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

    • Avoiding hot end heater cartridge, hot-end sink and hot-end fan

  • PEI Hotbed film -  Status: Completed

  • Auto-Levelling using LoadCell - Status: Completed