FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION VIA MULTI QUADCOPTER COLLABORATION

Date

2023-7-12

Author

Ghaziani, Matin

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This thesis explores the integration of multirotor UAVs with 3D extruders to overcome the limitations of traditional 3D printers regarding size and production volume. The motivation behind this research is to enable the production of large and complex structures without the need for costly expansions of fixed-size 3D printers. The limitations of existing 3D printers and industrial robots in size and working area are discussed, highlighting the potential of UAVs, particularly multirotor UAVs, in overcoming these limitations. Multirotor UAVs equipped with 3D extrusion systems offer the advantage of producing or repairing structures without being constrained by size or positional conditions, making them especially useful in hazardous or inaccessible environments. The thesis addresses various aspects related to 3D printing with multirotor UAVs. It emphasizes the design considerations for lightweight manipulator systems, such as gimbals that can be attached to UAVs to perform the 3D printing process. The need for highly accurate flight controllers to compensate for unwanted movements of the UAVs during printing operations is also highlighted. Furthermore, the concept of swarm UAVs is explored, where multiple UAVs work together autonomously to perform a specific task, offering advantages such as time savings, reduced labor, and increased operational efficiency. Based on the conclusions drawn from each chapter, it is evident that integrating multirotor UAVs with 3D extruders holds significant potential for expanding the capabilities of 3D printing. The research findings demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of using UAVs for 3D printing, including precise and autonomous operations. The thesis contributes to the field of additive manufacturing by showcasing the potential of multirotor UAVs in overcoming the limitations of traditional 3D printers. Future research in this area could focus on further improving the accuracy and reliability of the 3D printing process with UAVs. This could involve advancements in lightweight manipulator designs, more robust flight control algorithms, and enhanced navigation and obstacle detection systems. Additionally, exploring the scalability and coordination of swarm UAVs for additive manufacturing could be an exciting avenue for future investigation.

Subject Keywords

Additive Manufacturing, Multirotor UAVs, Gimbal, Path Planning

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/104871

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis