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Optimization of positioning system of FDMmachine design using analytical approach
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brazil
AbstractPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the conception of the positioning system of fused deposition modeling (FDM) machines, optimisingdesign parameter and components accuracy to decrease mechanical errors of equipment, which, consequently, results in the increase of parts accuracy.This paper also reports studies related to analytical estimation of machine errors, describing a theoretical model which was used for the multivariablestudy. Additionally, an alternative conception is proposed, according with the result of this study.Design/methodology/approach – For elaboration of the numerical model of equipment, the authors have focused on conception of first generationof FDM, specifying as design parameters, timing belt stiffness, linear bearing clearance, and accuracy grade of ball screw housing, support and pulley.In order to identify the main effect of each design parameter for the final error of machine, the authors have applied a multivariable method in additionto identifying the error budget of model. Also indicated are the two factors that promote more errors, undergoing a proposal of conception whichconsists in replacing one component of machine.Findings – With reference to the evaluation of the numerical model, equivalency was found between the resultant error of model and the current FDMaccuracy. The result of multivariable study identified the main causes of errors in machine, implying on an optimized solution which decreases the initialerror in 69mm. Similarly, the evaluation of the proposed conception resulted in the reduction of general error in almost 20mm, even though the worstcase was studied for this comparison.Originality/value – Although the number of applications for additive manufacturing has been growing in recent years, implying an increase ofdemand for high precision parts, there are still several challenges to be overcome, such as the improvement of equipment. For that reason, themotivation of this work concerns the contribution for development of new equipment, as well the improvement of current technologies. Furthermore,the authors’ focus was the reduction of mechanical errors through an analytical approach.
Keywords Advanced manufacturing technologies, Optimum design, Additive manufacturing, Optimization, Error budget
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Along the last years, the development of additive manufacturing
technologies has been substantially increasing, even though
there are still significant challenges to be overcome. For
example, one of these challenges is concerned with mechanical
design of equipment, as such positioning and deposition
systems. Furthermore, the main purpose of this development is
to increase the precision of equipments, in addition to reducing
manufacturing costs (Gibson, 2010; Cunico, 2011).Likewise, the main goal of this work is to analyse a
simplified design structure which is found in a FDM machine,
identifying the essential design parameters that influence the
final error of equipment. In addition, for pointing the main
machine elements that are suitable to be improved, this study
also intends to identify and reduce mechanical errors even in
preliminary phases of new projects.On the other hand, the object of our study is based on the
structure found in first generations of FDM machines, as such
3D Modelerw and FDM series (Wang, 2010). Alternately, the
schematic drawing of this layout is shown in Figure 1, wherein
can be seen the main conception of this equipment.With regards to workability of this system, it can be
highlighted that the motion of z direction is caused by the
simultaneous movement of two lead screws, which are placed
in the table through four screw nuts and guided by eight-
linear bearing. In addition, the motion of screws is provided
by a flexible transmission which is coupled in an electrical
motor. Similarly, the motion of x- and y-axis is directly done
by the displacement of a flexible transmission which is fixed
on extruder and axis housing (Swanson et al., 2001).Having this conception in mind, we applied some methods
of precision engineering in order to elaborate a numerical
model which would have been able to point out final errors of
machine (Slocum, 1992). Additionally, it was defined housing
and supports accuracy grade, linear bearing clearance, timing
belt stiffness, pulley belt accuracy grade and ball screw
accuracy grade as the main design parameters that possibly
affect the final error of machine.After evaluating the model through a comparison with a
current machine found in the market, we investigated the
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1355-2546.htm
Rapid Prototyping Journal
19/3 (2013) 144–152
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited [ISSN 1355-2546]
[DOI 10.1108/13552541311312139]
The authors would like to thank the CAPES for financial support, as wellas the Department of Post Graduation in Mechanical Engineering of theUniversity of Sao Paulo (campus Sao Carlos), for providing access toinfrastructure and Laboratories.
