Innovation in 3D printing: Students develop Filament Fuser

Additive manufacturing Filament Fuser revolutionizes 3D printing

2024-07-26 Source: Press Release | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Two students at Heilbronn University have developed a solution to optimize current 3D printing: the Filament Fuser is designed to prevent waste products, ensure seamless transitions, and thus make 3D printing more environmentally friendly and efficient.

Professor Martin Wäldele with Pascal Boschet and Leon Sprenger (from left to right).(Image: Heilbronn University) — Professor Martin Wäldele with Pascal Boschet and Leon Sprenger (from left to right).
(Image: Heilbronn University)

The Künzelsau students Pascal Boschet, majoring in Electrical Engineering, and Leon Sprenger, studying Automation Technology, have developed a solution with the Filament Fuser that optimizes the current 3D printing. Pascal Boschet: "The plastic filaments are wound on so-called filament rolls in 3D printers. Before printing, it is often unclear whether the material is sufficient for the entire project - especially if it has already been printed with it. When in doubt, partially used rolls are always preferred to be disposed of."

3D printer can print unlimitedly

If the spool is alternatively changed during the printing process, visible transitions and breaks occur. The "Filament Fuser" addresses this issue: it is placed in the filament feed of the 3D printer and connects several filament rolls fully automatically. "This means that the 3D printer can theoretically print unlimitedly, as it does not run out of plastic material," explains Leon Sprenger.

The Filament Fuser is about the size of a classic shoe box.
(Image:Heilbronn University)

The device was independently developed by the two of them. The connection technology inside, the housing, the software, and the control board are all their own concepts and ideas that have been successfully implemented. "In addition, we designed an artificial intelligence that enables optimal heating to perfectly weld the threads together," Boschet adds.

Professor Martin Wäldele has supported the two of them from day one: "In the 'Innovation Laboratory' and 'Project Laboratory' courses, students apply their acquired knowledge to a self-selected project. When the two of them told me about their idea, I encouraged them to definitely stick with it." Together with Professor Sabine Boos, who heads the Institute for Law of Innovative Technologies at Heilbronn University, he is currently also supporting them on the issue of patent law. Because it could soon get serious: "To bring the device into series production, we were advised to start a start-up. If there is confirmed interest in the device, we would strongly consider taking this next step," says Pascal Boschet. However, the "Filament Fuser" is not only intended for use in industry. "All hobby users are invited to optimize their 3D projects with it," he continues.

This article originally appeared on our partner portal konstruktionspraxis.

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