Track: Graduate Student Paper Competition

Abstract

The following paper focuses on designing an innovative method for connecting 3D printed components. This is an important topic to weakness the problem of printer dimensions. The idea of connecting different parts in a larger one
using compliant mechanism starts from a real application concerning the building of molds with dimensions beyond the desktop size for carbon fiber lamination. The goal is to maximize the mold quality without the need of excessively increase in printing time. These aspects provided an opportunity to delve into the topic of dividing 3d printed molds and the subsequent assembly, as well as disassembly for the extraction stages of the laminated part. The goal of the paper is to propose a mechanism capable of facilitating all stages of part production, from mold assembly to component extraction. In addition, the idea is to develop a mechanism that does not require the use of specific tools.

Keywords
3D printing, FDM, carbon fiber lamination, compliant mechanism, assembly, disassembly.