As part of the MSc thesis, we investigated how maintaining a constant temperature in the 3D printing working area affects the quality of products made from more complex materials.
In the first phase, we need a quality housing for the 3D printer. The enclosure allows for faster heating of the work area, prevents fire, protects the printer and the product from impurities from the surroundings. It also reduces the noise of the printer.
Furthermore, we need a heater for additional heating of the room when needed. The challenge is to ensure optimum temperature and low humidity in the printer's workspace. To this end, we have designed a module that will continuously monitor and control these two variables. This will increase the quality of the products or ensure better production conditions.
As part of the methodology, we present the design of various concepts, calculations and simulations, which are also experimentally verified. Based on the criteria, we select the most appropriate concept and produce it in the next phase. We describe the process of preparing the system for programming the Arduino microcontroller and the electrical connections of the individual components.
With the help of the temperature control module, the housing and the IR heater, we have ensured a constant temperature in the range of 1 °C and a low humidity of around 20 % in the working area of the printer. As expected, the print quality of the more demanding prints has improved.
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