Precision 3D Printer ... Revisited (Page 2 of 3)

Quick Update...

I just finished designing the Z Motor holders and the smooth rod guide holders, and ultimately, it looks like I ended up with something similar to what Hazer was suggesting, and inside bracket.  The more I look at this the more it looks like total overkill, but what the hell... it's only plastic.

Here is a less cluttered view of the lower half of the printer.

My sentiment exactly. I may attempt to build a printer next year and I was already thinking of something very similar to this. Brilliant thread.

Thank you.

There's enough room at the bottom for everything, so I think I'll add an electronics box there somewhere.  The PSU (server type) will be somewhere at the back, since it's too large to put inside.

So this brings us to the electronics.

I currently have 2 extra logic boards, an original Sanguino that came with my SD3, and a Geetech Printrboard, flashed with SD firmware.  I was originally thinking about using one of those, but now that I'm into this up to my ass, I'm thinking about getting another RAMPS with LCD.

And as a by product of that, I'm now thinking dual extruders ... this needs to stop somewhere. 

I need help!

You have at least two Z motors. That puts the printrboard out. Besides, you need to fix traces on it to drive any decent heaters. i have it myself and burned the traces on the stock doodle.

Anyway, the Sang might work, but you would probably be better off with a RAMPs or Azteeg.

I've been busy for the past week or so making the plastic parts for the printer and assembling the frame. 

I've also finished sorting out the extruder design.  I wanted something different and very compact, so I think I achieved that.  The only question is will it last.  If not, I'll re do a more beefed up version.

Anyway, here are a few photos of the assembled frame.

I'm currently waiting for the order I put in with RobotDigg for the smooth rods, lead screws and motors.  I also ordered a RAMPS board, a 12864 LCD and a 10"x10" MK1 PCB heater. 

So far everything is proceeding according to plan....

looking good.

I should be able to get in there OK, but I'm not entirely sure.  I can always move them further apart if I need to.  I'm printing another extruder right now, So as soon as I can install it on the frame, I'll find out how close or how far I need to mount them

You may have already noticed that I printed some corner pieces to be mounted on the inside faces, similar to what you had mentioned earlier.  It helps keep the frame square in all directions and add extra strength.

BTW, thanks again for the grooved bearing idea.  Here is a picture showing the bearing installed.

Update.  It would appear I need about 1/2-3/4" or so between the extruders to be able to get my fingers in there.

I already have a RAMPS on my SD3 and I'm familiar with it, so I'll go with that.  It supports dual extruders, GCode controlled fans and an LCD, so I'm good with it.

I do like the Viki LCD but I think it's just to expensive for what it is, I can get a graphic LCD controller with SD card support for less than $20.

AS for the RAMBO, I looked at it before, but it too is nearly twice the cost of a RAMPS, and I'm also skiddish about the integrated steppers.  I've had problems with steppers before and with removable ones it's easy to just swap the bad one out.  So I think I'll stick with the RAMPS.

I got my RAMPS from eBay.  The guy had a bunch of them and was asking only $45 with 5 steppers, so I bought one, but he's out now.  If I wanted to get one reasonably priced and shipping from the US, I'd look at Folger Technologies on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mega2560-R3-4x- … 1059517985

I bought stuff from him before (and so have others on this forum) and his product is good and reasonably priced.  Here is a link to a RAMS with 4 steppers and a graphics LCD screen.  You can buy additional steppers from him for only $4.

As for "knockoffs",  technically, all these are some kind of knockoff, as they are open source hardware, so anyone can make them.  The only "branded" component if you want to call it that would be the Arduino board.  If you want the real deal, then you'll pay a bit of a premium for the Arduino branded board.  But I don't think there's such a thing as an "original/official RAMPS board.

BTW, I have a couple of these, both Arduino and a Mega 2560 clone, there's virtually no difference between them, and both work flawlessly.

Nothing at the moment,  I got my nwe Printrbot Simple and I've been playing with that for the last week or so. 

I'll get back to the printer when I return from my vacation in a couple of weeks.  I got most of the parts already, including the stuff from RobotDigg. 

Most of the printable parts are printed, and next up is cutting the smooth and threaded rods to length.

I'll finish it ... sooner or later.