Autodesk’s Project Escher Uses Multiple 3D Print Heads for Massive Jobs

3D Printing & Imaging Digital Fabrication Maker News
Autodesk’s Project Escher Uses Multiple 3D Print Heads for Massive Jobs

Pe2

Ever since 3D Printing technology was introduced, it’s been nonstop periodic improvements. Everything from desk knick knacks to robotic limbs have been made with the technology. While various companies are finding new ways to make 3D printing better there are still limitations. Highly detailed items take long periods of time while small items can be created quickly but lack definition. This becomes an even bigger problem when trying to create large scale parts. Autodesk, the makers of open source Ember3D printer, think they have a new solution that’s supposed to revolutionize the technology with Project Escher.

 

The 3D printer is both fast an efficient
In a nutshell, Project Escher is an assembly line of 3D printers governed by a smart setup that can control an endless number of printheads to create larger projects. It aims to be a faster way to manufacture complex parts by coordinating independent printers to create one large build volume. It works by giving different bots different print jobs. They then work collaboratively on different areas of the same part. In other words, instead of having printer working on one large object, several will work on different parts of the large object to complete it quicker.

PE 1

“By intelligently distributing toolpaths between multiple collaborating machines, systems enabled by Project Escher can manufacture parts faster than traditional 3D printers,” its developers say of their experiment. “Project Escher is a parallel processing system where numerous independent tools collaborate to fabricate a design. It’s faster because whatever the job is, there are more workers on that job. And there is no compromise to detail because we’re using proven existing technology.”

 

Project Escher is made up of different independent 3D printers
Project Escher is made up of different independent 3D printers

The independent robots have interchangeable tool heads that the company is hoping to make automatic, which can be found on many CNC machines. They are also hoping to work on Pick-And-Place tools would place pre-made components into an object during mid-print. The project is currently in the development phase, but so far the results have been promising. In a companion video, the assembly is shown effectively producing large print jobs with precision, efficiency, and speed. Autodesk also thinks Project Escher can be incorporated with different technologies, like laser cutting.

PE6

A large piece will be ready for inspection the same day
A large piece will be ready for inspection the same day

Project Escher is adaptable and seems very accessible. It looks ideal for those who need to print large projects with speed and efficiency. While a release date isn’t set in stone, the developers are looking at 2017 or 2018 as the release date for a commercial version of the platform. Does this mean that mass production 3D printing will be the next big thing? We’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, see more about Project Escher.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

The one-man ace engineering wrecking crew - If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find me, maybe you can hire... the Cabe-team

View more articles by Cabe Atwell

ADVERTISEMENT

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 16th iteration!

Prices Increase in....

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
FEEDBACK