Andre Me has taken automation in 3D printing to a new level with his latest project, which automates the swapping of build plates on the Bambu A1 Mini. This innovative setup allows for continuous print jobs without the need for manual intervention, making it ideal for high-volume 3D printing tasks.
How the Automated System Works
Andre’s system works by attaching a “shoe” to each build plate, allowing the printer to interact with and move the plates as needed. When a print job is completed, custom G-code activates an attachment on the printer, which slides under the build plate and peels it off the magnetic bed. The completed plate is then pushed forward, making room for a fresh build plate from a stack behind the printer. The magnetic bed ensures that the new plate automatically lines up, securing it in place for the next job.
This method of automating print jobs, which swaps the entire build plate rather than ejecting the printed parts, minimizes the complexity of moving parts. However, the system does require more table space to accommodate the stack of build plates, but it’s a reasonable trade-off for continuous, hands-free operation.
A Look at the System in Action
Andre’s design showcases efficiency, with over 100 build plates loaded and ejected consecutively, as seen in a time-lapse video. A second video demonstrates the system printing bowls in different colors, highlighting the practicality of this automated approach for multi-part or multi-color print jobs.
For 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals looking for a streamlined, automated solution to high-volume printing, Andre’s system offers a creative and effective approach.
Source: hackaday.com