Context:
With the widespread adoption of 3D printing and especially Fused Filament Fabrication techniques, the need for the development of robust monitoring methods to ensure print consistency and product quality has arisen.
Currently most (consumer grade) FFF 3D-printers do not feature movement and or process sensing abilities, operating by purely following instructions without verification of their correct execution. Monitoring of the printer through its motion/extrusion system, printhead/bed/filament temperatures, printhead acceleration and vision algorithms have been proposed as possible solutions with varying success.
Our group is currently developing a methodology that can directly measure the properties of the produced part as it is being printed. Using Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) in combination with conductively doped polymers, an image of the produced part and inter-layer adhesion can be derived.
Project description:
Given the complex geometries allowed by 3D printing, the location of the measurement electrodes has a great influence upon the ability to detect and locate defects with the impedance tomography technique. In previous work a technique for measuring impedance across print-bed electrodes has been developed, that in principle allows for observation of warping and inter-layer adhesion problems, where nozzle to bed impedance measurements enable for observation of the deposition process as well as bridging defects.
This BSc assignment will focus on implementing and utilizing this new print monitoring technique for real-time 3D print validation making use of frequency multiplexing multi-electrode impedance measurements. The key aim of the assignment will be the verification of the multiplexing method on real world prints, in combination with the investigation of the methods defect localization capabilities. In addition, the development of suitable validation prints in combination with existing models will also be included, to allow for verification of the comparison of ideal and non-ideal prints.
Student background:
We are looking for a BSc student in Electrical Engineering (EE), Advanced Technology (AT) or similar. Ideally, students have previous experience with (customized) FFF 3D printers, affinity with electronics/hardware and Python/MATLAB.
Contact: h.r.jonkers@utwente.nl