. 3D printer manufacturers can use the identified business model patterns as blueprints to reduce the risk of failure or as a starting point for business model innovation.

Sequential additive manufacturing: automatic manipulation of 3D printed parts

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Vidal Aroca ◽  
Carlos E.H. Ventura ◽  
Igor De Mello ◽  
Tatiana F.P.A.T. Pazelli
Keyword(s):  
Computer Vision ◽  
Vision System ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
Automation System ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Computer Vision System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Print ◽  
Speeded Up Robust Features ◽  
3D Printers

Purpose This paper aims to present a monitoring system and the usage of a robotic arm to remove finished parts of a three-dimensional (3D) printer build plate, enabling 3D printers to continuously build a sequence of parts. Design/methodology/approach The system relies on a 2-degree of freedom planar manipulator. The moment to remove printed parts from the printer build plate can be determined based on direct communication with the 3D printer control software or using information from a computer vision system that applies background subtraction and Speeded up Robust Features methods. Findings The proposed system automatically detects the end of standard 3D print jobs and controls the robotic arm to remove the part. Research limitations/implications Lighting variation can deteriorate the response of the computer vision system, which can be minimized using a controlled illumination environment. In addition, the printer build plate edges must be free so the parts can slip off the printer build plate when the robot pushes them out. Practical implications The system enables a more practical and automatized usage of 3D printers, reducing the need of human operators. Social implications The proposed system can reduce work hours of laboratory personnel, as there is no need to remove the printed parts manually before another job starts. Originality/value Computer vision system monitors the printing process and the automation system that enables continuous sequential 3D printing of parts. A prototype is described, which can be easily replicated with low cost parts.

scholarly journals Printability Study of a Conductive Polyaniline/Acrylic Formulation for 3D Printing

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2068
Author(s):  
Goretti Arias-Ferreiro ◽  
Ana Ares-Pernas ◽  
Aurora Lasagabáster-Latorre ◽  
Nora Aranburu ◽  
Gonzalo Guerrica-Echevarria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Maximum Amount ◽  
Gel Point ◽  
Digital Light Processing ◽  
Conductive Composites ◽  
Printing Quality ◽  
Conductive Polyaniline ◽  
Pure Resin

There is need for developing novel conductive polymers for Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing. In this work, photorheology, in combination with Jacobs working curves, efficaciously predict the printability of polyaniline (PANI)/acrylate formulations with different contents of PANI and photoinitiator. The adjustment of the layer thickness according to cure depth values (Cd) allows printing of most formulations, except those with the highest gel point times determined by photorheology. In the working conditions, the maximum amount of PANI embedded within the resin was ≃3 wt% with a conductivity of 10−5 S cm−1, three orders of magnitude higher than the pure resin. Higher PANI loadings hinder printing quality without improving electrical conductivity. The optimal photoinitiator concentration was found between 6 and 7 wt%. The mechanical properties of the acrylic matrix are maintained in the composites, confirming the viability of these simple, low-cost, conductive composites for applications in flexible electronic devices.

Fabrication of high-aspect-ratio grooves with high surface quality by using femtosecond laser

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru Zhang ◽  
Chuanzhen Huang ◽  
Jun Wang ◽  
Hongtao Zhu ◽  
Hanlian Liu
Keyword(s):  
Laser Ablation ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Femtosecond Laser ◽  
Process Parameters ◽  
Laser Fluence ◽  
High Aspect Ratio ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Surface Quality ◽  
Fs Laser

Purpose The purpose of this study is to fabricate high-aspect-ratio grooves with high surface quality by femtosecond laser (FS) to improve the machinability of silicon carbide (SiC) and optimize the process parameters in micromechanical applications. Design/methodology/approach Four contrast experiments are reported to characterize the FS laser grooving process for SiC with polarization direction, crystal orientation, multi-pass scanning and z layer feed, respectively. The effects of different experimental conditions on the groove characteristics, material removal rate (MRR), aspect ratio, heat affected zone (HAZ) and surface roughness Ra are analyzed. Findings The influence of increasing laser fluence and multi-scanning pass on the groove depth is greater than on the groove width. The MRR, aspect ratio, HAZ and Ra increased with the increase of laser fluence and multi-scanning pass. The direction of laser polarization affects the direction of hot electron injection but has little effect on the material characteristics. FS laser ablation is an isotropic process and there is no obvious change in different crystal orientations. The z-layer feed can significantly increase the groove width and depth and reduce HAZ and Ra. The maximum aspect ratio of 82.67% was fabricated. Originality/value The results contribute to the understanding of the removal mechanism and reduce the friction of the microfluidic device and improve the flowability in the FS laser ablation of SiC. This paper provides suggestions for the selection of suitable process parameters and provides a wider possibility for the application of micro-texture on SiC.

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