Received: 22 August 2011Revised: 10 November 2011Accepted: 14 November 2011
144
contribution of the main design parameters over the positioning
system error through multivariable methodologies. As result,it was possible to propose an equivalent conception thatprovides which replaces only one machine element, comparingwith the highest accuracy arrangement found in this study.
2. Material and methods
For the definition of values of parameters of our study, wehave preliminary analysed first generations of FDM machines,selecting standard machine elements for composing the layout
of studied machine. In addition, it was also defined the maindesign components and tolerances in order to formulate thenumerical model.
With respect to the optimization analysis proposed in thiswork, it was used the software Matlab and Minitab ascomputational tools which processed the numerical modeldata and compiled its results.
2.1 Machine description
As this study intend to evaluate a numerical model through
reverse engineering of a current machine, we tried specifyingall machine components based on standard suppliers, as suchTHK, Thomson or HIWIN for ball screw and linear bearingbesides Gates for pulley and timing belt. At the same way, the
international tolerance of housing and supports were definedin accordance with accuracy grade for high precision parts.
For drive motor, it was specified DC motors and angular
encoder for the control system. Additional, it was alsoconsidered that the preload of belts provides no backlash tothe system. In this case, the maximum resolution ofdisplacement is bounded by the encoder resolution, beingdefined as 18,000 pulses per revolution. Therefore, defining the
diameter of pulley belts as 20 mm, the maximum resolution of x-y-axes would be equal to 6.9mm. Furthermore, the maximum
accuracy recommended by fundamentals of precision
engineering is equal to 0.069 mm, which is the result of
10 per cent of resolution (Slocum, 1992).In order to specify x-y-axes, it was considered that the
position system is composed by two linear bearing per shaft,in addition to being feed by a flexible transmission which
concerns timing belt and pulley.With reference to fixture of shafts and housing of linear
bearing, we defined a single design parameter in accordancewith accuracy grade. This parameter was also applied to
z-axis, as such the fixture of lead screw on structure and the
screw nuts on table.For the motion of z-axis, it was initially specified that the
linear displacement occurs through four ball screws whoseflanged nuts is directly coupled in the building table. It is
important to highlight that this conception applies no linearguide and consequently, either the rigidity or straightness of
system might be compromised. In accordance with thatspecification, it was initially selected a laminated ball screw
with no preload and whose tolerance quality is C7 for motion
of z-axis.For this study, we initially considered a layer thickness
equivalent to the finest FDM machine (FORTUS 900mc fromStratasys), which provides the minimal thickness layer equal to
0.127 mm (Stratasys, 2011a). Due to that, it was selected a stepmotor as the drive motor that feeds lead screw. The operation
mode of this motor was defined to be half step, providing aresolution equal to 800 steps per revolution. As result, if the
pulley diameter and the screw lead were, respectively,
considered equal to 20 and 4 mm, the minimal displacementof z-axis would be 0.01 mm. And consequently, the main
maximum accuracy of z-axis would be equal to 0.1 mm.As the structural frame of machine was considered rigid
body, it was ignored errors caused by either deflection offrames or housing bearing.
For definition of system basic dimensions, it was defined abuilding area equivalent to FORTUS 360mc (355 £ 254 £
254 mm) (Stratasys, 2011b), being shown in Figure 2. In that
figure, it is presented the schematic drawing of a simplifiedFDM machine which contains the basic dimension that was
considered for this study. Additionally, it was shown the mainmachine elements and the position of main axes which were
used in formulation of the numerical model.Regarding the basic dimension of system, the distance
between shafts of x-axis is equal to 50 mm, while the supports
of both x- and y-axis 300 mm. It is important to emphasisethat support of x-axis and housing of y-axis are features of the
same component, while the support of y- and z-axes arefeatures of machine frame.
Continuing the description, we defined the distancebetween ball screw as 400 and 300 mm in both x- and
y-direction while the housing that places the screw nuts asfeature of building table.
