EXPERIMENT NO 8
OBJECTIVE- To do the 3D printing of axle model using BCN 3D printer.
MATERIAL REQUIRED- AutoCAD 2018, 6 computers with necessary
configurations, BCN 3D printer, printer material (printing filament)
THEORY AND PROCEDURE-
1. Teacher preparation
The required programme is installed on each computer used by a group of
students. The teacher’s computer also has the programme and is connected to
a projector with a shared screen so that the students can follow. The plan for
creating the 3D models is shown in detail in the images below.
2. 3d modelling task
It is necessary to model the object according to the attached image and prepare it for
3D printing. Model created in Autocad 2018.
3. Modelling in Autocad
The teacher and the students go through the modelling process step by step
at different stages so that the students can follow and create their own model
using the programme. Each group has different dimensions of the workpiece.
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5.7. Exercise “Axle construction”
With the UNION command merge individual objects into one object.
After that, export the file to .stl format.
4. Simulation view
The teacher shows the students how to work in the programme that is used to
view the simulation and printing settings. In this case it is “Cura”, but there are
many other programmes that can be easily used for this purpose. In this part
the teacher explains to the students the importance of the simulation phase
in a 3D printing process. The simulation shows which parameters can still be
modified before starting to print.
The following images show the programme interface as well as which sizes can
be modified and how.
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Open the CURA programme to prepare the settings for 3D printing and reading
the model in .stl format:
View of the simulation of printing models by layers at different stages of printing:
5. 3d printing bascis
The teacher explains to the students the properties of the printer: its operation,
axis types and movements, axis drive, filament application method, filament
temperature and printing bed, printing settings, printer reference and other
parameters. Modelling is followed by:
Switching to G-code (“save as g-code”) and adjusting the printing parameters
on the printer:
● layer height: 0.1 mm
● shell thickness: 0.8 mm
● thickness of the filled layer on the top/bottom: 0.6 mm
● percentage of central part density: 30%
● print speed: 50 mm/s
● filament temperature: 195 °c
● bed temperature: 50°c
● supports: no
● and other parameters
6. 3d printing settings modification and testing new parts
The above printing settings can be modified. The teacher shows the students
how changing a particular size affects the quality and the speed of printing. The
students have the freedom to change the input parameters within acceptable
limits (determined by the teacher). This will provide the students with an example of
how a specific setting affects 3D printing.
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For example:
● the percentage of filling affects the strength of the workpiece, print speed,
weight of the workpiece, consumption of materials
● the print speed affects the quality of the workpiece surface, print time
● the thickness of each layer affects the print quality, the interconnection of
the layers
● the surface temperature affects the quality of the base layer applied to the
bed.
note: Each group should change only one of the specified parameters to see
how it affects the measures. For example, one group changes only the percent
age of the filling, the other group changes only the temperature of the bed, etc.
View programme commands in g-code:
7. 3d printing process
Individual groups of students print their own models according to the parameters
previously agreed with the teacher. After completing the printing, the students
estimate the extent to which the modified parameter has affected their object. After all
groups finish their prints, the students exchange their objects and explain each other
how modifying a single parameter has affected the print quality. This gives the
students an insight into all modifications in input sizes by groups and they can discuss
their experiences.
8. Evaluation
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned today? Why?
Do you want to use 3D printing for future projects?
What do you want to learn more about and why?
How will the 3D technology affect your education?
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PRECAUTIONS-
1) Wear Safety Goggles
Wearing safety goggles will lower the risk of eye injury when using a 3D printer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20,000 eye injuries
occur each year in the workplace. While eye injuries involving 3D printers are
somewhat rare, they can and do happen. With safety goggles, workers can protect
their eyes from injuries.
#2) Don’t Touch
Manufacturing workers should avoid touching the 3D printer as well as the deposited
material. 3D printers typically heat the raw material before depositing it onto a print
bed. Depending on the type of 3D printer and the material that’s being deposited, it
may reach a temperature of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, touching the 3D
printer can cause a painful burn. Manufacturing workers should wait until the 3D
printer and the material has cooled before touching it.
#3) Avoid Loose-Fitted Clothing
Another safety tip manufacturing workers should follow when using a 3D printer is to
avoid wearing loose-fitted clothing. 3D printers contain a plethora of moving parts,
many of which move quickly and powerfully. if a worker wears loose-fitted clothing,
it may catch on one of the 3D printer’s moving parts. Rather than loose-fitted clothing,
manufacturing workers should wear tight-fitted clothing to lower their risk of injury
when using a 3D printer.
#4) Control the Temperature
Controlling the temperature of the 3D printer can lower the risk of injury. Materials
are designed to cure and harden at specific temperatures. If a 3D printer heats the
material beyond this limit, the material may release toxic or otherwise harmful fumes.
By setting the 3D printer to an appropriate temperature, manufacturing workers can
protect themselves from exposure to these toxic or harmful fumes.
#5) Ventilation
Even with temperature control measures, manufacturing workers should use the 3D
printer in a well-ventilated area. Again, 3D printers can release toxic and harmful
fumes. If inhaled by a worker, they may cause illness. With proper ventilation, any
toxic or harmful fumes will be flushed away from the surrounding indoor space so
that they aren’t inhaled by the worker. These are just a few safety tips that
manufacturing workers should follow when using a 3D printer.
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