Executive Summary

Technology is defying the limitations of our future development. 3D printing allows for greater capacities in production, as it increases accessibility to parts, cost-efficiency, and time reliability. 

Craitor is a startup company founded by UCSD undergraduates working on the development of rugged, portable, intelligent 3D printers for expeditionary manufacturing. Their partnership with the US Marine Corps rendered the first prototype of a sealed chamber used to print Nylon based polymers and composites; however, there are additional needs that have yet to be met.  

Craitor has identified the need to implement more advanced printing materials, (e.g. PEEK and ULTEM) and the need to produce parts under varying environmental/field conditions. The target materials would provide a strength to weight ratio comparable to that of aluminum. Consequently, expanding the material selection for 3D printing would significantly increase the accessibility of military grade parts out in the field. Since these materials require a heated build chamber of at least 70◦C to be maintained throughout the entire print process, the Craitor team had identified a required operating temperature envelope ranging from −15◦C to 50◦C while maintaining an internal print temperature of 70 ± 5 ◦C.

The purpose of this project has been the development of a PID closed-loop controlled chamber with heater and insulation that allows the printer to operate within the desired temperature conditions. The final product is an enclosed chamber system with integrated insulation, fan, heater, and 3D printer. The components within the chamber aid in temperature regulation of the internal environment, necessary for the production of military-grade parts. The project deliverables will render a greater material selection for printing operations and will guarantee printing capabilities in most environmental conditions.