Open Source Automated Print Farm
Basics
- A Modular Print Farm Utilizing the D3D Pro (for precision, small nozzle parts), A Large D3D For Large Parts, and perhaps a D3D Belt Printer for long parts
- These then eject their parts using the Open Source Automated Printed Part Remover (may need better name)
- They are then rearranged by either some sort of D3D Pick and Place Machine , or something like Delta X to "fit properly" on the feed conveyor belt
- This then leads to the "main conveyor belt" which can feed to automated post processing, assembly, packaging, or simply a bin for non-automated use
- Can be expanded overtime by adding extra "feed belts", "Main Belt" modules
- The gap between feed belts acts as maintenance access, allowing for easy troubleshooting, and replacement of printers etc
- With Octoprint this can essentially make a click to print process possible (assuming no print failures etc)
- Computer Vision could perhaps be implemented to monitor this
Basic Design
- Note That this is assuming 2-3 feed belts with 10 printers each, this system could even work with 1 or 100 printers
- 10x D3D Pro with 0.2mm nozzle
- 10x Large D3D With Largest Nozzle Possible
- ?x D3D Belt Printers (if even used)
- 2-3x "Feed" (ie shorter) Open Source Conveyor Belts
- 1x (perhaps multiple smaller belts with small gaps in between if need be) "Main" Open Source Conveyor Belt
- Open Source Overhead Camera for Computer vision on belts
- 3 Pick and Place Devices (Either Delta X or D3D Pick and Place Machines )
- 3-4 "waste" bins or something similar (by each pick and place, for automatic removal of failed parts etc
- 20-30x Open Source Automated Printed Part Removers
Internal Links
External Links
- A YouTube Video by the YouTube Channel "Ali Aburaia" Titled "3D Printer Farm - Robot-based Automation" (Seems to utilize a 3x3 Grid of Prusa MK3s-es (or some similar model), an X+Z Gantry (is that the right term?) that moves the print surface to the part separator, a part separator with a "bender" using flexible grippers for separating parts via a Removable Flex Steel Print Surface , and an integrated "pusher". Also has bins for storage of produced parts (and the real amazing part is all the software/firmware that keeps the thing going probably, but good example setup even if just considering hardware)
