Why Motion Control Is Important To 3D Printing

3D printing (or additive manufacturing as it is also known) is the name of the processes in which printers build three-dimensional objects from computer-aided design models. The printers build objects by adding material layer by layer. 3D printers can be programmed to manufacture medical items, prototypes, parts, clothing, food and much more. This new application is growing in popularity in both consumer and industrial sectors, with promises of completely changing many processes for both. 

Motion Control Systems and Motors

Motion control systems and motors are invaluable for the growing 3D printing industry. As the industry grows across services and sectors, the precision, accuracy, and speed of the printers are becoming increasingly important. 

Motion control systems coordinate and regulate the many moving parts in a 3D printer. They serve to accurately synchronize multiple axes, increase the precision of printing mechanisms, reduce noise, and increase print speed. Motors assist gantries to achieve the necessary positioning and movement. 

Motion control systems also provide the precision and accuracy required to make unprecedented progress in 3D printing and other fields. Bioprinting pioneers that are manufacturing living organs, tissue, bones, and cartilage are researching 3D printing as a viable option.

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Motion Control Systems Used in 3D Printing

The following motion control systems are used with different end goals in mind.

• The Advanced Motion Controls (AMC) Click & Move motion control system can run several different 3D printers at once. The Click & Move coordinates all the different axes with different motor types, enabling efficient, precise, and effective 3D printing. Furthermore, Click & Move can coordinate systems with multiple print nozzles that are used to make single parts with distinctive materials or colors. The motion control system is modular and scalable, providing ease for 3D printer manufacturers to keep using the system as their product line evolves.
• The PI (Physik Instrumente) ACS-based motion controller with EtherCat connectivity runs the gantry and communicates with the high precision dispenser. The motion controller brings the medical field one step closer to fabricating human organs layer-by-layer. The PI motion controller allows 3D print systems to be constructed in a few days or less. They are designed to provide a high level of performance and to be compatible with STL files.