Gina Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 https://stargazerslounge.com/uploads/monthly_2019_11/1041117794_Printer01.thumb.JPG.140044ec736e44649f2a1ba5c126ec17.JPG 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gina Posted October 22, 2020 Author Share Posted October 22, 2020 The box was built from high quality hardwood plywood panels 18mm x 610mm x 610mm (2ft x 2ft). The size was derived from a previous printer build which used a casing made from 500mm square acrylic panels with 3D printed corners connecting the panels, except for the base and back which were plywood, so I searched for ready cut pieces of plywood this size or larger and came up with the 2ft square sheets (a bit bigger than I really wanted but not by much).This CAD model gives an idea of the arrangement of some of the parts within the box as I envisaged it before starting the build. Some aspects were changed as the build went along to fix problems and improve the functioning. X and Y rails were and still are aluminium extrusion "V" rail with the carriages running on them with matching ball bearing wheels. The Z axis also used "V" rail vertical pieces with 3D printed Z carriages running on them and supporting the print bed. The Z carriages held the bed level with any remaining deviation from truly level being compensated for in the firmware using Z probing immediately prior to printing. I'll say more about the "V" rail system later.This CAD model with the box removed shows the first design with the Z stepper motors mounted under the base of the box. This arrangement was changed later with the Z motors mounted inside the box and a much more rigid Z carriage and rail system. Also, the original 500mm square bed was changed to 400mm as 500mm square proved impractical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gina Posted October 22, 2020 Author Share Posted October 22, 2020 All the running rails are V-Slot aluminium extrusion and sold by ooznest (https://ooznest.co.uk/product/v-slot-linear-rail-20x20mm-cut-to-size/). The X ad Y rails are 20mm x 20mm cross-section and the Z uses a much bigger extrusion called C-Beam. https://ooznest.co.uk/product/c-beam-linear-rail-cut-to-size/20mm x 20mm extrusion showing a standard size wheel. I use the "Mini Wheels" which are a bit smaller.The final Z running arrangement used a variant of this, with a longer (higher) gantry plate and motor drive at the top with timing belt drive. (Click image to enlarge).This photo shows the final Z drive. A standard size (40mm) NEMA17 was plenty powerful enough 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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