Difference between revisions of "3D PRINTING WITH ROBOTS"

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(Motor screw extruder)
 
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[[Category:Machines]]
 
[[Category:Machines]]
 
[[File:4_End effector catalogue_FL_Kopie.jpg| thumb | End effector catalogue FL Kopie)]]
 
  
 
==Material Preparation==
 
==Material Preparation==
  
  
Testing material viscosity and printability before 3D printing with a robot is indeed a prudent step to ensure successful printing outcomes. Here's a breakdown of the recommended process:
+
Testing material viscosity and printability before 3D printing is important to ensure good printing outcomes. Here's a breakdown of the recommended process:
  
  
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- Use a closed tube mortar gun to manually extrude the material.  
 
- Use a closed tube mortar gun to manually extrude the material.  
 +
 +
[[File:APLICADOR-MORTERO-ALTA-POTENCIA-TUBO-CERRADO-600-ML-ALYCO-198818PRINCIPAL.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
 
- This allows you to assess how the material flows and how it behaves during extrusion.
 
- This allows you to assess how the material flows and how it behaves during extrusion.
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- Inadequate mixing can result in inconsistencies in material properties, affecting print quality.
 
- Inadequate mixing can result in inconsistencies in material properties, affecting print quality.
  
- Avoid adding excessive water content, as it can cause shrinkage issues during printing.
+
- Avoid adding excessive water content, as it can cause shrinkage issues.
  
 
- Conversely, too little water content can lead to dry material, making it difficult to print.
 
- Conversely, too little water content can lead to dry material, making it difficult to print.
 
  
 
==Motor screw extruder==
 
==Motor screw extruder==
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For detailed information and updates on the Motor screw extruder, please visit the GitHub repository at the following link: https://github.com/EDUARDOCHAMORRO/FabricatableTools
 
For detailed information and updates on the Motor screw extruder, please visit the GitHub repository at the following link: https://github.com/EDUARDOCHAMORRO/FabricatableTools
  
 +
==Printing Steps==
  
1- Motor
 
  
2- Control system: Frequency converter with switch
+
'''Step 1: Tool setup'''
elements, power supply inlet plug with undervoltage
+
release to prevent re-start in case of voltage interuption
+
  
3- Hopper for wet premixed material
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- Ensure that all components of the extruder are properly assembled.
  
4- Housing with polyurethan inlet
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- Mount the End Effector with the Robot Flange securely. Use the appropriate screw size and ensure that the extended parts of the screws do not protrude on the rear side of the flange to prevent scratching or damaging the robot arm.
  
5- Worm pump
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[[File:Connector resize a b.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
6- Pump outlet with pressure gauge
 
  
==Operating the machine==
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- Before loading the material into the cartridge, inspect it to ensure there are no air bubbles trapped inside. Air bubbles can disrupt the printing process and cause damage to the print quality.
  
 +
- Apply vaseline to the piston and threads in the metal cap of the cartridge. This helps to ensure smooth movement and prevent friction during the printing process. Make sure the cap is tightly secured to avoid any leaks or inconsistencies in printing material flow.
  
'''Connections Before Start-Up'''
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- Release Pressure Using Pressure Regulator.
  
Connect the main power plug to the control cabinet
+
- Connect the air pressure pipe and the motor cable to the designated connector.
with the cable to the construction 230V/1/N/PE/50Hz
+
(3x1,5mm2).
+
  
Make sure that all cables and safety devices are functioning properly.
+
[[File:C connector resize.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
'''Start-up in manual mode'''
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'''Step 2:TCP Calibration'''
  
- Before Operating the machine check the machine state. Switch rightwards for manual mode.
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- Calibrate the tool properly.
  
