Publication Date
Spring 2022
Degree Type
Master's Project
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Computer Science
First Advisor
Ben Reed
Second Advisor
Fabio Di Troia
Third Advisor
Robert Chun
Keywords
Raspberry Pi, Hard Real-Time Linux, 3D Printer, Kinematics, Klipper
Abstract
The project presents how a Raspberry Pi with hard real-time enabled Linux can control stepper motors to operate the kinematics of a 3D (three-dimensional) printer. The consistent performance of the Raspberry Pi with the PREEMPT-RT (real-time) patch can satisfy real hard-time requirements for 3D printing kinematics, without introducing dedicated microcontrollers. The Klipper 3D printer firmware enables one of the Raspberry Pi processors to act as the Klipper MCU, the primary controller for the hardware components. This project introduces a software implementation of the control logic for controlling the stepper motors, which utilizes the PCA9685 pwm driver and TB6612 motor drivers from Adafruit DC & Stepper Motor Pi HATs (hardware attached on top). This initial investigation shows that the Raspberry Pi itself can perform as a 3D printer satisfactorily and readily utilize Linux software.
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, Alvin, "Hard Real-time Linux on a Raspberry Pi for 3D Printing" (2022). Master's Projects. 1077.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.68zc-s4dq
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_projects/1077
