#Exercise_16

25/05/2016


Assignment

Applications and implications

Propose a final project that integrates a range of units covered. Projects can be separate or joint, but need to show individual mastery of all of the skills. Where possible, you should make rather than buy the parts of your project.



What will it do?


graNulo is a big plastic pellet extruder, to use it with the 6 axis robot arm.

I have done several experiment of plastic 3D printing with the robot, but only with a classic filament extruder.
So in order to go in deep in the experimentation and make the most from 3D printing and robot arm, I felt the need to use a pellet extruder, that allow to mix materials, to print at a big scale faster and stronger and became less expensive.



Who has done what beforehand?


Unfortunately I haven't found an open source project about a big pellet extruder to use with a robot arm, I'm started to search some related projects, starting from some filament extruder, ect...
Here a series of project that inspired me into the design of graNulo.




The Bill Of Materials "BOM"


The project is composed of different parts (from software development to cnc milling) that require different methods of fabrication.



The Electronic control board use SMD components and is it milled with the Roland MDX40-A.
Part of the structure (the hopper) is printed with an FDM 3D printer and PLA.
The other part of the structure, the hotend and the motor coupling are CNC milled from a piece of aluminum.
The flange motor holder and the flange to attach the etruder to the robot are lasercut with a CO2 laser and a Plexi.



Here you can find the BOM




What parts and systems will be made? / what processes will be used?


The Electronic control board use SMD components and is it milled with the Roland MDX40-A.
Part of the structure (the hopper) is printed with an FDM 3D printer and PLA.
The other part of the structure, the hotend and the motor coupling are CNC milled from a piece of aluminum.
The flange motor holder and the flange to attach the etruder to the robot are lasercut with a CO2 laser and a Plexi.


Software:


Here you can find the detailed list




What task need to be completed?


I have made and bought all the necessary parts, still remain to test all the system.



What question need to be answered?


The main question concerns the use of only one heating ring, there is the possibility that I will need another one in the middle of the alluminum pipe or shorten the pipe.
So I will test everything as soon as possible.



What is the schedule?




How will it be evaluated?


The first goal that will make me to make proud would be to have the project almost working and presentable to the class during the project presentation.