Adaptive Design for Advanced Precision Thermal-Printing

Suggested by: Charles Carpenter
Technical Advisors: Dr. Samuel Russ
Abstract: 

In 3D printing, heated build surfaces are commonly employed to ensure proper adhesion of printed parts. However, it's often observed that not the entire build area is utilized during the printing process. This inefficiency becomes more pronounced in larger build plate areas, as substantial energy is expended in heating the entire surface even though only a fraction is used for printing.

This project aims to address this energy inefficiency by designing and implementing an innovative heated build surface that selectively applies heat only to the regions required for printing each part. This approach offers a dual advantage: enhancing energy efficiency and maintaining the desired printing outcomes. By minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and reducing transient times, the proposed system contributes to a more sustainable and streamlined 3D printing process.

The benefits extend beyond individual machines. In the context of both large-format 3D printers and multiple machines operating in parallel, the developed solution promises significant time and energy savings. The scalability of this approach aligns with increasing quantities of machines, amplifying the positive impact across various scales of operation.

Keywords: Integrated Design, Energy-Efficient Heating, Multi-Scale Controls, Adaptive Thermal Systems, Sustainable Manufacturing.