[[File:2_MAI_2PUMP_PICTOR_3D_B_Kopie.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
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- For more details about calibration check the following document
  
 +
https://drive.google.com/file/d/196kO1AxNpu0TbMAIdhFcR8AHWfLMZXfV/view
  
- '''Step 1:''' Turn on the main switch
+
- Place the TCP value in the gh files
  
[[File:Onn_n_off_switch.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
+
[[File:Tcp data1-01.png| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
  
- '''Step 2:''' Fill the material-hopper with wet premixed material.
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'''Step 3:Extrusion test'''
  
- '''Step 3:''' Turn the Forward/Reverse Switch to FWD (Start the machine by turning the mode switch from
+
- Check Digital Outputs Utilize the flex pendant. Use programmable keys on the flex pendant to navigate through the settings and verify that all digital outputs are functioning correctly.
0 to FWD)
+
  
[[File:Speed_controlle.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
+
- Activate the motor and preassure, Gradually adjust the pressure regulator to raise the pressure. Monitor the extrusion process for consistency and quality.
  
 +
[[File:Extrusion test.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
- '''Step 4:''' Turn the Speed control to the desired speed
 
  
 +
'''Step 4:Base calibration'''
  
'''Stopping the pump:'''
+
- Use masking or double-sided tape to prevent the base from moving.
  
- '''Step 1:''' Turn the Forward/Reverse control to 0
+
- Jog the robot to three different positions. Add Coordinates to Grasshopper File for accurate geometry placement.
  
- '''Step 2:''' Turn off the main switch
 
  
==Termination of work and cleaning==
 
  
After work is completed or in the event of longer inter-
 
ruptions, run the machine until the material hopper is empty.
 
  
 +
[[File:Bas calbr 23.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
'''Step 1:''' Wash the hopper with clean water, rub the hopper with the sponge provided if it is necessary
 
  
'''Important:''' 
 
  
Never use any cutter or any sharp/rough tools to clean the hopper, always use the rubber tool that is provided.
+
'''Step 5:Export and running the file'''
  
'''Step 3:''' Soak a sponge ball in water.
+
IMPORTANT:  
  
'''Warning!'''
+
Before running the main file, conduct a pressure-free dry run, execute the file slowly, verify the correctness of the z value, ensure the nozzle doesn't hit the base, and adjust the z value if needed.
  
Never disconnect the hose when there is any pressure in the pressure gauge. Remove the remaining pressure gauge reaches 0.
 
  
 +
- Check if the robot is in manual mode
  
'''Step 4:''' Open the hose coupling, insert the sponge ball into the hose.
+
- Acknowledge any errors seen on the flexpendant
  
'''Step 5:''' Reconnect the hose coupling
+
- Export your file in .PRG format and copy it in a USB
  
'''Step 6:''' Start pumping and wait for the sponge ball to come out of the hose.
 
  
'''Step 7:''' Grease the pump after cleaning to ensure the pump gasket is residue free.
+
[[File:Exportfile.png| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
  
'''Step 8:''' Ensure that the grease is pushed out of the pump gasket.
 
  
'''Warning!'''
+
- Plug in the USB in the port on the flexpendant
  
Never disconnect the hose when there is any pressure in the pressure gauge. Remove the remaining pressure gauge reaches 0.
+
- Go to Main Menu >Production Window >yes >change it to old format (.PRG)
  
 +
- Select the file and open
  
If the machine is not required for a longer period, dismantle the rotor
+
[[File:Running a file from usb.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
and stator and lubricate them with
+
 
slide spray. Reassemble the
+
- Check the speed before running the file.
components and put them into the
+
 
machine again.
+
- Press the Guard stop and press the play button to initiate the file
 +
 
 +
==Termination of work and cleaning==
  
==Troubleshooting==
 
  
'''Pump not starting:'''
+
- After printing, ensure thorough cleaning of all parts using appropriate cleaning tools.
  
- Ensure that the remote control plug is properly installed.
+
- Return cleaned parts to their designated places on the shelves.  
  
