Condition Monitoring of 3D Printer Using Micro Accelerometer

Abstract

Abstract The unwanted disturbance in the form of vibration causes damages to the components produced and reduces the efficiency of the machine. Analysing and controlling the vibration is very important for moving machines. The working principle of 3D printer is Additive Manufacturing Technique. Thus, for a minute vibration the observable defects are produced. So, it is necessary to analyse the vibrations of the 3D printer. To analyse a machine, it is important to know about the motions produced by the machine, then suitable sensors must be chosen to measure those motions. The condition of the machine can be found using sensor measurement values. A 3D printer produces three types of motions such as point to point motion, zigzag motion and continuous motion. The vibration produced during each of these motions is monitored using the conventional accelerometer, micro accelerometer and the micro flown sensor. The values of micro accelerometer are acquired using Arduino and NI – cDAQ9174. The results from each of these sensors are analysed and compared. From the results, it is clear that during the continuous motion the vibration is very less since it is observed during the soft edges of the components. The vibration is maximum and rhythmic during the zigzag motion due to sudden acceleration and deceleration. The point to point motion is produced while using the support material.