BASF Supplies Materials for Cincinnati Inc’s SAAM HT 3D Printer

German chemical giant BASF has steadily been saturating the 3D printing industry with its presence. The latest partnership established by the world’s largest chemical company is with machine tool manufacturer Cincinnati Incorporated (CI). The two inked a distribution deal in which CI will supply ABS, carbon fiber PET and recycled PET materials from BASF 3D Printing Solutions (B3DPS) for use with its Small Area Additive Manufacturing (SAAM HT) 3D printer.

The SAAM HT 3D printer from CI. Image courtesy of Cincinnati Incorporated.

The SAAM HT is the high temperature version of CI’s desktop-sized 3D printer, originally developed by Boston startup NVBots in 2016 before CI bought the smaller firm outright in 2017. The machine complements CI’s range of massive pellet-based extrusion 3D printers with a comparably petite prototyping device which is capable of automatically ejecting parts upon completion. The HT version of the SAAM is capable of 3D printing at temperatures of up to 500°C, including ULTEM, PEEK and polycarbonate. Material profiles for each filament the system uses can be downloaded, allowing the printer to process them more quickly and easily.

BASF’s Ultrafuse PET CF15 material. Image courtesy of BASF.

Now, with the BASF partnership, the SAAM HT will be sold alongside Ultrafuse ABS, PET CF15, and rPET. While ABS is nearly ubiquitous in the world of filament extrusion for its strength, flexibility and heat-resistant properties, PET CF15 offers additional strength and thermal resistance. BASF describes the material as being easy to process with low moisture uptake.

rPET is BASF’s gesture towards sustainability. Made up of 100 percent recycled PET, rPET “looks and prints just like virgin material,” according to the company. While BASF maintains a veneer of sustainability through the numerous admirable projects is has established related to renewable energy and biomaterials, it is one of the world’s leading petrochemical manufacturers, explores for and produces oil and gas, has been responsible for dangerous environmental disasters, and develops pesticides and other agricultural chemicals that have potentially toxic effects.

A surfboard from YUYO 3D printed from rPET. Image courtesy of BASF.

While any attempt to introduce sustainability to the world is worthy, it might be difficult to overlook the conglomerate’s larger role in the climate and biodiversity crises we’re currently facing. Of course, any large chemical company in the 3D printing industry will be involved in many of these same ecologically harmful practices, which is why a larger discussion about the role of plastics and 3D printing in a sustainable society needs to be had.

Meanwhile, BASF continues to expand its footprint in the additive space. It has partnered with countless firms in the industry while growing its portfolio of additive materials, including an interesting metal filament for desktop metal 3D printing. Its backing of Materialise and Essentium and acquisition of Sculpteo means that it is only becoming more and more important in additive manufacturing.

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3DPOD Episode 21: 3D Printing at Scale with Xometry’s Greg Paulsen

Today Max and I speak with Xometry’s Greg Paulson again. This time we talk about scale in 3D printing. With manufacturing and real production seen as the new 3D printing frontier, companies are gearing up for products, services and the ever-popular “end to end solutions.” But, can we really do scale in 3D printing? And also should we want to do millions of low-cost parts? Or should we focus on scale but in limited verticals and applications? Can you do low cost and high-value parts at the same time? Or will we see specialized low cost and high regulatory regime players emerge? We don’t have all the answers but in a lively discussion, we talk about how far away we are from scale and what is needed. We hope you enjoy this episode and please do reach out to me should you wish to suggest a topic or guest.

Previously we talked with Ty Pollak about Open Additive, the ethics of 3D printing & handheld scanning.

People we admire in 3D printing.

Greg Paulson joins us to talk about 3D printing trends.

Velo3D’s Zach Murphy talks about Velo’s technology and development.

We interview Formalloy’s Melanie Lang on directed energy deposition.

Greg Paulsen of Xometry talks to us about 3D printing applications.

Here we discuss 3D Printing in space.

We interview pioneering designer Scott Summit as he crosses Amsterdam on a bicycle.

Janne is another pioneering designer in 3D Printing.

3D Printing in Medicine.

3D Printed Guns.

Interview with 3D Scanning pioneer Michael Raphael.

3D Printers in the classroom, panacea or not?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, what is happening now?

