2. Material Extrusion Flashcards
What is the key process of Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEAM)?
Material is selectively dispensed through a nozzle.
What distinguishes MEAM in terms of commonality and cost compared to other additive manufacturing methods?
It is the most common and cheapest additive manufacturing method.
How does material deposition work in MEAM?
Material is deposited one layer at a time, with the platform moving down after each layer.
What are the stages of material extrusion?
- CAD Model
- Convert model to STL
- Setup
- Build
- Post processing
What are the requirements for a 3D model to be printed in MEAM?
The model must be a 3D solid or watertight mesh.
What design considerations should be taken into account when creating a CAD model for MEAM?
- Avoid thin walls
- Consider support structures (especially for large masses supported by thin stems)
- Account for moving part tolerances
- Make appropriate material choices.
What is the purpose of converting a model to STL in MEAM?
It converts the model to a triangular surface representation suitable for stereolithography, saving it in .stl format.
What are the key steps in the setup process for MEAM?
- Import the model to software
- Set the orientation, quantity, process parameters, and support structures
- The software generates slices and the print path.
- Additionally, ensure platform leveling, nozzle alignment, material feed, and preheat the base.
Describe the build process in MEAM once the setup is complete.
The build process starts with the platform raised to the top; the nozzle stays at the same elevation. The platform lowers as each layer is printed.
What post-processing steps are needed in most AM processes?
- Removal of support structures, which can be by force or dissolved.
- Painting to improve appearance and strength
- Polishing through mechanical or chemical methods.
Describe the order of operations in a single spool extrusion system for MEAM.
- Filament is unwound from the spool
- Filament is led to the extruder
- Extruder applies torque and pinch to extract the filament
- Filament is heated by the heater block
- Heated filament is forced out of the heated nozzle
- Heated filament is laid down on the model
How does a dual spool system differ from a single spool system in MEAM?
- Two separate spools, heater and nozzle systems
- Allows for separate build and support material systems
What are the benefits of using soluble support structures in MEAM?
- Easy removal of support material
- Ideal for complex geometries or hard-to-reach areas
What are the characteristics of integrated (direct) extrusion in MEAM?
- Simpler design compared to remote extrusion
- Increases the weight of the print head
- Results in slower print speeds
- Rarely encounters printing issues
- Print head acceleration is limited due to extra mass and inertia
- Print speed is also constrained by nozzle size and material flow rate
What are the features and issues associated with remote (Bowden) extrusion?
- Utilized in printers like the Ultimaker 2
- Extruder is located away from the print head
- A Bowden tube transmits mechanical force to the hot end
- Allows for a faster-moving print head due to reduced weight
- Can have friction issues within the Bowden tube
- Potential for distortion of the filament by the filament driver