[[File:Troubleshoot.jpg| 700 × 402 pixels]]<br><br>
+
- Avoid using the sink for cleaning; utilize the large cleaning space designed specifically for clay and concrete materials.

Latest revision as of 17:15, 31 January 2024


Material Preparation

Testing material viscosity and printability before 3D printing is important to ensure good printing outcomes. Here's a breakdown of the recommended process:


Manual Extrusion Test with a Closed Tube Mortar Gun:

- Use a closed tube mortar gun to manually extrude the material.

700 × 402 pixels

- This allows you to assess how the material flows and how it behaves during extrusion.

- The closed tube design helps in maintaining consistent pressure and control over the extrusion process.

Mixing the Material:

700 × 402 pixels

- Ensure thorough mixing of the material to achieve homogeneity.

- Inadequate mixing can result in inconsistencies in material properties, affecting print quality.

- Avoid adding excessive water content, as it can cause shrinkage issues.

- Conversely, too little water content can lead to dry material, making it difficult to print.

Motor screw extruder

350 × 201 pixels

The Motor screw extruder was originally developed by Eduardo Chamorro Martin in collaboration with 3DPA IAAC. This innovative tool, which is open source, has since been further enhanced and modified by IAAC staff members for various applications.

For detailed information and updates on the Motor screw extruder, please visit the GitHub repository at the following link: https://github.com/EDUARDOCHAMORRO/FabricatableTools

Printing Steps

Step 1: Tool setup

- Ensure that all components of the extruder are properly assembled.

- Mount the End Effector with the Robot Flange securely. Use the appropriate screw size and ensure that the extended parts of the screws do not protrude on the rear side of the flange to prevent scratching or damaging the robot arm.

700 × 402 pixels


- Before loading the material into the cartridge, inspect it to ensure there are no air bubbles trapped inside. Air bubbles can disrupt the printing process and cause damage to the print quality.

- Apply vaseline to the piston and threads in the metal cap of the cartridge. This helps to ensure smooth movement and prevent friction during the printing process. Make sure the cap is tightly secured to avoid any leaks or inconsistencies in printing material flow.

- Release Pressure Using Pressure Regulator.

- Connect the air pressure pipe and the motor cable to the designated connector.

700 × 402 pixels

Step 2:TCP Calibration

- Calibrate the tool properly.

- For more details about calibration check the following document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/196kO1AxNpu0TbMAIdhFcR8AHWfLMZXfV/view

- Place the TCP value in the gh files

700 × 402 pixels


Step 3:Extrusion test

- Check Digital Outputs Utilize the flex pendant. Use programmable keys on the flex pendant to navigate through the settings and verify that all digital outputs are functioning correctly.

- Activate the motor and preassure, Gradually adjust the pressure regulator to raise the pressure. Monitor the extrusion process for consistency and quality.

700 × 402 pixels


Step 4:Base calibration

- Use masking or double-sided tape to prevent the base from moving.

- Jog the robot to three different positions. Add Coordinates to Grasshopper File for accurate geometry placement.



700 × 402 pixels


Step 5:Export and running the file

IMPORTANT:

Before running the main file, conduct a pressure-free dry run, execute the file slowly, verify the correctness of the z value, ensure the nozzle doesn't hit the base, and adjust the z value if needed.


- Check if the robot is in manual mode

- Acknowledge any errors seen on the flexpendant

- Export your file in .PRG format and copy it in a USB


700 × 402 pixels


- Plug in the USB in the port on the flexpendant

- Go to Main Menu >Production Window >yes >change it to old format (.PRG)

- Select the file and open

700 × 402 pixels

- Check the speed before running the file.

- Press the Guard stop and press the play button to initiate the file

Termination of work and cleaning

- After printing, ensure thorough cleaning of all parts using appropriate cleaning tools.

- Return cleaned parts to their designated places on the shelves.

- Avoid using the sink for cleaning; utilize the large cleaning space designed specifically for clay and concrete materials.