Abstract
Various applications in industry and medicine require the transmission of movement using systems that do not influence magnetic or electromagnetic fields. These components include systems which transmit linear or rotational motion, change position (switches), attach or detach to objects (latches), grip objects, etc. This paper looks into the possibility of producing such mechanisms using FDM 3D-printed parts from thermoplastic materials with embedded moving parts, which can be pneumatically actuated. In order to make the parts suitable for use in pressurized air systems, different sets of printing parameters have been investigated. PLA annealing is used in the attempt to minimize play and increase air-tightness of 3D-printed parts.
Keywords: FDM 3D printing; pneumatic mechanism; PLA annealing