This week the build progress is heating up as we focus on integrating our PID Controller with the heating/cooling elements for the print bed and chambers. Andrew successfully configured the circuit to work with the TEC element. However, as the sensor is designed to be inserted into a chamber and the element requires a DC input, there are still some tasks remaining before we can effectively control all the components.

From the results of our Instron testing last week, we are also revisiting the current motor specs and overall extrusion design. Caylynne is completing motor calculations to ensure the force delivered is sufficient and the components (3x motors!) still remain under project budget. We see a few pathways forward: maintaining non-captive motor design with just 1 motor to ensure the force required is met for the hardest material, or reverting back to the gear assembly design where we can order less expensive motors and gear up the force applied. Caylynne printed new parts to try out this gear assembly design and experiment with the force required for different foods.

Additionally, the team has finished submitting POs for the majority of the modules. One of the challenges we face is the integration of 3-5x new temperature elements/controllers along with the addition of 3x independently powered motors. After some further research, the team was able to source a motherboard upgrade to accommodate these new motors, and plans to use an expansion board to host the new temperature elements.