The document provides an overview of 3D printing tips specifically for robotics, covering various printer types and recommendations based on budget and specific needs. It discusses materials suitable for 3D printing, including common filaments and innovative options like carbon fiber and heat-resistant materials. Additionally, it offers best practices for model optimization and printing techniques to enhance performance and reduce support needs.

1. 3D Printing Tips for Robotics

2. Hi, I’m Shashi
• Intel Innovation Manager
• Founder of MatterCompilers
• Organizer of Portland 3D Printing
Lab

3. Today
• Printer Types
• Printer Recommendations
• New Materials
• Part Orientation
• Model Optimization

4. Why 3D Printing?
What I’ve Printed
• Weight Reduction
• Fairings
• Cable Management
• Couplers
• Mechanical Grip
Other Applications
• Parts Count Reduction
• Chassis members
• Gearing
• Tracks/Treads
• Light Pipes
• Crumple Zones
• Bushings
• Battery packs/assemblies

6. Printer Recommendations
For Optimal Prints

7. $220
Monoprice Select Mini
ABS, PLA, Composites
Cura, Repetier
4x4x4”
1.75mm
Source: Amazon.com
Advantage: Cheap, Reliable

8. $400
Creality CR-10
ABS, PLA, Composites
Cura, Repetier, Simplify 3D
12x12x16”
1.75mm
Source: Gearbest.com
Advantage: Huge build volume, Cheap

9. $500
Wanhao D7
Tough, Clear Resin
Proprietary
4.7x2.6x8”
Source: Amazon.com
Advantage: High Precision, Light pipes
Cons: Brittle parts, small build volume

10. $600/900
Prusa Research i3 MK2s
ABS, PLA, Composites
Slic3r Prusa, Simplify3D
9.8x8.3x8”
1.75mm
Source: shop.prusa3d.com
Advantages: Very precise, multicolor
extension
Good for Portability / On-the-Go printing

11. $2500
Lulzbot Taz 6
ABS, PLA, Composites
Cura Simplify3D
11x11x10”
3mm
Source: mattercompilers.com
($100 off + 2 Spools of PLA)
Advantage: Open HW, Multiple Toolheads,
Two sizes

12. $3500
Ultimaker 3
ABS, PLA, Composites
Cura Simplify3D
8.5x8.5x11”
3mm
Source: ultimaker.com
Advantage: Open HW, Dual Extrusion,
Engineering grade materials, Very precise,
Enclosed design, Three sizes

13. Materials
That you should be using, but might not know about.

14. The Big Three
ABS
Lego Blocks
Good Temperature
Resistance
PLA
Compostable Cutlery
Easy to Print
PET
Coke Bottles
Best of Both Worlds

15. Filament Comparison
https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-
types-3d-printing-3d-filament/
https://www.matterhackers.com/3d-printer-
filament-compare

16. Flexible Materials
Uses Types
• Isolators / Dampening / Gaskets
• Wheels / Treads
• Drive Belts
• SemiFlex – Usable in Bowden,
Normal Printers
• NinjaFlex (TPE) – Softer (60
Shore A), Requires supported
tool path
• TPU – Harder (85 Shore A),
Requires supported tool path

17. New Materials
HTPLA - Heat Annealed Matte Texture
High temp, Strength
Uses: Chassis, Impact
Grippy, Strong Layers
Uses: Grabbing Tools, Friction Wheel

18. Exotic Materials
Carbon Fiber Metal / Wood / Ceramic
Micro-fibers, not strand/cloth
Very stiff, Great finish
Uses: Chassis, Cable mgmt, Hubs
Looks awesome, Weaker than PLA
Uses: Aesthetic

19. Very Large Nozzle
• 0.3-1.2mm layers
• 1.2mm nozzle
• Faster Prints
• Stronger, Robust Output
• Uses: Catchers, Shields, Fairings

20. Heat Set Threaded Inserts
https://www.matterhackers.com/articles/fasteners-for-3d-printing

21. Rules of Thumb
For Optimal Prints

22. YHT Rule
45 degree angles
don’t need supports
You might be able to
bridge short
distances
You need supports
for large overhangs

23. Print at Angle to Reduce Supports

24. Circular and Hexagonal vs. Rectangular holes
Weak, Hard to Print Strong, Print w/o Support

25. Split & Orient Part for Zero-Support Prints

26. Print
Orientation
Rubric
Tension = Parallel Strong
Bending = Perpendicular Strong

27. Cloud Topology Optimizer (cloudtopopt.com)

28. Cloud Topology Optimizer (cloudtopopt.com)

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Learn from the Experts
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