Recent Patents on Mechanical Structure of 3D Printer

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baocheng Xie ◽  
Shun Liu ◽  
Huaqiang Gao ◽  
Tingliang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Processing Efficiency ◽  
3D Print ◽  
Mechanical Structure ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
The Future ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
Processing Accuracy

Background: 3D printing technology is widely applied in transportation, industrial equipment, medical, aerospace, and civil industry due to its characteristics of material saving, no model manufacturing, and machinability of complex parts. The mechanical structure of 3D printer mainly includes 3D printer head structure and working platform and plays a major role in the machining efficiency and processing accuracy of the 3D printer. Thus, increasingly attention has been paid to the current trends of the mechanical structure of 3D printers. Objective: To meet the increasing requirements of 3D printing processing efficiency and precision, the mechanical structure of 3D printers, such as 3D print head structure and working platform, needs to be carefully studied, and a feasible mechanical structure of 3D printers should be proposed. Methods: This paper studies various representative patent related to the mechanical structure of 3D printer, analyzes the mechanical structure of 3D printer, and studies the perfect mechanical structure of 3D printer. Results: Through summarizing a lot of patents about the mechanical structure of 3D printers, the main current existing problems such as platform jitter and machining error are summarized and analyzed, a new mechanical structure of 3D printers is proposed. Moreover, the development tendency of the mechanical structure of 3D printers in the future is discussed. Conclusion: The optimization of the mechanical structure of 3D printer is conducive to increasing the machining efficiency and processing accuracy in the 3D printing process. More relevant patents about working platform and 3D printer head will be invented in the future

scholarly journals Foundation Piles—A New Feature for Concrete 3D Printers

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2545
Author(s):  
Marcin Hoffmann ◽  
Krzysztof Żarkiewicz ◽  
Adam Zieliński ◽  
Szymon Skibicki ◽  
Łukasz Marchewka
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Shallow Foundation ◽  
Soil Reinforcement ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Permanent Formwork ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
New Feature ◽  
The Cost

Foundation piles that are made by concrete 3D printers constitute a new alternative way of founding buildings constructed using incremental technology. We are currently observing very rapid development of incremental technology for the construction industry. The systems that are used for 3D printing with the application of construction materials make it possible to form permanent formwork for strip foundations, construct load-bearing walls and partition walls, and prefabricate elements, such as stairs, lintels, and ceilings. 3D printing systems do not offer soil reinforcement by making piles. The paper presents the possibility of making concrete foundation piles in laboratory conditions using a concrete 3D printer. The paper shows the tools and procedure for pile pumping. An experiment for measuring pile bearing capacity is described and an example of a pile deployment model under a foundation is described. The results of the tests and analytical calculations have shown that the displacement piles demonstrate less settlement when compared to the analysed shallow foundation. The authors indicate that it is possible to replace the shallow foundation with a series of piles combined with a printed wall without locally widening it. This type of foundation can be used for the foundation of low-rise buildings, such as detached houses. Estimated calculations have shown that the possibility of making foundation piles by a 3D printer will reduce the cost of making foundations by shortening the time of execution of works and reducing the consumption of construction materials.

scholarly journals Implementing a 3D printing service in a biomedical library

2017 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Verma Walker, MLIS
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
3D Modeling ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Steep Learning Curve ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
Creative Problem

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is opening new opportunities in biomedicine by enabling creative problem solving, faster prototyping of ideas, advances in tissue engineering, and customized patient solutions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Library purchased a Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printer to give scientists a chance to try out this technology. To launch the service, the library offered training, conducted a survey on service model preferences, and tracked usage and class attendance. 3D printing was very popular, with new lab equipment prototypes being the most common model type. Most survey respondents indicated they would use the service again and be willing to pay for models. There was high interest in training for 3D modeling, which has a steep learning curve. 3D printers also require significant care and repairs. NIH scientists are using 3D printing to improve their research, and it is opening new avenues for problem solving in labs. Several scientists found the 3D printer so helpful they bought one for their labs. Having a printer in a central and open location like a library can help scientists, doctors, and students learn how to use this technology in their work.

