Input shaping in a cantilever 3D printer : Construction and evaluation

Abstract: FDM 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that is widely used, mainly for rapid prototyping. It is also one of the cheapest and most accessible AM technologies for consumers. FDM printers, and especially cheaper alternatives, can have problems with creating high quality prints. Reasons include poor design, inaccurate construction, cheap components, and improper tuning. Input shaping is a control technique that may help mitigate defects caused by poor mechanical design or construction. The “ringing” defect may be eliminated by applying this solution. To perform an evaluation in sub-optimal mechanical conditions a 3D printer was constructed with a cantilever design mainly using plastic prints for mechanically important parts. Printing tests were done with and without input shaping. The results that were produced showed a direct effect of input shaping in 3d printers.