Compact Model for 3D Printer Energy Estimation and Practical Energy-Saving Strategy

Abstract

3D printing is emerging as a technology for future production due to its support for human life. Increasingly more printed products include many applications. Developers and companies have expressed their ambition to develop the next generation to bring 3D printers to most families. However, energy efficiency is a big challenge for such devices. In this research, we investigated the power of components given by measurements on commercial 3D printers. We then built a compact model to estimate the energy of 3D printers and proposed an energy-saving strategy, primarily focused on the heating process. We separated thermal plates into two independent temperature sections to cut wasted energy costs when printing specially shaped objects and small prints. In order to reduce power dissipation, the printing process needs to be installed at high ambient temperatures. Experimental results show that our method reduces 23% of total power consumption in comparison to the current commercial device.