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Plate auto-level system for fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printers

Enrique Soriano Heras (ETSIDI, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain)
Fernando Blaya Haro (ETSIDI, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain)
José María de Agustín del Burgo (ETSIDI, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain)
Manuel Enrique Islán Marcos (ETSIDI, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain)

Rapid Prototyping Journal

ISSN: 1355-2546

Article publication date: 20 March 2017

488

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a solution for the levelling plate of fused deposition modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing (AM) systems. This automatic levelling system is presented as an evolution of actual systems, which uses a new ultrasound sensing system.

Design/methodology/approach

After obtaining a prototype, different tests were conducted for getting a system which solves the level plate problem and can be mounted in any FDM AM machine. Several benchmark models were obtained and compared with current equipment concepts for the validity of the product.

Findings

All tests were performed with high accuracy, enabling the production of geometries that could not have been achieved without this novel system.

Practical implications

This development will enable experienced users to set aside the problems of calibration and focus on the purpose of this type of machines, making prototypes.

Originality/value

A system architecture has been developed and integrated into an open hardware AM system, allowing real-time adjustment of the plate during each layer, thus eliminating the need of levelling the plate, allowing to achieve easier printing, and without increasing the cost significantly.

Keywords

Citation

Soriano Heras, E., Blaya Haro, F., de Agustín del Burgo, J.M. and Islán Marcos, M.E. (2017), "Plate auto-level system for fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printers", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 401-413. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-06-2015-0065

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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