Design and Build of a Tele-Operated and Robot-Assisted Multi-Material 3D Printer System

Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods have superior advantages over conventional manufacturing processes in terms of ability to produce intricate shapes with less time, effort and labor skills. Traditionally, AM methods are based on use of a single material. However, many applications require part production using multiple materials and multiple color grades. In addition to that, AM machines often require users to be attendant at the beginning and at the end of build process for controlling, monitoring and changing build beds. The work presented in this paper illustrates the design and development of a tele-operated multi-material and multi-color 3D printer system based on Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology. The work presented also includes the design, mathematical modelling and development of a robotic manipulator that is used in conjunction with the 3D printer to automatically replace the printing plate after part build is finished. The paper also includes illustration of the mechanical structure designs, components, tele-operation technique and electronic control circuity of the developed system. The developed 3D printer system has a building volume of 45×35×35 cm and a resolution up to 50 µm and is capable of printing parts using multiple material and color filaments in a completely autonomous manner both locally and via the Internet and WIFI technology.