The Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) was established in 1991 as an independent graduate school specializing in the field of science and technology, aiming to establish a flexible education and research system in response to the rapid advancement of cutting-edge science and technology fields. As a reflection of this, the NAIST Robot Learning Laboratory introduced Raise3D E2 and Raise3D Pro3 Printers into their research activities.
NAIST introduced Raise3D Printers into their research activities.
Outdated 3D Printers Hindered the Research
The NAIST Robot Learning Laboratory has the aim of advancing the development of practical technologies for next-generation industrial robots, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, and improve welfare and caregiving assistance robots through collaborative efforts between industry and academia.
The Laboratory aims to advance the development of practical technologies for next-generation industrial robots.
In order to create test components and fixture parts used in robot experiments, the Laboratory used 3D printers, which were single-extruder types from other companies. However, due to several limitations, such as inability to print in multiple colors, limited types of printable materials, and printing instability, they felt limited and frustrated in their research field, where repetitive trial and error is necessary.
Multi-color Printing with Superior Stability
Doctoral student Takumi Hachimine of the Laboratory states that both the Raise3D E2 and Raise3D Pro3 are capable of multi-color printing and exhibit excellent compatibility with a wide range of materials, as well as superior printing stability, which has allowed them to accelerate the research activities.
Raise3D solutions accelerate research activities.
Previously, many 3D printers were limited to single-color printing, and there were no products that suited their research fields with Raise3D products offering multi-color printing, they are now able to explore research topics that were previously inaccessible and fulfil their desire for multi-colored printing. One 3D printer that is especially capable is the Raise3D E2, with two independently movable extruders, (IDEX) which enables them to achieve a highly satisfactory production capability by printing parts in duplication mode.
The capability of multi-color printing allowed more research topics to be explored.
Additionally, they find the user interface of the slicer, ideaMaker, to be intuitive, and its abundant settings and editable parameters make it easy to make fine adjustments tailored to their specific needs, which is very appealing.
The abundant settings and parameters can be tailored to specific needs.
Series Production in Robot Experiments
Professors and students use PLA and ASA filaments to fabricate test components and fixtures for robot experiments. Depending on the timing, Raise3D printers stably work approximately 10 to 40 hours for each week on average with no breakdowns or failures. They have fabricated in total about 300 items, used 12 reels (1 reel/ 750 g) different color of ASA filament, and 6 reels (1 reel/ 1 kg) different color of PLA filament, for just a short time after applying Raise3D printers.
Raise3D E2 and Raise3D Pro3 allowed to accelerate the research activities.
The utilization of Raise3D solutions by the NAIST Robot Learning Laboratory has significantly enhanced their efficiency, boosted production capabilities, and fulfilled the requirements for components and fixtures essential for students in mechanical robot experiments. It has revolutionized production efficiency including, but not limited to, dual-color printing, consistent print quality and easy operation, which not only streamlines their workflow but also reduces lead times and costs in research when using the repetitive trial and error robot experiments. Their journey serves as an inspiration for others to harness the power of 3D printing and revolutionize their own fields of study.
More Requirements and Possibilities
The NAIST Robot Learning Laboratory believes that Raise3D’s solution is ideal for individuals or companies seeking multi-color printing capabilities, extensive material compatibility, and printing stability. Looking ahead, Raise3D will continuously explore the deep needs and provide users with more innovative solutions and inspire them to explore more possibilities with unprecedented ease.
This case was shared by Japan 3D Printer, a Raise3D reseller based in Japan.
