Mechatronic system design project: A 3D printer case study

Abstract

A mechatronics project for designing a 3D printer prototype is discussed. The project work is part of a senior students' project class and is used as a case study to highlight the success of developing a fully-integrated engineering system that incorporates a mechanical plant, electronics, drivers, embedded controllers, and software interface. The project objective is to realize a 3D printer prototype with relatively simple design. The described work can be used as an educational reference for proper mechatronics design and as a hobbyist reference for designing desktop 3D printers.