Here is a printer I am working on designing. Never owned a 3D printer before… but I have been reading and researching like crazy. Design is not done yet… but I am slowly buying parts and planning my build. Uses some openbuilds v-slot, some 1/2" linear rods, 1/2" PBC Linear Bearings (got some cheap on ebay closeout), 12mm lead screws, z-axis driven off common stepper motor with 1.5:1 reduction from pulleys (20 tooth on stepper, 30 tooth on lead screws), h-bot style XY drive. Approximately 12.5"X x 13.75"Y x 10.5"Z usable build volume, 24"x24"x24" over all size. Would love to know what people think, and suggestions on things to improve based on other peoples builds.
Very well designed in my opinion, we are making an Hbot printer also (check http://www.baddevices.wordpress.com). I like, in particular the Z lifting system, similar to the Ingentis of @Tim_Rastall but with different belt configuration. My personal suggestion is to avoid cheap linear bearings, if the quality is poor you will have play/backlash/vibration problems. Anyway good work!
Actually, im using a pure belt drive on Z axis now: Gives very smooth layers but the bed drops as soon as you cut power to the motors. @Eclsnowman Nice design, it looks very stable, as you’re asking for feedback, I think you should consider v slot for the side (y axis) rails as well as the Z axis, might also be worth investing in a linear rail and carriage for X axis. You may also want to consider @David_Moorhouse1 cable bot design (still a work in progress) as it avoids some of the issues inherent to hbots. There is core xy to consider too, @John_Driggers Has posted some lovely prints from his core xy machine.
Thanks Stefano for the input. I have been actively following your YouTube on your hbot. Very clean. I hope I am good on the linear bearings. They retail at $30 a piece for the PCB Linear Frelon (Teflon hybrid). I found them for $5.00 each on eBay and they slide like butter.
Very nice looking design, love the use of h bot. Might I suggest beefing up the vertical beams.they look to be much smaller, which will reduce any torsional rigidity, as well as reducing bending rigidity overall. Check out aliexpress for cheap parts, just expect to wait a month
Thanks @Eric_Moy . I was planning to add lexan side panels to act as an enclosure and add back the rigidity from only using 20x20 on the vertical.
Excellent idea