This page was part of an MTU course MSE4777 OA and MSE4777 OB/MSE5777/EE4777/EE5777: Open-source 3-D printingPlease leave comments using the talk page. The course runs in the Fall semester. It is not open edit.Read more...
Broad and/or obvious patent claims for 3-D printing technology may hamper the open-source 3-D printing community's ability to innovate. Previous work on an algorithm protected 3-D printing materials. This page is part of a MTU Open Source 3-D Printing class project to investigate 3-D printing concepts using TRIZ and is presented here as a defensive publication of prior art to help identify obvious 'inventions' for 3-D printing.
Examiners: The ideas on this page dated Dec 3, 2015 and Nov 29, 2016 were developed by university students with less than a semester of formal 3-D printing experience (or by an instructor in class) and thus should be considered unpatentable because of obviousness to any person skilled in the art of additive manufacturing.
Appropedians: This page is open edit. Please fee free to add ideas and sign them below with ~~~~ or to use any of the ideas to built better open-source 3-D printers.

Replacement of a Mechanical System[edit | edit source]

  1. Replacing Homing Limit Switches with Time of Flight Distance Sensors Pnjensen (talk) 07:38, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  2. Replacing Homing Limit Switches with Slide or String Potentiometers Pnjensen (talk) 07:38, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  3. Replacing the ethernet cord with a Bluetooth reciever Ickesler (talk) 07:38, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  4. Replacing Timing Belt and Pulley System with Magnetic Linear Actuator Pnjensen (talk) 07:42, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  5. Replace Filament Feed with Pellet Feed Extruder into Bowden Sheath Pnjensen (talk) 07:42, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  6. Replace Electric Heating Element with Induction Heater for Printing in Metal Pnjensen (talk) 07:42, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  7. Replace Homing Limit Switches with Optical Beam Break Sensors for Homing Pnjensen (talk) 07:43, 1 December 2016 (PST)
  8. Replace mirror clamping system with a solid metal interface, likely welded to the printer Michael James (talk) 06:56, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  9. Replace timing belt with a pneumatic cylinder Michael James (talk) 07:00, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  10. Replace timing belt with a hydraulic system Michael James (talk) 07:00, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  11. Replace mirror clamps with a finger/nut system to allow for bed leveling Michael James (talk) 07:00, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  12. Remove side spool holder and implement a spool holder on the top of the printer (thinking ahead for having an extruder motor right on the print head for ninjaflex) Michael James (talk) 07:04, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  13. Implement a manual calibration system, in order to move stepper motors in mm increments manually. Michael James (talk) 07:04, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  14. Add a clamping system to the hotend effector so installing the hotend isn't absolute hell Michael James (talk) 07:05, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  15. Instead of a mirror, implement a flexible bed for easy print removalMichael James (talk) 07:09, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  16. Install a closed environment for more stable, high-temperature printingMichael James (talk) 07:09, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  17. Install electromagnetic rails on the motors, eliminating the need for beltsMichael James (talk) 07:09, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  18. Replace limit switches with a franklin measure technology that is a one-time calibration for the printer. Users tell franklin where the max height isMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  19. Add cooling fans for use of larger overhangsMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  20. Add a mirror cleaning tool to the initial kit (3d printable of course)Michael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  21. Add uneven print bed that can still support the base layer, but makes removing prints much easier Michael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  22. Add a bad print grinder that runs off the extruder motorMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  23. Move motors to the top of the printer to make travel less dangerous for the printerMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  24. Change belt to a metal clamping stripMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  25. Change belt to a bike chainMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  26. Change belt to nanosilkMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  27. Change belt to be a 3d printable partMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  28. Change the movement to a threaded shaft, similar to that of a cartesian printerMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  29. Change the magnetic ball bearings to a clamped ball jointMichael James (talk) 07:19, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  30. Develop a delta, cartesian hybrid, having three motors move the print head in 3 directions horizontally, while utilizing a 4th to step the print up each layer heightMichael James (talk) 07:24, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  31. Add a counter-weight system to reduce jerkMichael James (talk) 07:24, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  32. Add 3d printable arms that can be bonded with the ball bearings and reduce the overall weight of the systemMichael James (talk) 07:24, 4 December 2018 (PST)
  33. Develop a circuit-board inlay to improve the longevity of the machineMichael James (talk) 07:24, 4 December 2018 (PST)










Tdernest (talk) 18:32, 1 December 2015 (PST)Tyler Ernest

  1. Use rods that have ball bearings already attached
  2. Faster electric motors
  3. Stronger magnets
  4. Magnetic travel systems versus belt drive
  5. Aluminum or titanium frame
  6. Add enclosure glass to allow for welding spark cover
  7. Multiple heads, be able to weld and print plastic in one code
  8. Mounting bracket on base for computer
  9. Tubing used for wire routing
  10. Boots to hold in grease on the ball joints
  11. Adjustable height mechanism, allowing for taller prints
  12. Interchangeable base and top plate allowing larger diameter printing
  13. Smaller diameter nozzle allowing greater accuracy
  14. Needle bearing insert for filament reel
  15. Bracket that holds filament reel tight preventing sliding of the reel
  16. Sliding bracket and guide to hold bowden tube at a desired spot
  17. Quick connects allowing for quick replacement of frame parts
  18. Quick offset adjustment connected to all limit switches
  19. Lever detecting bed leveling system
  20. Glue stick clamp allowing a program to apply the perfect amount each time
  21. Solid connecting rods
  22. Replace ball joints with u-joints
  23. Lexan print bed
  24. Wireless adapter
  25. Automatic bearing greaser, activated when printer is homed
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Authors Michael James, Tyler Ernest, Pierce
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 4 pages link here
Impact 193 page views
Created December 2, 2015 by Tyler Ernest
Modified February 6, 2023 by Felipe Schenone
Cite as Michael James, Tyler Ernest, Pierce (2015–2023). "Obvious 3D printer technology based on 28. Replacement of a mechanical system". Appropedia. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
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