Cool for some printers i bet. But with twchnology included with my printer i am able to start stop modify and moniter from my phone. Maybe the arm can lift print off the bed and start the next one?
1 Like
that would be the best project to work on to remove print from print bed so you can begin the next print from your phone etc.
1 Like
You can always help by spreading the word or by backing the kick-starter campaign when it is launched.
Apart from that, I might need some help building it. So do stay in touch please.
Thank you!
-Prasad
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!
Hey Prasad. We have offices on the same floor. You can count on me for help whenever you need it.
1 Like
Hi Marco,
Thank you for offering help! I will definitely keep you in loop about the progress.
The fire risk created by printing unattended is not worth it.
Thanks for the link! I have a somewhat different approach in mind.
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.
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
June 7, 2016, 5:56am
14
Yep, just thought it Washington Aldo interesting.
I’ll keep an eye on this talk!
Mirth
June 7, 2016, 2:18pm
15
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.
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
June 7, 2016, 5:27pm
17
You’re most welcome! I was printing PLA with an E3D V6 at 70 degrees on PVA. That stuck way too well!
Mirth
June 7, 2016, 5:30pm
18
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!
1 Like
Thanks! I will let you know.
Mirth
June 7, 2016, 5:45pm
20
Glad to hear it! Here’s my Thingiverse so you don’t lose contact: Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects
Glad to help
1 Like
@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
Thanks for your input, Mason! Any input helps! More ideas the better