Integrating eFPGA into 3D Printers for Performance Enhancement
I’ve been exploring the potential of integrating eFPGA (embedded Field-Programmable Gate Array) into 3D printers to enhance their performance, especially for tasks that require high-speed processing and customization.
One specific application I’m considering is improving the efficiency of real-time motion control and sensor data processing. By offloading these tasks to the eFPGA, we could potentially achieve more precise control over the printing process, reduce latency, and increase overall printing speed and accuracy.
Has anyone experimented with eFPGA in the context of 3D printers, or does anyone have insights into how this technology could be best implemented for improving print quality and performance? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and any advice you might have!
Looking forward to the discussion!
The 3D printers used by posters here are relatively slow compared to most modern microcontrollers and there is not a lot that an FGPA could do that wouldn't be possible with, say, the state machines on a Raspberry Pico.
increase overall printing speed and accuracy.
The speed limitations are mostly basic physics, the speed of melting and cooling cannot be enhanced in software, likewise accuracy is mostly a matter of calculating stepper phases - most of the heavy lifting is done in the slicer; other than vintage printers with electronics based around older arduinos there's not a lot of call for extra processing capacity.
So you are looking for extra features to calculate - perhaps more advanced error detection and reporting or even predictive correction...
'though you may find more openings in metal printing where a lot of issues with thermal expansion remain to be solved.
Cheerio,