From January 2024 to May 2024, I interned at Parker's 3D Prints, a small business operated on a 3D printing farm.

For my research project, I took steps toward developing an automation system to better improve the workflow, efficiencies, and productivities associated with 3D printing farms. This was developed in a three-step engineering design process project, in which several assemblies were developed and manufactured over a semester-long period.

Within the bounds of this project, I was able to develop three assemblies aimed in automating a majority of the 3D printing maintenance operations: an X-gantry, a belted GT2 system extending over 2m powered by a Nema 17 stepper motor, a Y-gantry, a HTD5 belted linear actuator assembly powered by two Nema 23 stepper motors, and an (majority) 3D printed end effector with a solenoid lock capable of securing a 3D print bed in place for removal.

Overall, within the scope of the project, the developed portions were a success. They were able to operate as intended and all that would be left to finalize the automation system would be the electronics and software associated with the automation system itself -- something that could be left as legacy, though I hope to do further work on this project and finish the remaining parts that were not prioritized in this research.