On the other hand, it was determined the position of toolaxis is placed on the tip of extruder nozzle, while the x- and
y-axes on the centre of respective shafts. In contrast with that,
the z-axis can be found in the centre of building table, inaccordance with the zero point of machine.
As the main goal of this work is concerned with theprecision of positioning system, the influence of extrusion
head on machine accuracy was ignored. At the same way, forestimating the contribution of errors from basic deformation
of shafts, it was attributed the mass 2 kg to extrusion head,
Figure 1 FDM machine scheme
X
Z
Y
Source: Swanson et al. (2001)
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
145
being placed this load on x-axis centroid, in order to divide
this load equally between the shafts.It is also important to highlight that this study focused in
geometrical errors, considering being part of design process.
Otherwise, other sources of errors should be also studied as
kinematics, dynamics and thermal errors.
2.2 Numerical modeling
For elaborating the numeric model of machine errors, we
defined four main axes whose homogeneous transformation
matrix (HTM) includes the incremental coordinates of axis
translation and total errors of each axis, as exposed in
equation (1). Alternatively, it is also represented the position
of this axes in Figure 2:
RTzerror¼T Txerror
· yTyerror· zTzerror
ð1Þ
With reference to the depiction of axes’ HTM, equation (2)
presents the general formulation of HTM and the
collaboration of both error matrix and translation matrix for
its composition:
aTberror¼ aTb · aEb
¼
1 0 0 X
0 1 0 Y
0 0 1 Z
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
·
1 21z 1y dx
1z 1 21x dy
21y 1x 1 dz
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
¼
1 21z 1y X þ dx
1z 1 21x Y þ dy
21y 1x 1 Z þ dz
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
ð2Þ
where:
aTberroris the HTM from axis a to axis b considering
errors.aTb is the translation matrix from axis a to axis b.
Figure 2 FDM machine scheme (schematic basic dimensions) and axes (X, Y, Z, T )
Source: Adapted from Swanson (2001)
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
146
aEb is the error matrix considering geometrical
interface from axis a to axis b.X, Y and Z are the position elements, respectively, in x-,
y- and z-directions.1x, 1y, 1z are the rotational errors along x-, y- and
z-directions.dx, dy and dz are the linear error, respectively, in x-, y- and
z-directions.
Therefore, considering the main dimensions which were
shown in Figure 2, the HTM of each axis is defined as
equations (3)-(5):
T Txerror¼
1 21z11y1
200 2 X þ dx1
1z11 21x1
25 þ dy1
21y11x1
1 50 þ dz1
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
ð3Þ
xTyerror¼
1 21z21y2
dx2
1z21 21x2
125 2 Y þ dy2
21y21x2
1 225 þ dz2
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
ð4Þ
yTzerror¼
1 21z31y3
2200 þ dx3
1z31 21x3
2150 þ dy3
21y31x3 1 225 þ Z þ dz3
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
ð5Þ
Additionally, for identifying the final error of system, it is
multiplied the current HTM (which considers errors) and the
inverse of expected HTM (which considers no errors), as
presented in equation (6):
ER ¼ RTzerror·21RTz !
dx
dy
dz
1
2666664
3777775
¼
1 0 0 X
0 1 0 Y
0 0 1 Z
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
21
·
1 21z 1y X þ dx
1z 1 21x Y þ dy
21y 1x 1 Z þ dz
0 0 0 1
2666664
3777775
ð6Þ
2.3 Methods and investigation
In order to evaluate the numerical model of machine error, it
was defined initial values for design parameters, which was
selected in accordance with general accuracy grade for high
precision parts (IT3). In addition, standard deviation for pulley
belt and ball screw was IT7, which indicates tolerances range for
current manufacturing (Shigley and Mischke, 1996). With
reference with the final error of machine numeric model in the
central region of table (zero coordinates), it was comparing with
the general accuracy announced by a current technology.For the estimation of errors of this initial study, the numerical
model of geometric errors was determined by the sum of errors
of transitional and rotational along the three axes. Where: dx, dy
and dz are transitional errors along x-z axes and 1x, 1y, 1z are
rotational errors along x, y an z-axes (pitch, yaw and roll,
respectively). Therefore, Table I lists the tolerance of both
general design parameters and main machine elements whichwere used in our object of study.
