Robotic Arm by using 3D printing and Polylactic Acid (PLA) Wire – Challenges and Solutions

摘要

3D printing with Polylactic Acid (PLA) wire (thermoplastic material) is an emerging technology and commonly adopted due to ease of manufacturing and wide applications in industries particularly automobile, toy, electronic and medical fields. PLA wire printing is advantageous because it enables printing of low-cost functional parts with varying properties and capabilities. Here, we provide challenges and solutions of Robotic Arm parts made up with PLA material on 3D printing. Robotic Arm is being commonly used in various applications related to mechanical engineering particularly in automobile industry like welding, painting, assembly etc. Owing to its unique feature it can also be used in small scale in various toys, electronics and medical laboratories/industry as well. Robotic arm parts are generally prepared by steel sheets and rods as they have strength, stability, durability and heat absorbing capacity etc. Research in materials has led to the development of polymers with advantages like light weight, enough strength, durability etc. So it is always advantageous to use plastic parts in various applications.