DESIGN, 3D PRINTING AND AUTOMATION OF A MODEL LIGHT DUTY DRILLING MACHINE

Existing drilling machines are handled manually, and the CNC operated ones are quite bulky and expensive both at procurement and in operation. This study focuses on the design, 3D printing and automation of a portable and easy to use light duty drilling machine in order to increase efficient use of material and productivity. The model has advantages of portability and easy to operate. The graphic design of the drilling machine was done using the sketch-up (2015) software and using parameters from a detailed design calculation. The CURA software was used to slice the designed object and then the g-code generated to enable printing on the ANYCUBIC 3D printer. Automation was then carried out using an Arduino board, an electric drill with a stepper motor, an infrared sensor, and a remote-control set. The printed parts were then assembled using bolts and nuts and adhesive in joints with negligible stress requirement. The drilling machine was then tested on several materials, which are carbon brush, wood, plastic, and aluminium, and it was able to drill all materials satisfactorily. The produced automatic drilling machine is most applicable for light duty drilling requirements involving high precision, repetitive operations, working in a hazardous environment.