Drop On Demand Printer
Currently, I am working on a team of five senior mechanical engineering students on our final Capstone design project. Our team intends to design and build a droplet generator for research use in the lab of Professor Tang of Northeastern’s College of Engineering with the guidance of our advisor, Professor Taslim.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the Spring 2021 semester!
Stay tuned for updates throughout the Spring 2021 semester!
Problem Statement
Design and build a printer that generates droplets of uniform size and controlled traveling speed and directions
Objectives
- Print with non-Newtonian fluids and fluids with colloidal particles
- Ensure that these fluids do not clog the nozzle
- Ensure that these fluids do not clog the nozzle
- Generate droplets 50-500 microns in size
- Enable linear motion in the X, Y, and Z directions
Actions/Plan Forward
So far, my team has dedicated our efforts to background research on existing technology and fluid behavior. We are still in the initial design phase of this project, but our current plan is to:
- Actuate droplet generation using piezoelectric "push" mode elements
- Design a stage similar to those typical to FDM printers
- Implement 3D printer hotends and nozzles
- Coat the inner nozzle surface to ensure the recommended hydrophobicity
My Contribution
I'm focusing on printhead design and interfacing between components. Some of my design decisions include:
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