Recent Patents on Bearing Pre-tightening

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanling Zhao ◽  
Jiashuo Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Research Direction ◽  
Development Trend ◽  
Machining Accuracy ◽  
Processing Efficiency ◽  
Tightening Force ◽  
The Future ◽  
Processing Accuracy ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Development Trend ◽  
Accuracy Speed

Background: Bearing has been widely used in automotive, aerospace, electronics industry, and other fields.Its pre-tightening technology is one of the most critical technologies. It has an important influence on the accuracy, speed, stiffness, and temperature rise of the spindle. Proper pre-tightening force can eliminate bearing clearance and improve machining accuracy and efficiency of machine tools. Therefore, the development trend of bearing pre-tightening mechanism has been paid more and more attention. Objective: In order to improve the processing efficiency and processing accuracy of the bearing system, the structure and function of the bearing pre-tensioning device are continuously enhanced. Methods: This paper retraces various current representative patents relative to the mechanism of bearing pre-tightening. Results: Through the investigation of several patents of bearing pre-tightening devices, the principles and effects of different bearing pre-tightening devices are classified and reviewed. Besides, the future development trend of bearing pre-tightening devices is discussed. Conclusion: The optimization of the bearing pre-tightening device is conducive to improving processing efficiency and quality. A controllable pre-tightening force is the research direction, and more related patents will be invented in the future.

Employing 3D Printing to Fabricate Augmented Reality Headsets for Middle School STEM Education

2019 ◽  
pp. 241-261
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Tillman ◽  
Ross C. Teller ◽  
Paul E. Perez ◽  
Song A. An
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Learning Science ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mathematics Content Knowledge ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
And Mathematics

This chapter examines the theories, strategies, and techniques for employing 3D printing technologies to fabricate education-appropriate augmented reality (AR) headsets and provides a concrete example of an AR headset that the authors developed. The chapter begins by discussing theories and historically relevant events that provide a context for the chapter's narrative about use of 3D printers to support AR in education. Next, the chapter presents the strategies that were employed while developing and 3D fabricating a custom-designed AR headset that was intended for supporting middle school students learning science and mathematics content knowledge. Afterward, the chapter provides directions and resources for the reader describing how to build the presented AR headset design themselves by using a 3D printer and affordable electronic components, as well as information about how to join the Maker community and participate in the designing and producing of similar projects. Lastly, the chapter delivers a summarization of all findings discussed.

scholarly journals Z-axis limit switch 3D printer

2020 ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Vadym Shalenko ◽  
Boris Korniychuk ◽  
Andriі Masluyk
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Laminated Object Manufacturing ◽  
The Future ◽  
Deposition Modeling ◽  
Additive Methods

Not much time has passed since the appearance of the first 3D printer. Today there are many different printers. They differ in various 3D printing technologies, namely: Stereolithography – SL, Selective Laser Sintering, Fused Deposition Modeling – FDM, Laminated Object Manufacturing – LOM, Polyjet and Ployjet Matrix. In recent years, the spread of 3D printing technology has become and continues to be used more and more today. Of course, in the future we will see a large-scale spread of additive methods, but the practical application of 3D printing today is available to everyone. Melting deposition modeling technologies have become widespread and available. The authors in this article consider possible options for upgrading the mounting of the end sensor of the Z Axis and automating the process of calibration of the zero gap of the extruder nozzle relative to the working surface of the printer. This calibration is important. This affects the accuracy and printing process of the future plastic model. During the operation of the 3D printer, it is often necessary to service the extruder, which forces the process of calibrating the zero gap of the printer nozzle. Optimally correct selected nozzle clearance affects the accuracy, geometry of the model and printing as a whole. It also allows you to get rid of peeling off the model from the desktop surface and the destruction of the model during printing.