In function of the number of variables that effect the final
error of machine, it was also applied a multivariable methodwith purpose of identifying a systematic approach for selecting
elements of positioning and tooling machines. For this, it was
applied the design of experiment methodology (DOE) inorder to analyse the collaboration of each design parameter
for the final machine error (Montgomery and Runger, 2010;
Cox and Reid, 2000).For identifying the main contribution of each design
parameter and machine element for the final error of
machine, we defined the housing and support accuracy grade
(HS), pulley’s accuracy grade (P), linear bearing accuracy (B),timing belt stiffness (TB) and ball screw accuracy grade (BS) as
the main variables which vary the machine error in general.
Therefore, we defined two levels for each one of these
parameters, as it is shown in Table II.On the other hand, we considered a full design (25) to
analyse the main effects of parameters against the final errorsof tool (dx, dy, dz) which were determined as the response
parameters.Additionally, it was elaborated a contour diagram, showing
the relationship between the parameter that promote most
effect and the final error.
3. Results and discussions
With purpose of evaluate the numerical model of machine
errors, it was individually identified the geometric error of each
axis, being totalized by systematic and random errors
(10 per cent systematic error). On the other hand, it was alsoindicated the main components which are related to axis error.
In accordance with this, the list of total, systematic and
random errors are shown in Table III, which also presents themain sources of geometrical error for each direction.
As result, the final error that was found for this arrange of
values can be seen in Table IV. In that table, it is possible toidentify the maximum error of 0.125 mm, which is a value
that indicates the similarity with the maximum error
announced by FDM 360mc (^0.127 mm) (Stratasys,2011b). In that case, only 1mm differ both cases, providing
a deviation of 1.5 per cent.Then, with regards to evaluation of the numerical model,
the comparison between the maximum errors found proves
the equivalency between numerical model of geometrical
errors and current machines. Additionally, it is also important
to highlight that the model considers only geometrical errors,ignoring kinematics, dynamics and thermal errors in function
of low efforts involved.With respect to the analysis of main effect of general design
parameters, it was identified the final error resulted by
numerical model of machine errors. For doing this analysis, it
was varied the values of parameter in two levels according tofull design (25).
In Table V, it is shown the matrix design of study, wherein is
presented the levels and values of design parameters besides thefinal error in each of three directions. Additionally, it is possible
to see that the range of error found in z-axis is higher than the
other axis’ errors, varying from 20.041 to 20.349 mm.
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
147
Another result that is important to be highlighted is the minimal
error for axes, being, respectively, 20.04895, 20.05615 and
20.04101 mm for dX, dYand dZ. In that case, it was considered
as design parameters, IT1 for general accuracy grade, IT5 for
accuracy grade of pulley and ball screw. Otherwise, it was
increased the stiffness of timing belt in order to reduce the
variation intrinsic to kinematic and dynamic loads, even though
the study focused on geometric errors. Additionally, stiffness of
belt was also determined as 3,000 N/mm, which infers the error
of 0.016 mm for a static load of 50 N.With respect to the analysis of main effects of design
parameter, it is possible to see in Figures 3-5, the collaboration
of each factor for final error in x-, y- and z-directions,
respectively.
