CURING BEHAVIOR SIMULATOR FOR ROBOTIC 3D PRINTING OF UV-CURABLE THERMOSET POLYMERS

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Abstract

Robotic 3D printing systems utilizing photopolymers can enable free-standing structures, large-scale printing, extensive mobility, and increased part complexity. However, to better estimate robotic printing parameters and eliminate expensive trial-and-error approaches, a simulation framework for curing behavior is needed. In this work, an autocatalytic curing model, considering printing speed, UV light intensity, spotlight diameter, and filament thickness, was used to create a MATLAB simulation to study the effect of different printing parameters. The printed filament was discretized into a set number of elements over its length and thickness. UV light exposure time above each element was derived based on spot diameter and printing speed. This simulation framework, combined with experimental data (real-time ATR-FTIR), can better inform decisions regarding printing parameters selection. Overall, it was estimated that a speed ≤ 3 mm/s with a filament thickness ≤ 2 mm would produce acceptable ranges of degrees of cure at different UV light intensities and spot diameters. Finally, control of printing parameters (robotic arm movement and UV light intensity) to obtain a specific degree of cure (DoC) ensuring structural rigidity is demonstrated for a two degree-of-freedom manipulator, showing both the desired end-effector position and the desired DoC are achieved in four seconds.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Annual Technical Conference - ANTEC, Conference Proceedings

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