Rapid Iteration: Raise3D Helps DBME Achieve Scientific Breakthroughs and Lead in Competitions

The Department of Biomechatronics Engineering of National Chung Hsing University

Challenges

The laboratory’s main research areas include robots and micro-generators that generate electricity through friction, so there is often a need to prototype complex parts . Students‘ special projects often require the use of 3D printers to make models or conduct functional tests. In addition, in the field of bio-industry mechatronics engineering, five universities will jointly hold a field robot competition every year, and the participating teams need to quickly and accurately manufacture various parts.

In the early days, the team relied on iron sheets to make prototypes manually, which was not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also difficult to ensure the firmness and precision of the finished product. Although a 3D printer was later introduced, the unstable performance of the equipment often led to printing failures.

Dr. Tsai and his team

Application Scenario

• Prototype production: Prototype development for field robot competitions to meet size restrictions and special customization requirements. For example, before the competition, Dr. Tsai’s team needs to understand the site conditions in advance so that they can adjust the robot’s tire tread depth and other details according to the specific situation. Then quickly complete the appearance and parts prototype production of the competition robot.
• Complex components: Provide accurate models and functional test parts for scientific research activities. Currently,Dr. Tsai’s team mainly uses PLA and ABS materials, and plans to try high-temperature resistant PC, PC-PBT and TPU materials in the future to adapt to different experimental scenarios.

Solution

To overcome these challenges and improve work efficiency and product quality, Dr. Tsai ’s laboratory chose the Raise3D Pro3 3D printer and ideaMaker software. This printer stands out for its excellent stability and efficient service support, making it an ideal choice for the laboratory. Specific advantages include:

• Quick response after-sales service : Raise3D’s sales partner Kiden Trading quickly helps them solve various technical problems and emergencies through instant chat, email, and telephone conferences. In addition, Kiden Trading also provides regular professional maintenance services to ensure that the 3D printing equipment is always in the best working condition. The stable and high-quality filament supply can provide specific types of printing materials for different research projects.
• Faster printing speed : Compared with previous devices, Raise3D Pro3 provides faster printing speed , with a maximum printing speed of 300 mm/s. For Industrial series composite materials, it can also provide a printing speed of 100-150 mm/s, meeting the high standards and requirements of users.
• Higher success rate: Raise3D Pro3’s optimized optical axis structure enhances fastening and motion stability, while the sturdy all-metal frame ensures smooth movement and precise positioning, helping users obtain high-quality prints.
• More material choices: Raise3D Pro3 supports a variety of materials, providing users with great flexibility and innovation space. Dr. Tsai’s team mainly uses PLA, ABS, high temperature resistant PC, PC-PBT and TPU, which meet their R&D & competition needs.

Model printed by Raise3D Pro3

Results Achieved

After the introduction of the Raise3D printer, the laboratory’s work efficiency has been significantly improved:

• The success rate of prototyping has been greatly improved: Due to the limitations of manual production or early 3D printing equipment, prototypes often need to be assembled and reinforced with glue or other adhesives. This not only increases the time cost of production, but also leads to a high failure rate due to improper pasting. However, after using the Raise3D Pro3 printer, the device can print complex structures in one go, reducing the need for segmented printing and then splicing, thus avoiding the problems that may be caused by glue fixation.
• Faster printing speed: Compared with the previous equipment, Raise3D Pro3 greatly shortens the printing time. Design and printing can be completed in time even in emergency situations.
• Dimensional tolerance is controlled within 0.1mm: The high-precision printing capability of the Raise3D Pro3 3D printer enables the dimensional tolerance of parts to be controlled within 0.1mm. This level of accuracy ensures that each printed part has extremely high accuracy, which is crucial for components that require precise matching.

User Feedback

Dr. Tsai and his team spoke highly of Raise3D’s products and services. They pointed out that overall, the ideaMaker software is favored for its ease of use and fine-tuning capabilities. The high-quality service provided by Kiden allows any technical issues to be quickly resolved. In addition, the laboratory also emphasized the importance of teaching videos, believing that this is an effective way for novices to learn 3D printing skills.

Conclusion

Through cooperation with Raise3D, The Department of Biomechatronics Engineering of National Chung Hsing University has not only improved its scientific research capabilities and efficiency, but also laid a solid foundation for exploring more materials and technology applications in the future. This case shows how high-quality 3D printing solutions can help educational institutions achieve technological innovation and development goals, and also proves the key role of good after-sales service and support system in user satisfaction.