Table II List of levels of general parameters and tolerances for machine design
Level
Control factor 11 21 Description
Housing and shaft
support accuracy (HS)
0.013 mm (IT3) 0.007 mm (IT1) .300 # 400 (Shigley and Mischke, 1996)
0.004 mm (IT3) 0.0015 mm (IT1) .18 # 50 (Shigley and Mischke, 1996)
Pulley accuracy (P) 0.021 mm (IT7) 0.0009 mm (IT5) .30 # 51 (Gates, 2011; Shigley and Mischke, 1996)
Timing belt
tolerance (TB)
0.020 mm
(2,200 N/mm)
0.016 mm
(3,000 N/mm)
For load equal to 50 N (Gates, 2006, 2011)
Bearing tolerances (B) 1’ 1’ Angular misalignment (Thomson, 2009b; HIWIN, 2006; THK, 2007)
0.004 mm 0mm Radial clearance (Thomson, 2009b; HIWIN, 2006; THK, 2007)
Ball screw tolerances (BS) 0.052 mm (C7) 0.023 mm (C5) Lead accuracy þ backlash (axial play) (THK, 2011; Thomson, 2009a; HIWIN, 2008)
Table III Description of combination of systematic, random and total errors for each axis, being detailed the main sources of geometrical errors andtheir contribution for each direction
Error dir Systematic Random Total error Error description
x-axisdX (mm) 0.064 0.0064 0.0704 Timing belt þ pulley
dY (mm) 0.026 0.0026 0.0286 Extruder housing þ shaft supports
dZ (mm) 0.026 0.0026 0.0286 Extruder housing þ shaft supports
1X (rad) 0.00052 0.000052 0.000572 Extruder housing þ shaft supports
1Y (rad) 4.33 £ 10þ00 4.33 £ 10201 4.77 £ 10þ00 Extruder housing þ shaft supports
1Z (rad) 4.33 £ 10þ00 4.33 £ 10201 4.77 £ 10þ00 Extruder housing þ shaft supports
y-axisdX (mm) 0.026 0.0026 0.0286 Guide housing þ shaft support
dY (mm) 0.064 0.0064 0.0704 Timing belt þ pulley
d (mm) 0.026 0.0026 0.0286 Guide housing þ shaft support
1X (rad) 4.33 £ 10þ00 4.33 £ 10201 4.77 £ 10þ00 Guide housing þ shaft support
1Y (rad) 8.67 £ 10þ00 8.67 £ 10201 9.53 £ 10þ00 Guide housing þ shaft support
1Z (rad) 4.33 £ 10þ00 4.33 £ 10201 4.77 £ 10þ00 Guide housing þ shaft suport
z-axisdX (mm) 0.026 0.0026 0.0286 Table support þ shaft support
dY (mm) 0.026 0.0026 0.0286 Table support þ shaft support
dZ (mm) 0.066 0.0066 0.0726 Ball screw
1X (rad) 0.000264 0.0000264 0.0002904 Table support þ shaft support þ ball screw
1Y (rad) 0.000264 0.0000264 0.0002904 Table support þ shaft support þ ball screw
1Z (rad) 0.197021697 0.01970217 0.216723867 Table support þ shaft support þ ball screw
Table I List of design parameters and machine elements tolerances
Tolerances Tolerance Description
Accuracy grade IT3 .300 # 400 0.013 mm Supports and housing
.18 # 50 0.004 mm supports and housing
IT7 .30 # 51 0.021 mm Pulley
Timing belt tolerance 0.020 mm Based on stiffness of belt
Bearing tolerances 1’ Angular misalignment
0.004 mm Radial clearance
Ball screw tolerances 0 mm Radial clearance
0.052 mm Lead accuracy (C7) þ backlash (axial play)
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
148
In Figure 3, it is possible to see the high effect of pulley accuracy
grade in comparison with other parameters. In addition, the
accuracy grade of ball screw was also found to be almost
irrelevant to x-y direction, in function of its low main effects.On the other hand, Figure 4 points to pulley accuracy as
irrelevant for the error in z direction, evidencing the individual
collaboration of either pulley or ball screw accuracy grade for
the errors in x-, y- and z-directions, respectively.Another point to be highlighted is the main effect of timing
belt stiffness, as well the accuracy grade of linear bearing,
housing and supports. Observing the collaboration of each of
these design parameters for the errors in three directions, it is
possible to identify almost the same effect. In spite of that, the
error caused by timing belt was shown to be the less relevant
among these parameters, when comparing their main effect.Resulting from these observations, besides improving linear
bearing specification, the increase of housing and supports
accuracy grade would be the most important changes in order
to reduce the general errors of machine.Another option for the improvement of this positioning
system would be the replacement of linear bearing and shaft
by linear guides, which are composed by profiled rail and
auto-lubrificated block. Although this option tends to be more
expensive than linear bearing and shaft, it also provides higher
stiffness in addition to tighter angular tolerances.