We’re all going to live forever with bioprinting.

The first episode: Beyond PLA.

The post 3DPOD Episode 21: 3D Printing at Scale with Xometry’s Greg Paulsen appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

Where Are They Now: 3D-Printed Sex Toys, Part 2 — Etsy

In a previous post on the subject, we revisited 3D-printed sex toys. The topic was such a titillating one a few years ago that it was covered on a broad range of mainstream media outlets and the SEO-friendly term “3D-printed sex toy” brought to the fore the concept of customized devices for sexual pleasure that one could print at home.

Though it seemed, for a time, that everyone would soon be fabricating sex toys on their personal 3D printers, the idea didn’t quite pan out. This was probably due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that consumer 3D printing didn’t take off the way media reported it would, as well as the fact that 3D-printed sex toys that come in contact with human orifices require some very specific safety measures.

What we also learned, however, is that, though everyone isn’t printing their own sex toys at home, they may be buying 3D-printed sex toys from Etsy or learning to make some at a local kink-focused makerspace. Didn’t know there were kink-focused makerspaces? We didn’t either until we spoke to some of these Etsy shops where makers are combining their love of kink and love of tech to devise new forms of printed pleasure.

3D-printed dildos from LeLuv. Image courtesy of LeLuv on Etsy.

Speaking to kinky 3D printer users, we learned a few important things about the state of 3D printed sex toys. For instance, even for the few out there who are public about their use of 3D printing for printing sex toys, only a couple have had any financial success from it. A particularly illustrative example is LeLuv, an established distributor of penis pumps, penis pump parts, accessories and sex toys based in Phoenix, AZ.

The company began experimenting with 3D printing and even manufactured filaments for a time but refocused on adult retail once more. Though LeLuv has a shop on Etsy, the sales from 3D-printed sex toys account for “little to nothing,” in revenue, according to a company representative. The company continues to offer 3D-printed dildos, so if the market picks up at some point, it’s possible that it could place more attention to that product line.

It’s possible that LeLuv wasn’t taking full advantage of the creative benefits of 3D printing technology. Other individuals realized that additive technology could allow them to experiment with truly unique forms of adult toys and serve niche audiences at the same time. While Greg from Terrible Toy Shop and the shop owner behind HappyBound discovered the potential for 3D printing toys through kink-dedicated maker communities, Gary learned about the technology when he bought an Arduino kit that led him deeper into DIY projects.

A 3D-printed PLA Vac-u-Lock to broom handle adapter. Image courtesy of HappyBound on Etsy.

While at a kink-based maker meetup, HappyBound brought along their 3D printer, where they had a request to adapt toys from Vac-u-lock strap-on toys to broom handles, which gave them an excuse to learn how to use Fusion360. “The sales have been ok for what is purely a hobby,” they said. For them, the Etsy shop is more about spreading the idea of 3D-printed sex toys and “encourage fun ways to play.”

“I’d call it an improbable series of accidents,” Greg, of Terrible Toy Shop, began. “It all started with me kicking off 2019 by taking a sewing/upholstery project to a fledgling kinky maker space. After a couple of months of hand stitching the neck/wrist padding for an elaborate set of stocks I had hand carved, I decided to test some new waters. I started with a dubiously safe introduction to welding and attending an automation workshop (Arduino/LEDs/MicroPython). [Then,] I had to give the 3D printer a try.”

Greg used to the makerspace’s low-cost 3D printer to begin experimenting and, due to the fact that it was a kinky makerspace, he said he “would have felt embarrassed to use communal print time on anything but freaky sex toys.” To learn how to use Fusion 360, he pushed himself with various challenging geometries, including “an oval-shaped labia clamp with jagged bear-trap-inspired teeth, which later evolved into the Pussy Trap.” The design went “mini-viral” on the kinky social media site FetLife, which encouraged him to start selling.

The Pussy Trap, a bear trap-inspired labia clamp from Terrible Toyshop. Image courtesy of Terrible Toyshop on Etsy.

Interestingly, Greg experienced what consumers more generally feel about mass manufactured products available on the market—that is, a general lack of creativity. As with any other hobby or niche, 3D printing has provided the BDSM market with innovation and novelty.

