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Improvement of heating nozzle for 3D printer

Related topic: 3D printing, Additive Technology

Abstract

In FDM 3D printing technology, maintaining the constant desired temperature of the nozzle is also an essential part. It directly affects the quality of printing and assists to resist upcoming problems related to the nozzle such as clogging or jam. We’ve got a problem statement of the condition when nozzle temperature is too high i.e. “Heat creep” and when the temperature is too low i.e. “Clogging”.  In this research paper, we present a method to improve the heating of the nozzle in such a way that will be able to maintain the constant desired temperature of the nozzle also in a diverse environment. We present the transient thermal-electric analysis and PID tuning for this approach. Also, we are going to use different PID tuning algorithms to tune the temperature of the nozzle and inspect their efficiency in a distinct environment through simulation.

Methodology

1. Thermo-electric transient analysis
For improvement of nozzle heating, first of all, we have to know about how heat is transferred in the nozzle during the printing process. So we use thermal-electric analysis which provides the information by investigating the heat transfer in the nozzle. Commonly two types of thermo-electric analysis methods are used one is steady state and another is transient. Using both methods, simulation can be done among our design model of the nozzle and collect the temperature data of the nozzle with respect to time. There will occur two possibilities: either the temperature is below the setpoint or above the set point. In this case, we need a control system that maintains the temperature at the set point.
We have to design a control system that helps our heating nozzle be tuned properly along with the required temperatures. For which we use the PID control system here.

2. PID Tuning
PID stands for Proportional, Integral, and Derivative. It controls how our printer handles temperature adjustments to our hotend. Having these parameters calibrated will ensure we have more consistent temperatures at our hotend which can help to drastically decrease the possibility of nozzle clogging and also assist to improve print quality.

Possible Outcome

Using simulation we will be able to see how heat is transferred in the nozzle with respect to time through transient thermal-electric analysis. Tuned desired temperature can be achieved using various PID tuning algorithms and also examine their efficiency in a distinct environment according to data obtained from simulation software.