INVESTIGATION OF AUTOMATIC BED LEVELLING SYSTEM FOR FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING 3D PRINTER MACHINE

The current paper describes a new low-cost sensing system that employs a load cell embedded in the tool carriage assembly of an open hardware fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printer. The sensor system automates the process of detecting and compensating for inconsistencies in the flatness of the bed's surface relative to the nozzle. A sensor system prototype was implemented in an FDM 3D printer to determine contact between the bed and the tool's nozzle. The system was then used by a software routine in the machine's microcontroller firmware to automate the bed levelling. Finally, an automated bed leveling system was observed and analyzed its behavior. The sensor system and the Automatic Bed Levelling (ABL) process are evaluated by observing the bed surface obtained via a load cell bed probe. From the machine controller, the ABL process takes 75 seconds. The bed levelling system uses the load cell probe to automate the manual bed levelling process, saving time. The current work reduces error and improves the efficiency of 3D printer operation. It also reduces the amount of time needed to operate and improves print quality.