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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The Open Source Powder Printer - Pwdr Open source powder-based rapid prototyping machine

Pwdr Model 0.1

Pwdr is an open source powder-based rapid prototyping machine. Its goal is to promote experiments and innovations in powder-based rapid-prototyping. The machine is ready to use both the 3DP as the SLS process with minimal adaption, although the printer is currently prepped for 3DP.

Hardware

The Pwdr Model 0.1 consists of chassis, tool head and electronics. The printer entirely consists of off-the-shelf components. It has a simple design and can be built within a couple of hours. The machine is easy and affordable to build and modify. Building a Pwdr Model 0.1 machine costs about €1000,-.

Software

The accompanying software for the Pwdr Model 0.1 converts the CAD model in a printable format. This file is then uploaded to the Pwdr Model 0.1 micro-controller. The machine is controlled by easy-to-use software that allow full control of the printing process.The Pwdr Model 0.1 software has been based on open source tools like Arduino and Processing.

Materials

A whole new range of materials become available for experimenting with open-source rapid-prototyping; for example, when using the 3DP process: gypsum, ceramics, concrete, sugar, etc. And when the SLS process is fully supported, plastic materials like ABS, PP, Nylon and metals become available as building material.A Hewlett Packard inkjet cartridge is used for the deposition of binder. The cartridge can be refilled with custom binders using a syringe. A custom binder of 20% alcohol and 80% water has been proven to work.

Specifications

Maximum build size: 125mm x 125mm x 125mm
Print resolution (3DP): 96DPI
Minimum vertical step size: 50μm
Speed (depending on printed part): ±1 minute per layer

Update (7/8/2012): print results

As this website focussed on the machine and less on the current results. Here are a couple of pictures of the current print results

Top left: ZCorp ZP131 (gypsum) with standard inkjet ink in machine. Top right: excavated part. Bottom left: Resin fixated part (ZP131). Bottom right: Sintered alumina membrane (AKP15 + standard ink that is burnt during sintering)

Printing of the top left and right part, the roller is visible behind the cartridge

Go there...
http://pwdr.github.com/

Man, I like this one!:) This opens up a bunch more possibilities on, what can be made with this open source Powder Printer!

Don