Development of a slicing post-processing algorithm for 3D printing using a 6-axis robotic manipulator

• Grant number: 24/03087-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Principal Investigator: Sidney Bruce Shiki
• Grantee: Arthur Mendes Mazzei
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/25352-4 - Robotic Additive Manufacturing with non-planar slicing, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, when it comes to the industrial scenario, is rapidly expanding. Several areas, such as engineering, medicine and architecture, benefit from its possibilities, since it allows the development of parts that would be difficult to produce by other mechanisms. In view of this, the project will use a 6-axis robotic manipulator, which will allow the production of larger and more complex parts. A polymer extruder will be used, which reduces the cost of the raw material, enabling printing with material in a more raw state. For a better use of this mechanism, slicing post-processing algorithm will be developed, with the use of the Python language being foreseen, converting customized g-codes to the format expected for Yaskawa manipulator jobs. After such procedures, practical tests will be carried out with the robot, in order to analyze the quality of the printed models, by analyzing their dimensions and structural stability.