“I’ve quickly learned that I’m not alone in my disappointment with the lack of innovation and creativity in many categories of the BDSM toy market,” Greg said. “As an easy example, manufacturers have basically been selling the same half-dozen, tired designs of nipple clamps for decades.”

Greg and his fellow kinky makers have broadened the horizons of the adult toy market in imaginative ways. For instance, once Gary, who runs Deviant Designs, found himself involved with 3D printing, he learned that he could basically bring to life any silly concept he came up with.

“One day, I had a daft idea that it would be fun to attach a maze to someone and force them to play it,” Gary said. “If I didn’t have the printer I would never have thought to try and make it. But 3D printing makes it so easy to bring these daft ideas to life, so I figured why not. Like I already mentioned, I’m pretty passionate and motivated to make naughty things. So, I opened up CAD. I figured out how to make the maze, I designed some cuffs, printed it all out and it worked! I realized then that this would be a hobby I wouldn’t be able to stop.”

In turn, Gary has produced any number of wild ideas covered in detail in an Engadget series on his work. These include a voice-controlled dominatrix device based around an Amazon Echo Dot, featuring a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and an animal shock collar that has been modified to attach to the vulva. There’s also an iPad ball-gag that forces its wearer to watch whatever videos a dom desires playing.

A collection of sex toys 3D printed by Gary of Deviant Designs. Image courtesy of Daniel Cooper / Engadget.

Gary and his partner Kirsty have used 3D printing to bring the most depraved ideas to life, but he does not yet feel low-cost additive manufacturing is ready for prime time, in terms of selling safe and durable products. The products he sells on Etsy are not made with additive manufacturing.

“I really want to sell my products, but the equipment I have isn’t really up for the task and I decided I would rather wait and make things that are high quality,” Gary said. “While 3D-printed products have their place in the world, I don’t think they are durable enough when you’re in the bedroom and emotions are running high. That being said I only have a very cheap printer that doesn’t always print reliably. There are probably more capable machines or technologies…that can produce robust and durable parts. They are unfortunately outside of my price range.”

Greg, on the other hand, has found that 3D printing has allowed him to establish a thriving business. By designing toys that he himself would use, he has found that others in the fetish community are becoming repeat customers. When asked how successful 3D-printed sex toys have been, Greg says, “Beyond my wildest dreams, to be honest.”

3D-printed lockable nipple clamps. Image courtesy of Terrible Toyshop.

With the help of some supportive friends, who have pitched in “to help me survive the entrepreneurial growing pains,” Greg was able to scale up from a single 3D printer to nine, with half his house “transformed into a fulfillment center.”

“I’m currently eating through enough plastic that I’m being taken seriously negotiating directly with well-known filament manufacturers,” Greg says. “I can’t believe how far this has come in less than a year.”

While Gary has been able to explore unique design opportunities for him and his partner, Greg has been able to deploy 3D printing to serve specific customers who might be overlooked by the one-size-fits-all mass manufacturing system.

“On [one] occasion, I had a long exchange of messages with a trans-man who wanted to know if the Clit Tenderizer would work on their anatomy after hormone treatments. So, I offered to redesign and ship a modified design free of charge if the stock model didn’t fit,” Greg said.

3D printing is a natural fit for a site like Etsy, where customer-tailored gifts are often the norm. Greg has been able to design client-specific products, such as nipple clamps featuring a symbol that had a special meaning to the couple who purchased them.

An iPad gag with 3D-printed fixture made by Gary of Deviant Designs. Image courtesy of Daniel Cooper/Engadget.

Gary, Greg and the shop owner of HappyBound all avoid using 3D printing for any objects that might be placed inside the body, out of safety concerns. Terrible Toyshop, for instance, sells a variety of clamps, whips and straps, but nothing insertable. Still, “each product page acknowledges that 3D printed objects are porous and should not be shared due to the risk of transmitting fluids” and the shop owner provides specific cleaning information, such as sanitizing 3D-printed PLA products isopropyl.

HappyBound says, “Sharing isn’t caring when it comes to 3D printed toys. I do have a prototype toy that is inserted, but it will be used exclusively with condoms.”

