Robotic arm to automate 3D printing operation for desktop 3D printers

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-05T00:57:09.000Z

Hi DroneWorks,

Yes, that is the main motive - To be able to completely automate the 3D printing process. You should be able to do everything including removal of existing print from the bed, changing the material and print settings if needed, and starting a new print from any web connected PC or mobile device.

Probably, in recent future drones can carry them to the nearest post office for customers who need shipping. Who knows?

Thank you!

obsessivelygeek · 2016-06-05T04:46:37.000Z

Hey Prasad. We have offices on the same floor. You can count on me for help whenever you need it.

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-05T12:45:36.000Z

Hi Marco,

Thank you for offering help! I will definitely keep you in loop about the progress.

3DVS · 2016-06-06T20:46:57.000Z

thingiverse.com

Automated Build Platform by MakerBot

The Automated Build Platform is a totally new way of printing your 3D objects. For the first time ever multiple objects can be printed in succession without the need for human intervention. Up until now, the 3D printing industry has been focused on...

garthvh · 2016-06-06T20:54:58.000Z

The fire risk created by printing unattended is not worth it.

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-07T01:14:08.000Z

Thanks for the link! I have a somewhat different approach in mind.

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-07T01:21:16.000Z

It is a legitimate concern. However, I have not seen any fire hazards reported because of unattended printing. If anyone has a bad experience, I would like to know.

Nonetheless, The robotic arm will allow you to monitor the 3D printer remotely through a web-connected camera. As an additional security measure temperature sensor can also be added.In case of fire, concerned authorities can be immediately notified.

garthvh · 2016-06-07T02:27:01.000Z

There have been lots of fires, this guy lost his whole house and a pet Beware your 3D printer (They can cause fires) (Page 1) — Solidoodle Discussion — SoliForum - 3D Printing Community

When I started out I printed unattended all the time, as I met more professional people I found that they were all shocked I even considered printing unattended.

There is a considerable fire risk, especially with kit printers using screw blocks to connect heated beds, don’t take the chance.

Homemade smoke detection systems are not safe either, the sensor connected to the raspberry pi is burned up before it detects a fire and sends any signal, and your house is gone.

I know it takes some of the magic away to not be able to go to sleep or leave and return 8 hours later to a huge new object, but at least you still have a house. Even if it only burns up your printer the cost to clean up a small amount of burned plastic smoke damage would easily wipe out an entire year of printing work for me.

3DVS · 2016-06-07T05:56:36.000Z

Yep, just thought it Washington Aldo interesting.

I’ll keep an eye on this talk!

Mirth · 2016-06-07T14:18:22.000Z

I print on PVA and honestly, I’ve had to take pliers to one or two prints to get them off. Whatever you make has to ensure it doesn’t damage the bed. This is extra important if its got sprung manual levelling.

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-07T17:23:08.000Z

Thanks for the input Acrimonius. I will keep it in mind. I just want to add that I have Ultimaker 2+ which has heated bed. So far every single print came off the bed almost effortlessly without any damage to the print.

Mirth · 2016-06-07T17:27:53.000Z

You’re most welcome! I was printing PLA with an E3D V6 at 70 degrees on PVA. That stuck way too well!

Mirth · 2016-06-07T17:30:27.000Z

Oh, and by the way, I’m a Product Design Engineering student and have previously done (and continue to do) NDA commission work (mainly CAD) for a member of a Fortune 500 company. If I can help in any way let me know!

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-07T17:36:18.000Z

Thanks! I will let you know.

Mirth · 2016-06-07T17:45:09.000Z

Glad to hear it! Here’s my Thingiverse so you don’t lose contact: Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects

Glad to help

Beautiful3D · 2016-06-08T17:11:06.000Z

@DigiPhy3D

Sounds like a noble pursuit!

Perhaps the way cost could be kept lower is by reverse engineering what the intended outcome would be.

If the desired end goal is a way to safely, remotely and automatically clear the build plate perhaps a type of conveyor belt type contraption might work. You could have a type of scraper with a very thin point (think sizing gauges) that removes the print from the surface and it is then pulled forward by ‘arms’ onto the conveyor belt and shipped into a container or waiting bay.

It’s maybe a little outside the field of a robotic arm but there’s a potential it could work to the same effect which could remove a lot of restrictions to the price point obviously encountered when trying to engineer and program a robotic arm which would have many different variables.

Not sure if this helps!

Mason
Beautiful3dPrinters.com

DigiPhy3D · 2016-06-08T17:36:34.000Z

Thanks for your input, Mason! Any input helps! More ideas the better

MAKEPARTS · 2016-06-08T19:26:06.000Z

I always try to apply the K.I.S.S. principle to just about everything in life. At least the best that I can. I think its a cool idea but from my perspective is if all your trying to do is eliminate a 30 minute commute to the office I would be loading those two Desktop printers into my car and bringing them home. Making my home my office and eliminate the overhead of an office and with the increased revenue by a couple more cheap desktop printers. Just seems like more of a hassle than it would be worth.

Evan_3 · 2016-06-08T20:39:47.000Z

I would like to respond to this, I build an enclosure around my 3D printer with a door and there is insulation on the inside of the box. In the box i mounted an automatic fire extinguisher (Automatic Fire Extinguishers for Boat Engines & Server Rooms ). I leaf my printer printing all the time, did jobs close to 48 hours and u can’t stay home that long. It is a very cheap solution for if the printer really gets on fire. The only disadvantage is that the powder will ruin the printer and probably damage some stuff close the printer, but i don’t expect my printer to get on fire. It’s just a safety measure i never hope to use, but if i need it, i only need a new printer and enclosure and not a new house (and other emotional stuff).

I bought the automatic fire extinguisher at a grow shop in Holland were they sell stuff to build your own weed house (u can imagine the fire hazard of having this in your house )

U can also buy a automatic fire extinguisher they use in server rooms and campers (but they are over 300 euro’s). They contain foam or co2 and they wont severely damage the printer and especially the surroundings if it is in a room with furniture, carpeting or other stuff u surely don’t want to replace after the fire extinguisher went off.

Mirth · 2016-06-08T20:43:10.000Z

As an off-topic, why not use a CO₂ extinguisher? There shouldn’t be any reason not to and with a fused system it should work well.

I agree that ABC powder is overall the best but yeah, it can be a huge pain to clean up.