Furthermore, the application of this conception also helps
to reduce error caused by housing accuracy, due to the
replacement of housing by the block of linear guide.In fact, the importance of housing and support accuracy for
final error of system is highlighted by Figure 5, wherein is
presented the contour diagram of final error in x- and z-
directions as a function of these two design parameter.
Analysing these diagrams, it is possible to identify that even if
all the other parameter have been in high level (low accuracy),
Table V Description of combination of systematic, random and total errors for each axis, being detailed the main sources of geometrical errors andtheir contribution for each direction
Design parameters Responses
Trial H & S (mm) P (mm) TB (mm) B (mm) BS (mm) dX (mm) dy (mm) dz (m)
1 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.04895 20.05615 20.04101
2 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.28802 20.22641 20.34905
3 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.8062 20.08706 20.05151
4 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.10362 20.11421 20.0812
5 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.06262 20.06906 20.05151
6 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.08562 20.09621 20.08119
7 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.08662 20.09306 20.05152
8 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) 21 (0.023) 20.10962 20.12021 20.0812
9 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.06582 20.06878 20.06485
10 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.08882 20.09593 20.09452
11 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.08982 20.09278 20.06485
12 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.11282 20.11993 20.09454
13 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.07182 20.07478 20.06485
14 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.09382 20.10093 20.09453
15 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.09482 20.09778 20.06485
16 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) 21 (0.023) 20.11782 20.12493 20.09454
17 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.05662 20.06305 20.08151
18 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.07962 20.09019 20.11119
19 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.08062 20.08705 20.08151
20 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.10362 20.11419 20.1112
21 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.06262 20.06905 20.08151
22 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.10362 20.11419 20.1112
23 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.08662 20.09305 20.08152
24 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) 21 (0.000) þ1 (0.053) 20.10362 20.11419 20.1112
25 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.06582 20.06877 20.09485
26 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.08882 20.09591 20.12452
27 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.08982 20.09277 20.09485
28 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) 21 (0.016) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.11282 20.11991 20.12454
29 21 (0.006) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.06582 20.06877 20.09485
30 þ1 (0.012) 21 (0.009) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.09482 20.10191 20.12453
31 21 (0.006) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.07182 20.07477 20.09485
32 þ1 (0.012) þ1 (0.021) þ1 (0.022) þ1 (0.008) þ1 (0.053) 20.11882 20.12591 20.12454
Table IV Final error found through numerical model for the initialvalues of design parameters
Direction Model error FORTUS 360mc accuracy
dX (mm) 20.119 0.127
dY (mm) 20.126 0.127
dZ (mm) 20.124 0.127
Average (mm) 20.123 0.127
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
149
the arrangement of linear bearing, housing and support accuracy
would be able to provide a low range of error, as such 0.075-
0.085 mm for both directions.Above all, it is also interesting to emphasise that errors
caused by motion elements can be electronically minimized
by a controlling system and sensors, as such linear encoder or
interferometer. In that case, despite the geometrical error
provided by either ball screw or pulley and timing belt, the
final displacement of axis will depend on measurements of
sensors, allowing the computational compensation of error
