Final Project Proposal
Project Ideation
- Tell us about the idea of your project. Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
The idea of my project is a "3D FAB PEN". Small handheld version of 3d printer, designed like a pen, equipped with the ability to build 3-dimensional objects.
This particular project works by extruding heated plastic that cools almost instantly into a solid, stable structure, allowing for the free-hand creation of three-dimensional objects. It utilizes plastic thread made of either acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), polylactic acid ("PLA"), or “FLEXY”, thermal polyurethane (“TPU”) that is melted and then cooled through a patented process while moving through the pen, which can then be used to make 3D objects by hand. This is very similar to how a hot glue gun works. The melted plastic is very soft and can be fused onto a surface or worked into any shape that you want. Once the melted plastic leaves the tip, it begins to quickly cool down. After a few seconds, the plastic hardens and holds whatever shape you have worked it into.
Due to my interest in 3D printing field, i came across this latest technology and wanted to have one(as shown in the video) .That was my inspiration in choosing this project as my "Final Project".
By building my own 3D pen, i will not just fulfilled my want, but also it will surely empower me to have deep knowledge of each of its components and excel in my desired interested field.
2. Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like MS Paint
To prevent high temperature to reach the encloser/body of the pen and to the electronics, I will be using heat sink and a small fan on (7) Metal tube Teflon. As there are many types of heat sink and fans, my sketch will be updated as soon as any type is confirmed.
This is a draft prototype made by thick cardboard (scale 1:2, original final project will be round and half this scale to get a good grip). also here is its video.
3. What are the core modules that your project consist of?
Construction Parts:
The "3D fab pen" will consist of an enclosure that will contain the electronic components. It will be made either from Plywood or PLA/ABS material. The enclosure will be designed using Fusion 360 and fabricated using Laser Cutting/ 3D printingInput:
User Input: This pen will contain 2/4 push buttons. 2 buttons for moving the motor forward or backward direction, other 2 to change the module or settings for the pen.
Sensing: temperature control will be needed in the pen to maintain the heater to a definite temperature. that's why the pen will automatically turn on/off the heater by the help of relay to maintain the temperature.
Action:
This pen will display important information(current temperature of the nozzel + required temperature to be reached) on LCD , and a DC motor to push or pull the filament inside it.Brain:
Arduino Uno - it is preferred to use arduino nano to save space and give aesthetic value.Power Management:
The microcontroller (Arduino) will be powered using 12 V 5A adapter which will power up the LCD, Heater and DC motor.
4. Describe the general functions and features of your project. How would it work?
General objective:
The user would have the ability to draw/design 3d objects free hand easily, moreover, without the need of a 3d printer.
Features:
The user will have full control on the heater to set the required temperature and also on the extruding of the filament.
Project Planning
5- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
Extruding filament
Action: Dc motor
Sensing:-
User Input: 2 push buttons to move the motor in both directions
Heating filament
Action: Heater
Sensing: NTC sensor and relay
User Input: the temperature required will be set in the programming of micro controller.
Complete User Features
Display current settings/information
Action: LCD
Sensing:-
User Input: programmed by micro controller
Controlling DC motor to power it after reaching defined temperature
Action:DC motor
Sensing:NTC sensor and motor power controller.
User Input:-
Nice-to-have User Features
Ability to set/change parameters by the user
Action: LCD
Sensing:-
User Input:2 push buttons to give signal to the micro controller to change settings.
Ability to set/change parameters by the user
Action:signal transmission
Sensing:wireless transmission wifi/bluetooth receiver.
User Input: mobile app interface
6- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task Sub-Tasks From: To:
Research and Development 1st Feburary 2021 - 27th Feb
Research all the components
Look up power requirements for all components
Calculate power source V & I
Design Enclosure 7th Feb - 13th Feb
Create a Cardboard Enclosure
Create CAD on Fusion 360
Create Mounting for components
Electronics & Programming 28th Feb - 6th March
Programming micro controller
Design circuit and test on "Tinkercad"
Feature 1: DC motor circuit
Feature 2: adding Heater and high power supply.Testing the circuit with all the sensors
Fabrication & Integration 28th Feb - 13th March
Fabricate and assemble the enclosure
Mount all components
Test minimum features
Add complete features and test it.
Feature 1: LCD
Feature 2: Include controlling of DC motor.If time available work on nice to have features.
