3D Printer

Partnering with my dad, we have designed and built our very own custom 3D printer. He has done the bulk of the mechanical design and fabrication whereas I have done the bulk of the electrical work (the easy part). Now we have something to show. 

Working 3D Printer

You will be seeing a lot more posts about this and hopefully robotic projects utilizing the 3D printer. 

The frame is made from extruded aluminum, mostly from a company called 80/20 "The Industrial Erector Set" (but bought from amazon).

The 8mm hardened rails have cheap linear ball bearing slides. 

We decided to go with the "h-belt" drive which was made popular by CoreXY. The RepRap Marlin firmware (link here) has an option to control such a drive system. It utilizes both motors in order to drive in a single direction. Typical x-y stages have a single motor for a single axis.  The CoreXY site goes into the advantages, but we liked it due to the ability to drive the stage, which holds the hot end, in x and y rather than driving the in a single direction and moving the platform, where you print.  

H-Belt Drive System

We also decided to use the RAMPS 1.4 board which utilizes a Arduino Mega. So far I have been impressed with how simple the electrical and firmware setup has been.  We purchased this kit from Sainsmart (SKU:20-013-213).  

Sainsmart Kit (SKU:20-013-213)

RAMPS 1.4 and LCD Display

Together we have spent approximately $1,200, however, for that cost we have bought enough components for two printers!  (although only have one built as of this post

First X-Y Test

MORE TO COME!