Proposal

Narrative

This proposal seeks funding for two mechatronics prototyping stations for the Ocean and Mechanical Engineering department at Florida Atlantic University, located in the Electronics Lab in Boca Raton and at SeaTech. These stations will feature Voltera V-One PCB printers and Bambu Labs X1C 3D printers, providing the department with the tools to rapidly prototype both electronic and mechanical components in-house. The V-One printers will significantly reduce the time required to create custom printed circuit boards (PCBs). Instead of waiting days or weeks for outsourced PCB fabrication and shipping, students and staff will be able to design, print, and test functional PCBs on-site in just hours. This accelerates project workflows, allowing for faster iterations, quicker testing, and smoother project progression, especially for research that requires frequent design changes or multiple prototypes. The Bambu Labs X1C 3D printers will allow students and researchers to create custom mechanical parts rapidly. These high-performance printers support a variety of materials, enabling the fabrication of intricate and durable components. The ability to print parts in-house eliminates delays caused by waiting for external suppliers, making prototyping more cost-effective and efficient. These tools will drastically reduce project delays by allowing students and staff to prototype entire systems in-house. Whether designing circuit boards or mechanical components, users will have more control over the process, leading to quicker development cycles and improved project outcomes. These prototyping stations will enhance efficiency in both educational and research projects, streamlining the development of custom electronics and mechanical parts. By eliminating the need for outsourcing, students and faculty can complete their projects faster and with fewer interruptions, improving the overall productivity and quality of work within the department.

Facilities

N/A

Hardware Requirements

Hardware Requirements 1. Main Printers: Bambu Lab X1C 3D Printer (4 units) Purpose: High-performance 3D printer for rapid prototyping of mechanical parts. Voltera V-One PCB Printer (2 units) Purpose: Desktop PCB printer for in-house electronic prototyping. 2. Supplies: Bambu Lab X1C Supplies: Includes hotends, cooling fans, ceramic heaters, vibration feet, PLA bundles, carbon fiber filament, support materials, and a tool kit. Voltera V-One Supplies: Includes FR1 sacrificial layers, drill bits, solder paste, conductor ink, rivets, substrates, nozzles, and component kits for PCB creation. 3. Other Components: Mini Fridges (2 units) Purpose: For storing solder paste and ink. Shop Vacuum (2 units) Purpose: Cleaning workspace after drilling and fabrication. 4. Computer Setups: OIT Computer Setups (2 units) Includes desktop computers, monitors, keyboards, and mice. Purpose: Workstations for running design software (e.g., SolidWorks) and operating the printers.

Software Requirements

1. Voltera V-One Software: The Voltera V-One PCB printer comes with its own dedicated software, which is free of charge. This software will allow users to design and print custom PCBs directly from the printer, streamlining the process without any additional licensing costs. 2. Bambu Lab X1C 3D Printer Software: For the Bambu Lab X1C 3D printers, we will use SolidWorks for designing 3D models. This software is already licensed by the university and is available to students and staff at no additional cost, making it an ideal solution for preparing and exporting files for 3D printing.

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

Other costs not defined in the resource spreadsheet include electricity and unexpected maintenance.

Timeline

Project Timeline Week 0: Items Received All hardware, including printers, supplies, and computers, is delivered and inventoried at the Electronics Lab (Boca Raton) and SeaTech. Week 1: Printer Setup Bambu Lab X1C 3D printers and Voltera V-One PCB printers are set up and calibrated at both labs. Initial tests confirm functionality. Week 2: Computer Setup & Test Prints OIT computers are set up, connected to the internet, and equipped with SolidWorks and Voltera software. Test prints are run on all printers to ensure operational status. Week 3: PCB Printer Workshop A student workshop on the Voltera V-One PCB printer is held. Training covers PCB design, printing, and troubleshooting. Faculty and staff are trained to assist students. Week 4 – 6 Months: Student Use & Feedback Students use the 3D and PCB printers for coursework and research. Feedback is collected to improve processes and accessibility. 6 Months – 1 Year: Expanded Access Additional workshops expand access to more students. Printer usage and performance are monitored, and adjustments are made based on student feedback. Year 1 – Year 2: Continued Use & Maintenance Routine maintenance is performed on all printers. Workshops for advanced users continue, and printer integration into more research projects and courses grows. Year 2 – Year 3: Full Integration The printers are fully integrated into the department's regular operations. Annual assessments track usage, educational benefits, and research outputs. End of Year 3: Final Review A final review and report summarize the impact of the mechatronics stations on student learning and research, with recommendations for future improvements.

Sustainability

After the initial three-year period, the long-term sustainability of the Bambu Lab X1C 3D printers and Voltera V-One PCB printers will depend on several key factors, including performance, feedback from students and faculty, and the physical condition of the equipment. Performance and Feedback: Regular assessments of how the equipment is used for student projects and research will help determine its continued relevance. If the printers maintain high usage rates and consistent output quality, they will remain valuable resources for students and faculty. Continuous feedback from users will guide any necessary adjustments or upgrades, ensuring that the equipment meets evolving academic and research needs. Physical Condition: Routine maintenance and proper usage protocols will be crucial for prolonging the life of the printers. The equipment’s physical condition will be regularly inspected to ensure functionality and safety. As long as the printers are kept in good working order, they will be used for prototyping and research for many years beyond the initial three-year period. Continued Usability: Even after three years, the printers will remain central tools for student projects, research initiatives, and innovation within the department. With proper maintenance and care, these stations will continue to serve as essential resources for mechatronics, mechanical engineering, and PCB prototyping.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering will be responsible for the setup and maintenance of both mechatronics prototyping stations.