Evaluation of the configuration-dependent dynamics of a cartesian 3D printer using substructing techniques

Dynamic substructuring enables to predict the dynamic behavior of mechanical systems by integrating multiple subsystems with known dynamic behavior. The authors extended the traditional formulation to mechanical systems composed of invariant subsystems considering various configurations of the assemblies which significantly affect their vibrational behavior offering meaningful insights. This paper applies the proposed configuration-dependent approach to the analysis and design of a small-scale laboratory prototype of a Material Extrusion (MEX) process 3D printer with a view to the development of a full-scale printer. Configuration-dependent substructuring allows prediction of the system’s eigenfrequencies in configuration space. In addition, the analysis of the frequency response function of the printhead can be evaluated as a function of configuration to verify the accuracy requirements of the 3D printer.