3D Printing Weaves Objects without Supports #3DPrinting #3DThursday

Via engineering.com

Some of the latest and greatest robots are inspired by nature’s creepiest, crawliest critters—or, at least that’s what German automation company Festo seems to believe. Their research and development team has unveiled yet another insect-inspired robotic design. After constructing small, 3D-printed BionicANTs that work together to accomplish big tasks, and eMotionButterflies that fly pre-programmed routes, Festo is now showing the 3D Cocooner, a new 3D printer that takes a cue from caterpillars to print shapes that are free from the constraints of a gantry or printbed.

The 3D Cocooner combines a specially designed spinneret, glass fibers and a photopolymer to 3D print freeform objects without support structures or the need to build on top of previously printed layers, as is the case with many 3D printing technologies. Attached to a large tripod and a kinematic arm system is a custom extrusion device through which glass fiber thread is fed. As the glass fiber is extruded, it is laminated with a UV-curing resin. Cured with a UV light at the head of this caterpillar-inspired spinneret, the fiber hardens into stiff rods.

After a 3D model is developed with custom parametric design software, the spinneret is programmed to follow a set design of design rules within certain parameters to ensure a structurally sound shape. According to Festo, their custom software can easily be manipulated by even a novice user. The software has been programmed to first virtually simulate the printing process, with variables such as speed, thread feed and the amount of resin set up appropriately. Once all of this is prepped, the 3D Cocooner prints the object, using 3D animation in Cinema 4D software to actually drive the mechanics of the device.

Read more


649-1
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!

Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!


Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7:30pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat and our Discord!

Join us every Wednesday night at 8pm ET for Ask an Engineer!

Join over 38,000+ makers on Adafruit’s Discord channels and be part of the community! http://adafru.it/discord

CircuitPython – The easiest way to program microcontrollers – CircuitPython.org


New Products – Adafruit Industries – Makers, hackers, artists, designers and engineers! — New Products 11/15/2024 Featuring Adafruit bq25185 USB / DC / Solar Charger with 3.3V Buck Board! (Video)

Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: A New Arduino MicroPython Package Manager, How-Tos and Much More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi

EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey

Adafruit IoT Monthly — The 2024 Recap Issue!

Maker Business – Adafruit Daily — Apple to build another chip at TSMC Arizona

Electronics – Adafruit Daily — SMT Tip – Stop moving around!

Get the only spam-free daily newsletter about wearables, running a "maker business", electronic tips and more! Subscribe at AdafruitDaily.com !


No Comments

No comments yet.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.