Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
The purpose of this project was to develop a 3D printer that can print multiple durometers, or hardness, within one printed part. This project was created by Raytheon so they could develop anti-vibration housings for their electronic components that experience vibrations during flight. Team 16077 was successful in developing a printer. To achieve the result, the hardware and software of a commercial 3D printer were modified. The entire existing extrusion system was replaced with a dual extruder system with a tubing design to be able to extrude multiple filaments (a soft and a hard filament) at once. The nozzle was replaced with a mixing nozzle so that the two filaments can create a range of durometers. The firmware of the printer had to be rewritten to accept G-Code commands to run both the extruders at once at varying ratios. A standalone graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to give the user an easy way of modifying their existing G-Code file to include the mixing ratios and commands. The results show that the printer can achieve a range of durometer from 84A to 75D Shore hardness. Furthermore, the printer was successful in printing a multi-durometer part that mitigated vibrations.Type
textElectronic Thesis
Degree Name
B.S.Degree Level
bachelorsDegree Program
Honors CollegeMechanical Engineering