Electronics

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Algorithm Lets 3D Printers 'Read Ahead' for Twice-as-Fast, Smarter Printing

One challenge for today's 3D printers involves vibrations produced as they work. A printer's movable parts cause vibrations that can affect the quality of the item being produced. To ensure details are produced accurately, the machines have to be operated slowly - and can take hours to produce a part. Now, Michigan University  engineering researchers have developed filtered b-spline (FBS) algorithms to speed up consumer 3D printers without sacrificing quality. The algorithms use a model of the printer's dynamics and adjust control of the printer to mitigate any vibrations. The algorithms can be used to simply upgrade the printer's firmware, enabling faster printing at no additional cost. The research was conducted in the university's Smart and Sustainable Automation Research Lab.When it comes to 3D printing technologies, the University of Michigan algorithm creators aren't the only ones thinking ahead. Tech Briefs compiled five other 3D printing innovations to watch.