Effector Redesign- PoC

We are looking into designs for n:1 filament i.e. multi filaments going into 1 extruder.

    • Effector Plate re-design specfications:

      • Less weight & less inertia

      • Magnetic Balls effector plates and arms - Status: Completed

      • Automated hot-end tool changer. Status: The design was changed to an universal hot-end carriage where the magnetic ball arms have been connected to. A quick switching effector plate was then used to switch between 3D printing, Laser Exposure or Cutting, Other 3D Printing Head (such as chocolate extruder)

        • Change hot-end heads -> This was redesigned as a two-in-one and three-in-one hot-end solution. This avoided the need to change extruder heads and have many heaters etc.

        • Change Laser cutter -> A magnetic quick switch laser cutter was perferred as at this time we saw no real need to switch between laser cutter,Exposing 3D printing within a single job. This may change once UV curing filament has been developed or if is going to be use with UV sensitive resin films

        • PCB Laser Exposure -> Status: Completed

      • Integrated layer cooling fan

      • Intelligent-Print-head : Status: In Progress

        • Integrated Arduino controller with serial, I2C connection to Rambo board for more local control and telemetry

        • Bluetooth or WLAN Telemetry transmission for remote analysis

        • Control of lighting

        • Control of Servo

        • Giro Sensors for telemetry Data ( MPU6050 , BMP180, and the HMC5883L)

        • IR proximity sensor

        • Multiple Servo control using

        • Own power-source

        • Steppermotor drives for advanced clamping control

    • Single Bowden Extruder for multiple filaments: Status: Not Started

        • Single barrel drive hob Gear to drive multiple filamets

        • Servo controlled idle gear for selective pressure of filaments

    • Inductive Hot-End heater ->Status: In Progress

    • PEI Hotbed film - Status: Completed

    • Auto-Levelling using LoadCell - Status: Completed