A complete functional 3D printer was created using Solidworks. This features a 5 degree of freedom system through the usages of threaded rods, gear belts, and innovating and designing a functional structural base. A 5 degree of freedom design was used to print complex designs without reducing quality, requiring support material and introducing overhang.
The 3D printer was designed following the design process. This includes determining the design specifications (output requirements, structure, scope), calculating and assessing several mechanisms, and finally iteration of designing until an optimal solution can be found to the problem.
In this case, the 3D printer was designed prioritizing quality. The main challenges in this design were choosing the correct mechanisms in order to minimize vibrations as well as supporting all the elements such that the 3D printer can function.
