INTAMSYS FUNMAT Pro Refurbishment

Overview

At Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Collablab, we have an incomplete INTAMSYS FUNMAT Pro 3D printer that has been dormant for around three years. Originally, this printer had a value of 22,000 dollars, with a build volume of 450 x 450 x 600 mm, and capapble of prinitng materials like nylon and polycarbonate. It now sits idle due to missing essential components and software. Despite its current condition, I see a significant opportunity to bring it back to operational status and enhance our lab’s capabilities.

The printer in the lab
The printer in the lab

If you want to see more about the original printer specifications, take a look here:

Printer Specs

Problem

The current state of the printer is quite far from being functional; it lacks an extruder, motors, and the necessary software to get it running. Moreover, its control system is based on custom, proprietary parts, making the path to restoration a bit more complex. It has remained a substantial, non-operational occupant in our lab, consuming space that could potentially be utilized more efficiently. An attempt to secure funds for the required parts met with a refusal from the student government in the spring of 2023, adding to the delay in reviving this asset.

Solution

Despite the hurdles encountered so far, there is a renewed determination to get this project off the ground. The road to refurbishment includes rebuilding nearly the entire printer, barring its existing structure. While obtaining every part from a wishlist is off the cards due to budget constraints, the primary goal remains to have it operational, albeit with necessary compromises. The eventual aspiration is to foster a more enhanced functioning by reworking the gantry system for better print area access and contemplating a transition to a corexy system in the later stages.

What I Learned

Embarking on this endeavor has been a learning process, understanding the depth of work involved in reviving a complex piece of equipment. It’s a hands-on lesson in persistence and resourcefulness, pushing ahead with available resources while keeping the vision intact. The process has been a real eye-opener, offering a practical lesson in tackling hurdles with a problem-solving mindset while eyeing the potential transformative impact this could have on our lab’s functionality.

I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work on a real world project, running into each little problem and solving them along the way. It’s a work in progress, a step-by-step journey towards transforming a dormant asset into a functional powerhouse.