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Hardware

Nozzle Subsystem

Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths of the nozzle subsystem include:

  1. Consistent filament extrusion along preferred directions
  2. Good temperature regulation (with insulation)
  3. Modularity (Identical mounting interface as the original nozzle)

The weaknesses include:

  1. Limited to convex parts that have 90° or less with respect to the bed. That is a design limitation since our angle is fixed.

Rotary Joint Subsystem

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

The main strengths of the rotary joint subsystem are:

  1. High Repeatability – 3 times the stated requirement.
  2. Small form factor – Light weight
  3. Simplicity – Having a concentric hollow shaft stepper motor enables a simple implementation, when compared to rotary stage, or standard stepper with gears.

Weaknesses:

  1. No feedback: which is a weakness common to all 3D printers
  2. Low stepper motor holding torque: Which causes the stepper to skip steps when encountering too much resistance