Reflecting on our previous article on the topic, as well as the earlier hype generated by the concept of “3D-printed sex toys,” it seems as though these kinky innovators are actually on to something. This author, in particular, may have been too prudish to consider the possibilities when the hype began. Blinded by the overwhelming number of 3D-printed dildos being presented, it didn’t occur to me that there are countless toys outside of that category that can safely and easily be 3D printed.

We also know from recent developments at CES that beyond 3D printing, technology is expanding the way we think of sex toys overall. CES may be limited to companies that can afford booths to present their wares, but makerspaces provide plenty of opportunities for small entrepreneurs and hobbyists to experiment with new ideas for adult fun.

As additive manufacturing evolves, we may even see mass customized sex toys hit the market several years later than initially predicted. For any AM companies interested in such a product line, there are plenty of inventors discussed in this article that would surely be up for a partnership. Gary at Deviant Designs, in particular, joked “Hoping that one day in the future I can get to play [with resin/sintering/metal injection molding that can produce robust and durable parts] though…if you know a guy feel free to hook me up.”

The post Where Are They Now: 3D-Printed Sex Toys, Part 2 — Etsy appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

Optimizing FDM Bronze PLA Composites Prints

Researchers from Iran and the UK are taking on central topics in digital fabrication, delving deeper into parameters, properties, and composites, with their findings outlined in the recently published ‘The Synergic Effects of FDM 3D Printing Parameters on Mechanical Behaviors of Bronze Poly Lactic Acid Composites.’

The authors use optimization in this study to find out more about the effects of printing on a bronze PLA composite. Popular due to its plant-based origins and biodegradable and biocompatible properties, PLA is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester often made from corn starch. Fused deposition modeling is a popular method of 3D printing used with PLA and a variety of composites today—from bioinspired materials to graphene oxide, silver nano-wire photopolymers, and more. In this study, the authors investigate the use of bronze polylactic acid (Br‐PLA).

Schematic of 3D printing by the fused deposition modeling

The researchers worked to refine the mechanical properties of FDM-printed parts not only through experimenting with different input parameters but also by employing the design of experiment (DOE) method. Ultimately, the goal was to:

  • Print tough Br‐PLA samples
  • Reduce part thickness
  • Shorten build time

The following parameters were studied:

  • Layer thickness
  • Infill percentage
  • Extruder temperature
  • Maximum failure load
  • Thickness
  • Build time of parts

Levels of independent variables.

Design matrix and experiments results

Samples were designed using Simplify3D, and fabricated using Br‐PLA filament with a Sizan 3D printer. On testing the samples, the researchers noted that 80 percent of the results within the ‘design matrix’ displayed brittle fracture—and not surprisingly, as PLA is known to take on brittle properties during tensile loading.

“The fracture of brittle samples occurred at the elastic limit, while tough specimens showed the ability to undergo a low degree of plastic deformation before fracture,” said the researchers. “Therefore, samples with higher maximum failure load and elongation at the break had a tough fracture. However, a sudden brittle fracture is usually observed in samples at the elastic limit and in a lower failure load.”

(a) Brittle fracture of the specimen (sample #12 Br‐PLA), (b) Brittle fracture of the optimum PLA specimen, (c) fracture of #1 to #6 samples.

Extension‐force diagrams of (a) sample #2 and (b) sample #4

Using the DOE method to better the quality of their experiments and cut down on testing, the team measured 20 of the samples for maximum failure load, thickness, and build time.

Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

3D surface plot of the build time with (a) infill percentage and layer thickness; (b) extruder temperature and layer thickness; (c) infill percentage and extruder temperature.

Overall, the researchers noted that their optimization technique was successful. ‘Predicted optimum results and experimental validation’ varied little, with few errors. In comparing PLA and Br‐PLA 3D printed samples, PLA clearly showed higher tensile strength. This was attributed to use of greater infill percentage—as well as the fact that PLA is intrinsically stronger because it is a single material—in comparison to the composite made up of two materials.

Overlay plot of 3D printing optimization with (a) infill percentage and extruder
temperature; (b) extruder temperature and layer thickness.

Extension‐force diagram of the specimen for solution 3

The optimized Br‐PLA samples successfully resisted over 1000 N, with the following parameters:

  • Layer thickness of 0.25 mm
  • Infill percentage of 15.20
  • Extruder temperature of 222.82 °C

“For producing a suitable sample with good mechanical and economical features, middle extruder temperatures and low infill percentages must be considered. Because in the Br‐PLA 3D samples, the heavy and rough samples might not be used very much, and the heavier samples are costly,” concluded the researchers.

