ROBOTIC ARM DESIGN BY 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The work is designed to develop a pick and place robotic arm by using the 3D printing technology. This type of 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process. In this manufacturing process the three dimensional objects are produced by converting digital 3D model into physical 3D object. These 3D models can be designed by using AUTOCAD software or SOLIDWORKS and it can be transferred to 3D printing software. In 3D printing, the objects can be made by the process i.e., the successive layers of material are laid one upon another and the process repeats until the final object is obtained. The robotic arm is operated by software, drivers and the servos etc. At the end of the robotic arm the end effector is attached i.e., Gripper. The gripper is operated by a stepper motor. The gripper is used to pick and place the object as per the instructions given to it. The robotic arms are used for painting, assembly and also in automation.
Keywords: Robotic Arm, Types of Robots, Representation of Robots, Power source, End of arm tooling, Mechanical Grippers, Internal and External sensors, 3D printing, Applications, Advantages, Disadvantages, Future Scope