Development of a Low Cost Extrusion Based 3D Printer for High Performance Engineering Polymers

Abstract

The development of a low cost 3D printer is presented for high performance polymers by example of a PEI type material. The development steps and technical alternatives opted for during the design process are outlined in two cycles targeting first printing of non-demanding thermoplastics, such as ABS, PLA etc., followed by an upgrade to printing PEI and similar high performance polymers. Subsystems discussed pertain to the frame, CNC axes including feed motors and motion control, the extruder, hot end and nozzle. Of particular interest are modifications concerning the temperature setting and regulation subsystems of the printer work volume and the printing table. Calibration procedures with pitfalls and solutions is discussed and a documented series of finally successful tests for Ultem1010TM is presented.