“In the PLA 3D printing samples, the maximum failure load was reported more than Br‐PLA samples, and that is because the composite structure has the more particle’s space, and in Br‐PLA, the metal component takes up more space than PLA structure.”

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source / Images: ‘The Synergic Effects of FDM 3D Printing Parameters on Mechanical Behaviors of Bronze Poly Lactic Acid Composites’]

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3D Printing & Laser Cutting: New Approaches for Fabrication of Shape-Changing Displays

Aluna Everitt recently submitted her thesis, ‘Digital Fabrication Approaches for the Design and Development of Shape-Changing Displays,’ to the Faculty of Science and Technology at Lancaster University. To achieve better success with deformable surfaces, Everitt explores the uses of 3D printing and laser cutting.

As technology continues to progress worldwide, shape-changing displays are just one element that make users lives easier with features like tangible interaction, enhancing applications like the following:

  • Dynamic landscaping
  • Topographical modeling
  • Architectural design
  • Physical telepresence
  • Object manipulation

Functioning via mechanical actuators, shapechanging displays allow the deformation of a specific surface through programming (in the form of dynamic physicalizations encoding data).

“Tangibility is a key aspect of data physicalization and the form of the physical artefact is often perceptible by touch,” states Everitt. “These physical data representations often encourage direct interaction to create an engaging user experience.”

The author is not only focused on the uses of shape-changing displays but also how users on every level can employ data physicalizations to create them for themselves. As accessibility and affordability become increasingly present in the 3D printing realm, systems like shapechanging displays are more possible—especially with re-usable parts, basic hardware that is easy to install, and ease in design and production that encourage users overall.

Examples of prototypes developed based on proposed fabrication
approaches presented in each chapter of this thesis. Moving from traditional pin array in Chapter 3, to a semi-solid laser-cut two-layer surface in Chapter 4 that
uses fewer linear actuators, to a single layer 3D printed deformable surface in
Chapter 5, to finally a multi-material deformable surface that has embedded
interaction and visualization capabilities in Chapter 6.

Everitt emphasizes, however, that the research community must know what types of data to use in these ‘novel hardware systems.’ With deeper comprehension of what types of data are suitable, the author also realizes that they will be able to put such systems to use in a range of displays—many of which are still in prototype mode today and treated as ‘novelties rather than practical use cases.’ This technology is relegated to shapechanging displays, tangible interfaces, physical user interfaces, data physicalizations, and deformable user interfaces.

Standardised interaction model for GUIs (A) and TUIs (B) proposed
initially by Ullmer and Ishii (2000).

Challenges in this field still include accessibility, along with the ability to progress from creating prototypes to offering a greater sense of design, and offering better toolkits so that users experience easier implementation of all the details required for each system.

“Scaling the device form factors and ensuring high-resolution shape-output is another technical challenge currently faced by the field,” explains Everitt. “The availability of small actuators with minimal weight is still limited and comes to a high cost.”

“Increasingly, shape-changing interfaces are also transiting from rigid forms to flexible and stretchable, and even floating shapes.”

As 3D printing becomes increasingly popular for a diverse range of users worldwide, new fabrics and textiles are possible.  For this thesis, the author studied 3D printed panels serving as a continuous surface, able to adapt to either being fluid or rigid, depending on overall design—and ultimately, also assisting in the progress of shape-changing displays.

The interlinked surfaces displayed less need for actuators, featuring horizontal force actuation, the potential for embedded parts, and continued properties regarding fluidity and rigidness—‘whilst rendering cylindrical, oval, and tunnel forms.’ Clear resin can be used during 3D printing also for improved visualization.

Basic 3D model (A) and 3D print (B) of interlinked panels, and
fabricated shape-changing displays examples (C-E).

Bottom side of the surfaces. Interlinked triangular panels 3D printed
(FDM) with red filament – Panel 21×19mm and interlink width 4mm (A); SLA
with clear resin – Panel 20×17mm and interlink width 3mm (B). 3D model source
[106].