Figure 3 Analysis of main effect of design parameter for final error in dX- and dY- directions
–0.08
–0.08
–0.09
–0.09
–0.10
–0.10
–0.11
–0.11
–0.12
–0.120.000 0.008
B (mm)
H & S (mm) P (mm) TB (mm)
Main Effects Plot for δX and δY (mm)Data Means
BS (mm)
0.023 0.053
0.006
Mea
n
0.012 0.0210.009 0.016 0.022
Figure 4 Analysis of main effect of design parameter for dZ (mm)
–0.08
–0.08
–0.10
–0.10
–0.12
–0.12
0.000 0.008
B (mm)
H & S (mm) P (mm) TB (mm)
Main Effects Plot for δz (mm)Data Means
BS (mm)
0.023 0.053
0.006
Mea
n
0.012 0.0210.009 0.016 0.022
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
150
through a control system. On the other hand, this situation
does not avoid completely the error of the final part, as the
geometrical errors are independent, as such straightness.As housing and support accuracy and linear bearing were
indicated to affect more intensely the mechanical errors of
machine, it was analysed an option to replace just one machine
component in order to reduce errors which are caused by either
housing accuracy or linear bearing. As result of these analyses, it
was possible to propose linear guides with precision accuracy,
no preload and block basic dimension of 15 mm as an equivalent
solution for linear bearing and machined shaft.As result, the final error found in this proposal can be seen
in Table VI, wherein is also shown the comparison with the
current conception.Finally, it is possible to see that the simple replacement of this
element were able to reduce the error in two axes (y and z),
in spite of increase of error in x direction. Nonetheless, it is also
interesting to be seen that the proximity between the values of
x errors, whereas the difference happens in order of microns. At
the same way, the general reduction of machine error can be
seen through the difference between the averages of errors.
4. Conclusion
Besides this work has evaluated an analytical model of errors
for first generation of FDM machines, it has shown the main
influence of the five principal parameters which are used in
positioning machines.On the other hand, the analysis of main effect has also
allowed seeing the contribution of each parameter for each
axis direction. Wherefrom is possible to be emphasised the
system elements that lack for additional improvements,
as such the increase of linear guide accuracy.It was observed that the highest effect of error in x and y
direction is provided by pulley accuracy in spite of the timing
belt error. In fact, this highlights the importance of selecting a
suitable transmission element to minimize errors caused
by motion system. Similarly, the ball screw was indicated as
one of the main sources of errors in z direction even though
the housing and supports accuracy and the linear bearing
accuracy were generally found to be the main sources.
Figure 5 Contour diagrams of housing and support accuracy (HS) and linear bearing (B) vs final error in dX- and dZ-directions
Table VI Comparison between final error of actual conceptions (linearbearing þ shaft) and proposed conception (linear guide)
Direction Linear bearing Linear guide
dX (mm) 20.119 20.1177
dY (mm) 20.126 20.1135
dZ (mm) 20.124 20.0752
Average 20.123 20.1021
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
151
Focusing on these two parameters, it was proposed analternative conception which concerns the replacement of justone machine element. As consequence, the substitution oflinear bearing by linear guide provides the reduction of thegeneral error of system that was noted in almost 20mm.
In spite of this, it is also important to be highlighted thatalthough the cost of equipment limit the development of thissort of machine, this work opened a possibility for consideringthe cost of components, being at the same way performed anoptimization study which compares the cost and errorfunctions.
In conclusion, this work emphasises the importance of eachof the main design parameters on the final error of firstgeneration of FDM machines, allowing seeing ways for increaseof accuracy in addition to highlighting where is necessary to beconcentrated efforts.
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Corresponding author
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico can be contacted at:
Optimization of positioning system of FDM machine design
Marlon Wesley Machado Cunico and Jonas de Carvalho
Rapid Prototyping Journal
Volume 19 · Number 3 · 2013 · 144–152
152
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