EIT week37-1 3D Printing Interactive Objects

3D Printing Interactive Objects

Overview

• Course: Engineering Interaction Technologies
• Professor: Michael Wessely, Interactive Matter Lab

3D Printing Technologies

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

• Process: Involves melting plastic filament through a hot extruder nozzle which then solidifies to form the object.
• Materials:
  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): Strong, stiff, less heat resistant, biodegradable.
  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Less stiff, higher heat resistance and toughness, not biodegradable.
  • TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Flexible, softer than PLA and ABS.
  • Specialty Filaments: Include wood-infused, thermochromic, glow-in-the-dark, and conductive types for various functionalities.

Conductive Filament

• Properties: Infused with carbon particles to allow capacitive touch sensing and lighting LEDs.
• Applications: Used for creating interactive objects with embedded touch sensors and flexible properties.

3D Modeling and Printing Process

• Design to Printing:
  • Create a 3D model and export it in .stl format.
  • Use slicing software to generate infill and support structures.
  • Print the object and remove any support material post-printing.

Challenges and Solutions in 3D Printing

• Common Issues:
  • Warping due to material contraction upon cooling.
  • Techniques like custom G-code can manipulate print path direction to use warping advantageously.

Cost Estimation for 3D Printed Objects

• Calculating Cost:
  • Determine the cost per gram of filament.
  • Weigh the final object to calculate the total material cost.

Advanced Applications and Research

• Interactive and Functional Printing:
  • Printing with conductive textiles.
  • Integration of capacitive sensing in modular materials.
  • Explorations into 3D printing as a method for creating complex, interactive lamps and other customizable items.

Lab Sessions and Practical Implementations

• Interactive Lamp Project: Combines 3D modeling, printing, and conductive materials to create an interactive lamp.
• Educational Focus: Emphasizes the practical aspects of designing and executing 3D printed projects in an educational setting.