Research Article
System and Method for One or More Extruders Using a Robotic Arms to Print a 3D Model
The need for creating realistic body parts and anatomical models using additive printing was long ago recognised. The paper "Rapid prototyping approaches for anatomical modelling in medicine" by M. McGurk et al. in Ann. R. Coll. Surg. Engl. 1997; 79; 169-174, which discussed 3-D printing of models, summarised the state of the art in this subject some years ago. Models were made by sprinkling liquid over a layer of precursor powder using inkjet printer nozzles to form a solid, thin slice. For each additional slice, the printing procedure was repeated until the item was finished as a "green state" component, which was then burned in a furnace to sinter it. The product was then subjected to further processing to create a full density portion. Large item 3D printing has been simpler than in previous years because to the development of software for computer controlled robotic XY motion systems used in the semiconductor and optical sectors. Layered building of 3D things is now a comparatively cheap and quick operation for 3D printing equipment thanks to software applications like SolidWorks, AutoCAD 360, and similar software products. Larger things may be 3D printed by either attaching rails above the print nozzles for X-Y motion directed from above the nozzles, or by positioning the object to be created on an X-Y table with motion supplied below the nozzles. The current work attempts to construct a 3D printing setup that utilises two robotic arms to print a single component. Here, the bed will be swivelled to a specific angle to prevent the robotic arms from becoming entangled, and the robotic arms will also move 180 degrees from their mean positions. Additionally, the related software will be developed locally in our lab, resulting in a shorter printing time and higher level of accuracy.
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