Accomplishments

2024
Line Tracker / Line Follower Using Logic Gates

Electronics Engineering students of Universidad De Dagupan visited the laboratory and availed 3D printing services. The model is sliced and normal profile is used. This profile prioritizes speed more than its visuals. The students used this profile since they’ve already planned on post processing the print, making it smooth and also applying paint.

The print is finished after eight hours. The print is somewhat smooth and is acceptable as initial frame for their line tracker. Acetone smoothing is recommended as initial post process step.
Development and Evaluation Paddy Rice Moisture Meter for Precision Agriculture
Development and Evaluation Paddy Rice Moisture Meter for Precision Agriculture is a project study of Computer Engineering Students of Pangasinan State University. The students settled for Fine – Engineering Profile. This is to achieve a sturdier build and accurate dimensions.
Machine Design 2
Students of Mechanical Engineering of Pangasinan Campus created and printed various Machines for their subject Machine Design 2.
Some of the machines are Manual Transmission Gearbox, Three-speed Automatic Transmission, Conveyor Belt, and Elevator. Below are some of the sliced parts of the machines.

2023

Integration of Solid Freeform Fabrication to Mechanical Engineering Major in Mechatronics Course
A meeting is held on the laboratory last September 29, 2023. The agenda is the integration of 3D printing technology to Mechanical engineering subjects. The attendees are the faculty of Mechanical engineering. The meeting is a success and subjects are identified. Prospect subjects are project study 1 and 2, machine elements 1 and 2, fundamentals of material science, introduction to robotics, to name a few.
SEAWEED: Smart Algae Clarification and Water Monitoring System in Concrete Tanks for Tilapia Aquaculture
November 17, 2023, researchers from UDD returned with their revised design. Their design is a hemisphere. This imposes a challenge on 3D printing because of its curvature, the resolution of the printers will also be tested.

In order to lessen print cost and time, the support used in this project is tree support. Durability of the print is not a problem since infill density is at 20% and marine epoxy will be used to reinforce the print.

The researchers chose Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic for their research. This is because ABS plastic is tougher and lighter than PLA, making it a better option for prototyping type of projects. The whole print has lasted for two days.

iMERGENXY: A Portable Panic Alarm Device
Urdaneta City National High School (UCNHS) has visited the laboratory for design consultation and 3D printing. Their project is an alarm device and a solar charger. Several iterations were made since their initial designs are giving errors messages on the slicer software.

After the reiteration of their design, their 3D model is sliced and printed. They chose ABS plastic for toughness and lightness since their project should withstand frequent drops two to three feet above ground.

The project took six hours to print. The clients are satisfied on the result and the transaction is concluded.

Design and Development of 3-Phase Low-RPM, Multi-Layered Axial Flux Generator
Students from electrical engineering department of Pangasinan State University (PSU) availed 3D printing services in the laboratory. Their project is a motor using neodymium magnet.

The product is finished and is tested for tolerances. The magnets are snug fit on the 3D printed object and has shown no significant play. Bolts are threaded perfectly. The project has concluded and the client is satisfied.

A Case Study of Proposed Pozorrubio Commuter Light Rail
Several students from Civil Engineering department availed consultation and printing services of the laboratory. Their projects are miniatures of various barangays of Pangasinan together with their proposed railing system and terminals. Their project is from one of their subjects.

Their models are created using the software Sketchup. Initially, their design shows errors due to planes not entirely covered. This is an error commonly found on models which are made in Sketchup. Their models are adjusted to eliminate the errors. Dimensions are also adjusted since their initial dimensions are smaller than the printer nozzle diameter which is 0.4mm. The plastic used is PLA.

RPI Case
Computer Engineering Students of Pangasinan State University have also availed 3D printing services of the laboratory. They have printed Raspberry Pie Case for their project. They have chosen PLA plastic since their project produces heat that the PLA can withstand.

Overall, SoFFReL has gained popularity over the past month and became busier. This is the result of information dissemination effort made by different faculty on different departments of CEA. The future is looking good for the laboratory, as time will push everyone towards technological advancements, especially on 3D printing.