Using PET-G to Design an Underwater Rover Through 3D PrintingTtechnology

Abstract

The development of 3D printing technologies has gained considerable momentum. Almost every technical-scientific field uses this technology. The technology of 3D printing thermoplastic materials (or fusible filaments - FFF), is based on the realization of the parts by depositing successive layers of extruded filament at temperatures corresponding to the viscous aggregation state. One of the research activities of the CERAS research center is the realization of collaborative drone systems, drones capable of moving in each of the three unstructured environments: aerial, terrestrial aquatic / underwater. This paper presents a study on the choice of the type of thermoplastic material, for making the structural elements (chassis) of an underwater Rover. The need for this study arose from the fact that the design and construction of underwater vehicles is generally demanding. The materials must be characterized by resistance to compression / stretching / shearing, as in underwater environments the existence of currents, pressures (with increasing depth of immersion). Also, the materials must be chemically neutral, because in aquatic environments we can find various chemicals spilled in water (intentional or not) and finally salinity.

Additive Manufacturing in Underwater Applications

“…Among the polymers used for underwater applications, it is worth mentioning polyurethane (PU) [37], acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) [23,[38][39][40], polylactic acid (PLA) [38,41,42], high-density polyethylene (HDPE) [43], polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) [41,44], polycarbonate (PC) [44], and different bioplastics used for artificial reefs [35]. Most of these materials are thermoplastic polymers.…”

Theoretical and Experimental Aspects Regarding the Forced Mounting of a Cylinder Containing the Electronics of a Mini Submarine

“…The ROV developed in the Center of Excellence in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CERAS) allows the performance of specific activities up to the maximum depth of 100 m (Figure 1) [37]. It can transport command-and-control equipment, video cameras and sensors, sonar, an actuator system, and performing elements (e.g., articulated arms for gripping) [7][8][9].…”