AutoPrint

Low-cost Automation Solution for 3D Printing Services

About the Project

About The Project

Problem Definition

3D printing services face a critical productivity challenge manual removal of printed parts and restarting new jobs consumes valuable time and limits continuous operation.

System Overview

We aim to develop an automated part‑removal system that employs a linear motor to flex the print bed, detaching the part, and then the extruder subsequently removes it. Utilizing computer‑vision, the system autonomously inspects and sorts printed components.

Solution Beneficiaries

Small and medium companies operating print farms with 10/50 printers, Development labs that need agile and continuous production to quickly respond to client requests , Educational Institutions Universities and technical trainingcenters that manage multiple printers for research projects and hands-on teaching

Technical Challenges

Computer Vision

Robust detection of errors regarding the printing process and the parts with varied geometries and different colors under controlled lighting conditions

Adaptive Part Removal System

Development of a universal part removal system capable of taking out parts of different shapes, sizes and materials without causing damages

Real-Time Coordination

Efficient synchronization between multiple printers, the web app, the vision system, and the part removal system

Modular System Integration

Create a flexible system architecture that allows it to be applicable to different print farms and printer types without complex reconfigurations

Team Members

Manuel Vaz

Manuel Vaz

Systems Integration

LEE

Bruno Lobito

Bruno Lobito

Computer Vision

LETI/LEE

Gonçalo Martins

Gonçalo Martins

Web App Development

LETI

João Nunes

João Nunes

Smart Sorting System

LEE

João Pires

João Pires

Operational Continuity

LEE

David Soares

David Soares

Printed Part Removal

LEEC

Latest Posts

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Validação de Projeto: Refinando o Nosso Sistema de Automação 3D com Rui Lopes

Dando continuidade ao desenvolvimento do nosso sistema de automação para impressoras 3D, realizámos recentemente uma sessão de validação com o Rui Lopes, experiente maker e gestor na Invicta3D. O propósito desta conversa foi apresentar o estado atual do nosso projeto, demonstrar a evolução mecânica através de vídeos do protótipo em pleno funcionamento e colher feedback crítico sobre o seu alinhamento com as necessidades reais do mercado.

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OctoPrint Investigation and the Transition to Fluidd

Besides monitoring print quality, we needed a practical way to manage the printer remotely. Our first idea was to look into OctoPrint, which is one of the most well-known tools in the 3D printing community. However, things didn’t go exactly as planned, and we had to pivot our strategy.

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Contact Us

Contact Details

Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Email: bruno.rosado.lobito@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Email: manuel.vaz@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Email: joaochnunes@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Email: joao.louro.pires@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Email: davidsoares2@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Email: goncalofecha@tecnico.ulisboa.pt