Development of Fourth Link and its Impact on FDM 3D Printer

Abstract: This paper presents a new technique for the design and analysis of a fourth link mechanism for a delta-type 3D printing technology. The additional linked elements like connectors, connecting rods, and outer parts are designed as RepRap components for the fourth link assembly operation. At the prototype development stage, a CAD model of the mechanism is created and compared for the abilities and limitations of the existing three links and added link. The major drawback of the motion in Delta printers includes the determination of mechanism mobility (DOF), utilization of working space, and printing speed. The approaches that can be considered are presented for the modification of the new model 3D printer. For the next part, a fourth link is added along with the existing three links. The steps required in the analysis are checked on the inverse kinematics movement, through dynamic conditions in means of a jerk, velocity, and acceleration. For the static conditions in means of stress, strain, and displacement of links and joints, and graphs attached to both mechanisms. The model is checked out with the coefficients of error for the mechanism with unknown absolute angular velocities, accelerations, and jerks, determined based on the working of the module. Thus, the performance of the existing three pairs of links and the added link automates the printing activities in an effective way. The addition of the fourth link is studied and checked out with considerations for the quality of the printed products. Hence, this work attempts to introduce a new link along with the existing three links of Delta printers.

Keywords: Delta, Additive Manufacturing, 3D printer, Computer-Aided Design.