India: Large-Format 3D Printer, Calibration and Operation

Author(s)

• Jason Demeter, University of Dayton
• Nick Lattanzio, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-1-2017

Abstract

Jason Demeter (Computer Engineer 2018) and Nick Lattanzio (Mechanical Engineering Technology 2018) worked with Min Vayu in Auroville, India on a large format 3D printer designed to print with plastic, clay, and cob. Before the team arrived, the prototype printer had been designed and built but needed work to become operational. The team worked on various tasks to move the printer to fully operational status.

The team was tasked with calibrating the printer, constructing a cover for printer operation in all weather conditions, testing plastic extrusion with different recycled plastics and printer configurations, documenting the printer design in CAD and its operation in a user manual, and developing extruders for clay and cob.

The team made progress on each of the tasks. The printer was calibrated, with both machine component adjustment and software calibration. An effective rain tarp and support structure was designed and installed. Significant testing of plastics was carried out, and best practices were developed. A CAD model of the entire printer was created. A usage manual was drafted and instructional video was created for future printer users and designers. A prototype clay extruder was developed and tested.

Recommendations for future work include continued testing of various printing surfaces, materials, and print settings for plastic printing and continued development of clay and cob extruders and test functionality.

This report documents work accomplished in a manner that will allow future teams to continue progress on the printer. Printer design explains the design of the printer itself and includes full CAD plans for the printer, which, when open sourced, will allow others to create and build upon the printer design. The basic printer operation section and calibration and configuration sections outline how to operate and fine-tune printer operation. The ceramic extruder section details the work done on the ceramic extruder. Documentation of results serves to record results and highlight lessons learned through the trial and error of printer operation.

eCommons Citation

Demeter, Jason and Lattanzio, Nick, "India: Large-Format 3D Printer, Calibration and Operation" (2017). ETHOS Technical Reports. 56.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/56