Real time analysis of the filament for FDM 3D printers

Abstract

[EN]This project raises the need to develop a quality control system for manufacturing processes by melt deposition. The main problem with this technology is that, if the environmental parameters are not sufficiently controlled, inaccuracy is created between the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the product. This causes that the pieces do not meet the requirements for the market since they cannot guarantee a unified performance. For this purpose, a proof of concept that implements the necessary sensors in a testing machine will be carried out. The sensors will collect the measurements by means of an Arduino microcontroller. The obtained information will be processed in order to make the reports that indicate if the manufacturing process meets the expected requirements. With this system it is possible to improve the manufacturing results by melted deposition and to assure quality standards. In the future, the system could be improved according to the quality parameters required by the ISO standards for printing filaments and also used to certify them. Considering all the aforementioned, this is undoubtedly a field of research that still has much to develop and it is expected that this work will be a contribution for future research.