A fully printable 3D printer was long considered a theoretical concept. In particular, the dependence on non-printable components such as motors and electronics was an obstacle. Developer Brian Minnick is now presenting a project that demonstrates significant progress in this area: a 3D printer whose core mechanical and electrical components were manufactured using the 3D printing process.
The centerpiece of the project is a self-developed, three-pole DC motor. This consists almost entirely of printed components. The printer winds the coils from solder paste using a special syringe extrusion process. This paste is then sintered to produce functional cables with low electrical resistance. Measurements showed values of 0.001 Ω-mm, which is sufficient for magnetic drives.
In contrast to more precise stepper motors, DC motors can be regulated via voltage control. Minnick uses this fact for a simple, completely mechanical control system. A plastic perforated strip control encodes movement commands. The holes activate switches that control the power supply, direction and duration of the motor movement. The system works without a microcontroller or conventional electronics.
The print head is also partially printed. The high-performance plastic PEEK is used. Its melting temperature can be increased through targeted heat treatment. The component thus reaches temperatures that are sufficient for printing PLA.
It is currently a functional prototype with an axis of movement.
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