First Advisor

Robert Paxton

Date of Award

Spring 6-16-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering and University Honors

Department

Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Language

English

Subjects

Automation, 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Prototyping, Design

DOI

10.15760/honors.1574

Abstract

The Filament Unit Multiplexing Engine (FUME) is a Mechanical Engineering capstone project sponsored by Portland State University's Electronic Prototyping Lab (EPL). The project addresses the need for an automated system to manage 3D printing operations. The current manual process of selecting and routing a spool of filament to one of the available 3D printers is labor-intensive and limits the efficiency of the lab's 3D printing farm. FUME aims to create a custom solution tailored for a multi-user, multi-spool, and multi-printer environment. The designed system includes key components: a spool holder, an engine, a track and shuttle system, and a funnel. Throughout the project, the team faced challenges such as restructuring and necessary design revisions, which were mitigated by applying theoretical knowledge from coursework and leveraging each team member's strengths. The project proposed a practical solution for the EPL and provided valuable learning experiences, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving. With further refinement and integration, FUME holds significant potential for streamlining the prototyping process in the EPL, benefiting staff, faculty, and students.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42177

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