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Leakage-proof nozzle design for RepRap community 3D printer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2014

Adam Kłodowski*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Design, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Skinnarilankatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland
Harri Eskelinen
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Design, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Skinnarilankatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland
Scott Semken
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Design, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Skinnarilankatu 34, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland
*
*Corresponding author. E-mail: adam.klodowski@lut.fi

Summary

The RepRap 3D printer development project is a fast growing, open-hardware initiative relying on the input of hobbyist designers. One of its key components is the printer nozzle. The performance and reliability deficiencies of currently available nozzle designs are common topics in the RepRap community, and our own experience with a RepRap 3D printer has identified a need for improvement in a few particular areas. We set out to eliminate melt leakage, improve thermal isolation, and develop a more effective method of nozzle assembly attachment. Here, we review the issues, describe design efforts, and report results.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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