scholarly journals Strength of PLA Components Fabricated with Fused Deposition Technology Using a Desktop 3D Printer as a Function of Geometrical Parameters of the Process

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Kuznetsov ◽  
Alexey Solonin ◽  
Oleg Urzhumtcev ◽  
Azamat Tavitov ◽  
Richard Schilling
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Three Point Bending ◽  
Geometric Process ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
Deposition Technology

The current paper is studying the influence of geometrical parameters of the FDM (FFF) 3D printing process on printed part strength for open source desktop 3D printers and the most popular material used for that purpose, i.e. PLA (polylactic acid). The study was conducted using a set of different nozzles (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mm) and a range of layer heights from the minimum to maximum physical limits of the machine. To assess print strength, a novel assessment method is proposed. A tubular sample is loaded in the weakest direction (across layers) in a three-point bending fixture. To explain the results obtained, a mesostructure evaluation through SEM scans of the samples were used. A significant influence of geometric process parameters was detected on sample mesostructure and, consequently, on sample strength.

Recent Patents on the Electrode Structures and Electrode Materials in EDM Process

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-265
Author(s):  
Baocheng Xie ◽  
En Li ◽  
Yongqiu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Electrode Materials ◽  
Electrical Discharge Machining ◽  
Machining Efficiency ◽  
Machining Performance ◽  
Electrode Structure ◽  
Processing Efficiency ◽  
Complex Shapes ◽  
The Future ◽  
Edm Process ◽  
Processing Requirement

Backgroun: Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) technology is widely applied for micro- manufacturing of difficult-to-process materials and complex shapes, which causes a growing demand for tool electrodes. The machining performance of an electrode eventually affects machining efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss of EDM. Thus, more researches on the electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process are gradually conducted. Objective: To meet the growing processing requirement of processing efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss of EDM, the electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process are continuously improved. Methods: This paper retraces various current representative patents relative to the electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process. Results: Through comparing the characteristics of different electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process, the current principal problems such as low machining efficiency and accuracy and serious electrode loss are concluded. Furthermore, the future development tendencies of electrode structures and electrode materials of EDM are discussed. Conclusion: The optimization of electrode structures and electrode materials in the EDM process is conducive to solve the problems of machining efficiency and accuracy and electrode loss during EDM. More correlative patents on electrode structure and electrode material will be filed in the future.

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 Design and implementation of 3D printer for Mechanical Engineering Courses

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-312
Author(s):  
Luiz Renato Rodrigues Carneiro ◽  
José Jean-Paul Zanlucchi de Souza Tavares
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Material Properties ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Sensors And Actuators ◽  
Engineering Knowledge ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
Printing Parameters

Nowadays 3D printing is a hot topic and this was specially observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this project has the objective to present the design and implementation of a 3D printer, which fits the Mechanical Engineering Courses requisites. The founded solution follows the Delta architecture and it was called Delta MAPL. This paper will summarize all important definitions and knowledge to build a 3D printer such as, 3D printers technologies and architectures, expose the developed project involving mechanic and electric project, project cost, programming and slicer, calibration, printing parameters, and will also expose de results through implementation of the project, 3D printing tests, and also the documentation with all design parts, codes and printing parameters. Therefore, 3D printer is very useful and involving many fields of Mechanical Engineering knowledge, thus 3D printing develops not only knowledge in mechanic, electric, sensors and actuators and material properties, but also creativity and problem-solving that are so important for all engineering students.

scholarly journals The 3D Printer Farm – function and technology requirements and didactic use

Mechanik ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (8-9) ◽  
pp. 796-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Skawiński ◽  
Przemysław Siemiński
Keyword(s):  
3D Printer ◽  
3D Print ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
3D Printers

Described in the article is a 3D print lab, as launched at the Warsaw University of Technology, at the Faculty of Automotive and Machinery Engineering. Presented are its functional and technical requirements and the current and future use for students’ education. Also, several similar arrangements of the worldwide installed and tested 3D printers are described.

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