Subtractive technologies such as laser cutting are a focus in the thesis also, allowing for rapid production, but with the drawback of the 2D limitation; cut sheets can however be designed for fabricating 3D objects. Assembly is required though, along with ‘mapping 3D designs to 2D layers of parts.’

Other challenges with laser cutting involve more support necessary for individuals who want to learn such technical knowledge—and the fact that laser cutting is still undeniably a ‘niche skill.’ It is however, popular with numerous multi-faceted users today in projects such as engraving, creating colorful collections in fashion, along with innovating and developing new design guidelines.

FDM 3D printing, featuring multi-material capabilities, was shown to fully support fabrication of interactive and deformable surfaces. In using techniques like laser cutting, prototypes can also be designed more quickly, and without extensive requirements for additional hardware.

“The research-through-design methodology also emphasizes that rapid prototyping helps researchers and designers to iteratively refine and develop new hardware systems are that can meet functional requirements as well as develop more meaningful user experience,” stated the author in conclusion.

“Potentially, even hobbyist and maker community members are able to recreate these fabrication approaches using commercially available materials and equipment. Particularly, by supporting accessible fabrication through the use of low-cost materials that can be purchased commercially and are widely available (e.g. spandex and FDM filament).”

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts; join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

Initial 3D printed link designs for triangular (Left) and square panels (Right).

Source / Images: ‘Digital Fabrication Approaches for the Design and Development of Shape-Changing Displays’]

 

The post 3D Printing & Laser Cutting: New Approaches for Fabrication of Shape-Changing Displays appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

Merck working with EOS’ AMCM to produce next-generation 3D printed tablets

Merck, the global pharmaceutical company, has announced plans to work with AMCM, an EOS Group company that builds custom additive manufacturing machines. The two companies will work on developing and producing 3D printed tablets, first for clinical trials, then later for commercial manufacturing. Next-generation tablet manufacturing  Isabel de Paoli, Chief Strategy Officer at Merck, said, […]

MIT: New Algorithms for Robotic Spatial Extrusion Planning

MIT scientists are researching new ways to improve automated systems, outlining their findings in the recently published ‘Scalable and Probabilistically Complete Planning for Robotic Spatial Extrusion.’ Exploring new ways to integrate robotics into production, the authors have created a new concept for robotic spatial extrusion, accompanied by complete planning algorithms.

Focusing on an alternative to the traditional 3D printing layering method, the researchers sought to overcome current challenges in robotic extrusion like collision and kinematic geometric constraints, along with stiffness constraints. This method has only been used in limited measures, which the researchers attribute to planning constraints during larger builds.

Left: Klein bottle (246 elements). Right: Duck (909 elements).

The algorithm created for this study is based on mathematical form, allowing the research team to connect ‘satisfying geometric and structural constraints,’ as stiffness is critical in construction initially, with collisions limiting actions at the end. The mathematical formulas are meant to plan for both stiffness and geometric constraints, ‘globally performing a greedy backward search, using forward reasoning to bias the search towards stiff structures.’ The scientists also offer prioritization heuristics for leading stiffness and geometric decision-making.

The scientists began formulations without a robot present, creating a frame structure with an undirected geometric graph hN, Ei embedded within R 3:

“Let the graph’s vertices N be called nodes and the graph’s edges be called elements E ⊆ N2 where m = |E|. Each node n ∈ N is the connection point for one or more elements at position pn ∈ R 3. Each element e = {n, n0} ∈ E occupies a volume within R 3 corresponding to a cylinder of revolution about the straight line segment pn → pn0. A subset of the nodes G ⊆ N are rigidly fixed to ground and thus experience a reaction force.”

“Each element e = {n, n0} can either be extruded from n → n 0 or n 0 → n. Let directed element ~e = hn, n0 i denote extruding element e = {n, n0} from n → n 0. We will use the set P ⊆ E to refer to a set of printed elements, representing a partially extruded structure. Let NP = G ∪ {n, n0 | {n, n0} ∈ P} ⊆ N be the set of nodes spanned by ground nodes G and elements P. Extrusion planning requires first finding an extrusion sequence, an ordering of directed elements ψ~ = [~e1, …, ~em]. We will use ψ to denote the undirected version of ψ~. Let ψ~ 1: i = [~e1, …, ~ei ] give the first i elements of ψ~ where i ≤ m.”

