Development of a cylindrical coordinate-based fused filament fabrication machine with multiple print heads

Abstract

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an additive manufacturing (AM) process that is intended to build three-dimensional objects through selective deposition of melted material layer-by-layer along a pre-determined path. In the last few years, the utilization of the FFF technology has grown at a high pace and today its use has become widespread in several applications. In the light of the premises, this work emerges as a technology push effort to develop an innovative FFF machine where cylindrical coordinate-based print motion is combined with multiple print heads. The proposed FFF machine was conceived and designed guided by appropriate methodologies concerning product development, assembly, servicing, and design for AM. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, a physical prototype was produced gathering traditional manufacturing processes with AM. The physical prototype was validated with speed, temperature, and deposition tests. The presented FFF machine presents higher manufacturing versatility due to the possibility of processing different materials (in the same part and in all printing area) with an increased production rate, that enables printing up to three parts simultaneously.