Development, implementation and optimization of a mobile 3D printing platform

One of the biggest challenges to 3D printing is that typical desktop printers are stationary with a limited workspace. A mobile 3D-printing platform, which has omnidirectional wheels that allow for unrestricted movement along x- and y-axes, can alleviate that restriction. The research team in this project performed a series of preliminary material tests with such a fully constructed platform. The system was tested with materials from three different industries that could benefit from mobile additive manufacturing technology. A cement paste was tested for the construction industry, frosting for the food industry, and clay paste for the fine arts industry. Next, a statistical experimental analysis was performed to determine the optimum printing parameters to obtain geometrical accuracy of the object being printed. The independent variables chosen for the material and the printing platform included the material type, percent concentration of dry material to wetting agent, layer height, layer width, and printing speed. Multiple samples were printed for each combination of independent variables. The dependent variables, maximum taper angle and x-y-z measurements, were then found from the printed samples. Principal Component Analysis was performed on the taper angle and x-y-z measurements to create a single index which represented the error in print quality. A slightly modified 2 ^k factorial design was then used to determine which printing parameters and material type significantly affected the error index. Finally, response surface methodology along with the method of steepest ascent was used to identify the optimum printing parameters.