Transition, retraction, and extrusion motions for two elements.

Extrusion planning was meant to be completed by one articulated robot manipulator adhering to joint limits and avoiding collisions with itself, the environment, and items just printed.

“Let Q : P → Q be a function that maps a set of printed elements P ⊆ E to the collision-free configuration space of the robot Q(P) ⊆ Q. When no elements have been printed, Q(∅) is the collision-free configuration space of the robot when only considering environment collisions, self-collisions, and joint limits. Each additionally printed element weakly decreases the collision-free configuration space…”

The authors worked on 41 different extrusion problems in this study, featuring up to 909 elements, and combinations of the PROGRESSION, FORWARDCHECK, and REGRESSION algorithms, as well as four heuristics: Random, EuclideanDist, GraphDist, and StiffPlan. Four trials were performed for each algorithm, with one-hour timeouts.

PyBullet assisted in collision checking, forward kinematics, and rendering. Structures were preprocessed using one static axis-aligned bounding box (AABB) bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) with each robot link and then the following solutions were used:

  • PLANMOTION using RRT-Connect
  • SAMPLEIK using IKFast
  • PLANCONSTRAINED using Randomized Gradient Descent (RGD)

From left to right: 1) the unassigned substructure at the first state where REGRESSION-Random backtracks. 2) the first state where REGRESSION-EuclideanDist backtracks. The element deflection is colored from white to pink. The five most deformed nodes are red and their translational displacements are annotated in meters 3) the first state where REGRESSION-GraphDist backtracks 4) REGRESSION-StiffPlan finds a solution without backtracking.

The PROGRESSION and REGRESSION algorithms exhibited improved performance, showing that the heuristics did offer stiffness and geometric guidance. FORWARDCHECK offered better accuracy for problem-solving than PROGRESSION, ‘indicating that it is able to avoid some dead ends.’ In the end though, the researchers noted that REGRESSION was the best performer in comparison to the others, shining in both success rate and runtime. The highest-performing algorithms solved 92 percent of the problems, with an average runtime of about 15 minutes.

The runtime of each algorithm when using the EuclideanDist heuristic. The x-axis ticks denote the distribution of problem sizes.

“We experimented on two extrusion problems considered by Choreo. Choreo solves the ‘3D Voronoi’ and ‘Topopt beam (small)’ problems in 4025 and 3599 seconds whereas REGRESSION-EuclideanDist solves the problems in 742 and 2032 seconds. Our planner outperforms Choreo despite the fact that Choreo had access to additional, human-specified information (section II). We validated our approach on three real-world extrusion problems. The largest of the three is the Klein bottle, which took about 10 minutes to plan for and 6 hours to print.

“Future work involves extending our approach to general-purpose construction tasks,” concluded the researchers.

Automated systems and robots continue to play a large role in the world of 3D printing, from experimentation with microrobots to ongoing NASA projects to studies meant to improve scalability, What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

Left: The first state where PROGRESSION-EuclideanDist backtracks (black elements are unprinted). Right: REGRESSION-EuclideanDist finds a solution without backtracking.

Left: the first state where PROGRESSION-GraphDist backtracks (black elements are unprinted). Right: FORWARDCHECK detects that printing the element indicated by the pink sphere prevents the diagonal black element from being safely extrudable.

[Source / Images: ‘Scalable and Probabilistically Complete Planning for Robotic Spatial Extrusion’]

The post MIT: New Algorithms for Robotic Spatial Extrusion Planning appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

View and Convert Negatives with #RaspberryPi and #3DPrinting #celebratephotography


FLKPW7XK6KVLPWC LARGE

From Random_Canadian on Instructables:

I recognize that there are various apps for my smart phone but I was unable to get satisfactory results so this is what I came up with…

I wanted to be able to view them in real time as actual pictures. I can manually sort through the negatives and record only the ones that I want.

Read more


Photofooter

We #celebratephotography here at Adafruit every Saturday. From photographers of all levels to projects you have made or those that inspire you to make, we’re on it! Got a tip? Well, send it in!

