Control System Framework for Using G-Code-Based 3D Printing Paths on a Multi-Degree of Freedom Robotic Arm
By:
Nycz, Andrzej ; Noakes, Mark W; Masuo, Christopher J; Love, Lonnie J; Gaul, Katherine T
Page Number:
TBD
Book Title:
Proceedings of the 29th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium
Publication Date:
August 2018
Publisher Location:
University of Texas at Austin, Texas, United States of America
Conference Name:
29th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium
Conference Location:
Austin, Texas, United States of America
Conference Sponsor:
University of Texas at Austin
Abstract
This paper describes a control system framework using G-Code-based 3D printing paths on a serial link robot manipulator with multiple degrees of freedom. Usually, G-Code is created by a software application, commonly referred to as a slicer, meant for gantry systems. However, G-Code does not address the kinematic complexity nor take advantage of the flexibility available in serial link robot manipulators. This paper provides an overview of the additive manufacturing process and G-Code, types of additive manufacturing deposition movements, common terminology used, the roles of parsers and translators, step-by-step instructions on how to implement this control system, and results and findings from this research. The presented framework can be used for a number of additive manufacturing methods, hybrid solutions, or applications not directly related to additive manufacturing. The implementation was successfully tested on a manipulator with seven degrees of freedom that successfully performed hundreds of hours of large-scale wire arc metal deposition.
