Inspiration
I've faced numerous print failures (especially since I started with an Ender) over my time printing.
A common one if when the printer just stops at a layer - due to power failure, running out of filament, or whatever else is making the printer cranky.
Repairing these failed prints often requires manually splitting the CAD model in Solidworks, then slicing the remaing portions, printing them and gluing them back.
What it does
This kit repairs failed FDM 3D print gcodes based on the layer it failed at, to enable direct printing starting from the failed layer.
The effect is similar to power loss recovery, but for all kinds of failures involving stopping at a specific layer (and without the blobbing).
How we built it
It first uses OpenCV enabled camera measurement of failed part, or physical measurement.
Once a measurement is obtained, it can be sent to a separate Python script that modifies the GCode model directly to enable the printer to restart from that layer.
Challenges we ran into
- CV measurements aren't the most accurate
- Didn't have a physical printer to test/validate
- Limited time to do especially as 1 man team
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- Managed to make something (somewhat) functional
What we learned
- A lot on OpenCV and CV detection/comparison methods
- Libraries for STL manipulation
- Some parts of photogrammetry (that wasn't implemented)
What's next for R3dPair
Will want to build upon this, especially once I'm back at my 3D printer to test it in real life!
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.