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UNO Researchers Looking for Study Participants to Test 3D Printed Prosthetic Arms

It’s necessary to perform studies on medical devices, 3D printed or otherwise, to make sure they’re working the way they’re supposed to be. Some examples we’ve heard about include: a Virginia Tech researcher used sensors to compile data about how well 3D printed amniotic band prosthetics were performing, researchers from TU Delft evaluated the level of functionality for a 3D printed hand prosthetic, and a team from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) investigated how a 3D printed partial finger prosthesis changed the patient’s quality of life. Now, UNO researchers have received funding to study how the brain adapts to using 3D printed prosthetic limbs, and they’re looking for research volunteers.

Rue Gillespie has a cap fitted to her head at the labs in the Biomechanics Research Building on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, in Omaha, Nebraska. The cap was used to help read her brain’s activity as she performs tasks with her right arm and her 3D printed prosthetic arm.

The team was given a Research Project Grant (R01) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which will fund its investigation into changes in neural activity of children who have been regularly using a 3D printed prosthetic arm. The researchers need 40 children, between the ages of 3 and 17, with upper limb differences caused by Amniotic Band Syndrome or other congenital differences, to participate in the study, and e-NABLE is helping them get the word out.

Jorge M. Zuniga, PhD, takes photographs of Rue Gillespie’s arms during a visit to the labs at the Biomechanics Research Building.

Jorge Zuniga, PhD, a UNO associate professor of biomechanics, said, “Essentially what we’ll do with this research study is to try and look at their brain and see how the brain of young children adapt to the use of our prosthesis.”

Zuniga, who designed the Cyborg Beast prosthetic hand for e-NABLE, and Brian Knarr, PhD, another biomechanics associate professor at UNO, are the co-principal investigators for this study, which is building on Zuniga’s prior research to design and produce more affordable 3D printable prosthetic arms for children.

Most typical prosthetic limbs generally cost between $4,000-$20,000, but a children’s prosthesis can be 3D printed and constructed for much less – as little as $50. This lower cost is very helpful, as kids can quickly outgrow, or damage, their prostheses. 3D printing can ensure easy replacement, which in turn helps the children who need them feel more normal.

Jorge M. Zuniga, PhD, measures Rue Gillespie’s arm as her mother Holly holds her during a visit to the labs at the Biomechanics Research Building.

Zuniga explained, “What we do here is basically provide child-friendly prosthetic devices to children that are born without a limb or lose a limb due to an accident.”

Rue Gillespie participates in tests at the labs in the Biomechanics Research Building. To the right is certified hand therapist Jean M. Peck, left. The researchers were looking at the activity in Rue’s brain as she uses her prosthetic arm, which was 3D printed at the lab.

If you know of a child who might be interested and is able to participate in this UNO study, or if you just want more information about the research, email Zuniga at: jmzuniga@unomaha.edu.

So, how do you know if a child qualifies for this important study? First, they have to be between 3 and 17 years of age, with congenital upper limb reductions of the hand (partial hand) or arm (trans-radial). They must not have any musculoskeletal injuries in the upper limbs or skin abrasions, and participants with normal upper limb function have to be able to complete the tests. Finally, they need to be able to travel to the university from any domestic destination.

Rue Gillespie wears a cap fitted to her head at the labs in the Biomechanics Research Building, which was used to help read her brain’s activity as she performs tasks with her right arm and her 3D printed prosthetic arm.

Children who are chosen to be study participants will need to visit the laboratory in the Biomechanics Research Building at the university, accompanied by a parent, on two different occasions eight weeks apart. Zuniga and the research team will provide participants with a 3D printed prosthesis to keep, and between the visits, the child will have to perform several games using the prosthesis. During the visits, they will be asked to wear it and take part in different games, like moving toys or blocks around, while also wearing a cap with attached sensors so their brain activity can be measured. Additionally, multiple measurements of the child’s arms will be taken.

Jorge M. Zuniga, PhD, helps Rue Gillespie put on her prosthesis before she is run through a series of tests on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the Gillespie home.

Participants and their families will receive the 3D printed prosthesis at no cost, and will also be provided with a small stipend for participating. Their travel arrangements, transportation, and hotel accommodations – from any domestic destination – will also be covered.

What do you think about this study? Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.

(Source: e-NABLE)

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