Design and Fabrication of Less Cost and Efficient Delta 3D Printer Parts

Abstract

This project is aimed at fabricating the most essential parts of a Delta type 3D printer to enhance its efficiency in terms of cost and operation. It focuses on three vital components: the Effector, Rod end bearings, and Connecting rod (Diagonal rod). The Effector holds the hot end nozzle and other heat dissipating materials. We designed a multi-utility Effector capable of accommodating various hot ends such as Laser cutting, CNC tool, Food extrusion, and 3D printing hot end. The Effector is further categorized into two types: uphold and down hold. Rod end bearings are motion transmission bearings that transmit motion in a spherical path. We developed a different mechanism to transmit motion similar to rod end bearings by coupling two universal joints and making modifications to reduce cost and improve efficiency. The connecting rod links the carriage and the effector, transmitting motion from the carriage to the effector according to the printer's design. In conventional 3D printers, carbon fiber pipes are used as connecting rods. In this project, we replaced them with steel rods designed to withstand loads while remaining cost-efficient. All these parts are connected and made as a single setup, suitable for use in any delta type 3D printer. The overall cost of this setup is half the cost of the conventional setup.