PSI - Issue 59

O.M. Zaika et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 59 (2024) 786–792 O.M. Zaika et al. / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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The components of the 3D printer are fitted with thermal sensors that allow real-time temperature tracking. The main purpose of the industrial thermometer was to assess the heat distribution within the frame and to detect any drafts in the structure. In addition, temperature measurements were taken on the printer parts after the 3D printing process was complete. This data was critical in identifying temperature patterns associated with uneven plastic dep osition on different samples. 4. Implementation and modernization of 3D printer In the early stages of 3D printing, it is critical to preheat the platform to a specific temperature setting. This pre heating ensures optimal adhesion between the printed part and the platform. This is followed by a deposition process with gradual cooling to achieve uniform deposition over the entire surface of the part. If there are fluctuations in the ambient temperature, uneven cooling will occur, resulting in a lack of dimensional stability in the printed objects. Such uneven changes in temperature mode can lead to the deformation of the printed objects. These temperature inconsistencies during the cooling process are often caused by air currents in the production area and require ad justments to improve the print quality of the parts. The result of this research is the development of a stand equipped with 3D printers that incorporate a number of strategies to optimise the 3D printing process. In this context, these solutions play a key role in significantly improving the efficiency of part printing in mass production. To mitigate uneven heat distribution, the printing area was effectively insulated from external air currents, as shown in Figure 4. This insulation was achieved by using silicone curtains, which were selected for their specific properties, including wear resistance, transparency, flexibility and, most importantly, air tightness. The transparent nature of the material allows visual monitoring of the printed parts throughout the process.

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Fig. 4. Photo (a) shows the working area of 3D printers without a protective screen, and photo (b) shows the closed working area of 3D printers after modernization.

Drastic temperature fluctuations due to airflow can have a negative impact on both the quality of printed objects and energy consumption. Maintaining a consistent temperature in the room where 3D printers are operating can be a costly endeavour. To address this issue, a stand housing 3D printers was fitted with a thermal curtain, creating an isolated space where the printers themselves help to maintain temperature conditions. Before starting the printing process, the printers heat the platform and extruder to a predetermined temperature, initially set at 8°C above the ambient temperature. This is achieved within the enclosed stand, which effectively maintains the temperature within its confines as the various components of the 3D printer are heated. Prior to im plementing these measures, approximately 9% of printed parts had defects. Among the current 9% of defects are brackets with the following problems: lack of adhesion, which can lead to incorrect structure formation and suscep tibility to disintegration, and during printing, the alignment of parts can create lateral stresses that lead to weakness or damage.