Session: 15-01-01: ASME International Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 142236

142236 - Design and Development of an Industrial Grade 3d Printer for Enhancing Precision and Productivity 

This paper delves into the intricate design and development of an industrial-grade 3D printer, with a primary objective of augmenting accuracy and productivity within the realm of additive manufacturing. By addressing fundamental challenges inherent to 3D printing processes, this study introduces a holistic methodology aimed at minimizing errors, optimizing productivity, and elevating print quality. At the heart of this innovation lies the CoreXY gantry system, meticulously engineered to uphold stability and precision throughout the entirety of the printing procedure. Leveraging advancements in gantry design, our printer ensures consistent and reliable print outcomes, laying the foundation for enhanced productivity and operational efficiency. Key to the efficacy of the printer is the integration of an automatic bed leveling system utilizing LiDAR technology. By providing automated bed alignment, this system eliminates the need for manual calibration, streamlining setup processes and minimizing downtime associated with bed leveling adjustments. This research introduces a pioneering approach to vibrational management through the incorporation of an active vibrational adjustment system. By dynamically compensating for extraneous vibrations, the printer ensures uninterrupted printing, even in environments prone to disturbances, thereby bolstering print quality and reducing error rates. In addition to these innovations, our printer features an integrated camera system, augmented with sophisticated computer vision algorithms. This system enables real-time detection of print anomalies, such as spaghetti formation, empowering operators to swiftly intervene and rectify issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing material wastage and optimizing print quality. It also incorporates advanced nozzle flow control mechanisms, facilitating precise flow calibration during intricate printing maneuvers such as corners, further enhancing print accuracy and quality. To ensure optimal print environment conditions, the 3D printer includes an activated carbon filter to maintain air quality and a heated chamber capable of accommodating various materials, preserving their quality and integrity throughout the printing process. Through a comprehensive integration of these advancements, the industrial-grade 3D printer represents a significant leap forward in additive manufacturing technology. This paper elucidates the technical intricacies and performance metrics of our innovation, underscoring its potential to redefine the landscape of industrial 3D printing, ushering in a new era of precision, productivity, and quality assurance

Presenting Author: Ragavanantham Shanmugam Fairmont State University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr.Ragavanantham Shanmugam, currently working as the Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Engineering Technology at Fairmont State University, West Virginia, USA. He has 23+ years of teaching, research and administrative experience in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering Education. So far, he has published 40+ research articles in peer reviewed international Journals and authored chapters in 3 books in the domine of Advanced Manufacturing.
At present he is involved in 12 projects, as principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator and these projects are being funded by NASA, NSF, Do and DoE in United States. The total value of the projects is approximately 10 million USD.
He has served and serving as Board of study member, Curriculum and syllabus committee member and External PhD Supervisor for Hindustan University, Vel Tech University and Bharath University, India. He has given keynote speech in many of the international conferences in Industry 4.0. He is also serving as selection committee member for NSF grants and SME merit Scholarships in USA.
He has given more than 50 guest lectures in various international universities in topics in design and manufacturing. He has also trained Engineering faculty through several training programs at National level
He was awarded as BEST Innovative Teacher by Bentham Science in the year 2021.
Recently, he has been awarded with a title “Diversity Business Leader - New Mexico, 2022 in Higher Education” for fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion among native American Students in his workplace.
He also got selected for listing in marquis “ Who’s who in America”, for the year 2023.

Authors:

Ragavanantham Shanmugam Fairmont State University
Saquib Khan Mechanical Engineering (Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology)
Pratyush Annamalai Curiosity 3D