Additive Manufacturing

Roller Chain Challenge

Desk Topper

Topper Idea

First Build

Roller Chain Challenge

Roller Chain Modeling Challenge

Time - 4 Class Periods

Challenge Objective - 3D model a roller chain link of your own design and print a series of five links without print supports. When completed, the link should move as a roller-type chain.

Criteria

Must be designed in SolidWorks
Prepared in a slicer for additive manufacturing
3D printed in PLA filament
An individual link cannot take up more space than 20mm²
Test prints (no more than two links) are required before full prints (no more than 5 links)
No slicer-generated supports allowed

Creating Link

Creating one individual part of chain. This link fits into its self to create a chain.

First Shape

Shape that can be repeated infinitely to create chain.

Holes

Where the axle fits into to link.

Axles

What fits in to the holes of the chain.

Fillets

Rounds out the part, makes it move more smoothly when assembled.

Creating Assembly & Test Print

Just two links put together to test if design is possible.

Slicer View

Part displayed in Prusa software to print.

Test Assembly

Shows how two chains fit & move together.

First Test Print

First print was printed on wrong side, messing up the part.

Second Test Print

Part oriented correclty produces a better finish.

Final Chain Links

Full Assembly

All pieces put together for final print.

Link Laying Flat

Mates were used to align all of the individual pieces, this is the only way it will print.

Chain Movement

Even thought mates are not complet, you can see how link will move together.

Slicer View

Laying flat, this should work.

Final Print & Gif

Final Part & video of it being printed.

PXL_20231031_152233192.mp4

Project Notes

Notes taken during research & creation of project

Final Link

In action

Desk Topper

Desktop Topper Modeling/Printing Challenge

Challenge Objective - 3D model an object that represents you. This must be of your own design and fit the top of the monitor. Unlike the previous year, you share this computer station with another student from another class. As you build your model, refer to the following criteria

Criteria

Must be designed in SolidWorks
Prepared in a slicer for additive manufacturing
3D printed in PLA filament
The object cannot take up more space than an 80mm sphere.
Unlike the previous year, you must create a ring to fit over the vertical monitor support. Make sure to use a caliper to measure. Don’t rely on a peer’s measurements. The object will then somehow be attached to the side of the ring so that the other student from the other class can also display their project on the other side of the support.
Test prints for the ring support are required before full prints (this has to be displayed on the ePort).