I have built two i3 printers,created new DXFs and super sized the second one. I am ready for more knowledge in the form of my third build.
I want to build a printer specifically for precision. Reading recent post of our community I’m leaning towards rigidity being focal point one. A design with Al 80/20 seems to be where I am headed.
I have been leaning towards using @Eclsnowman and @Jason_Smith Eustathios design as a jumping off point. Thank you both for your contributions to this!
What I want will be:
Precision, direct drive (single), large bed (12 x12" +), utilizing RAMPS, nylon/PLA/ABS printer, I am not typically in a hurry to print (mainly use only .25 nozzle).
Any suggestions concerning other builds/mods that might be helpful?
Upgrade rods. Use the PROPER rods. Hardened nickel casing, etc. I’d dare say upgrade the cross bars to 10mm, and outer bars to 12mm. This will require some redesigning of parts.
Yeah, I’ve got an ingentis build coming along myself. If your focus is accuracy, and you’re expanding to a 12"x12" build area, you want larger rods. 8mm is going to flex at that span. Not a lot, but I would notice it.
Thanks! I’m an autoCAD user and this is how I redesigned the i3. Began playing in solidworks due to exporting of certain files to clean .stl. This looks like the perfect opportunity to hone solidworks skill-set.
Why the ingentis vs the Eustathios?
It’s not under your design criteria, but I wonder what ‘real’ linear slides bring to the table, if precision is the ultimate goal…you can’t get better than precision ground slides and precision ground sleds when you’re building this stuff at home.
@ThantiK on Eustathios build area is 12x12 and I don’t think 10mm rods are needed on the cross bars. I was amazed at how ridged it is. I can push with a side load on the nozzle and see no deflection (using forces within reason).
@Mike_Miller I am glad you brought this up. Has anyone tried this? Has anyone tried the rails that adafruit recently posted in their CNC product line? I believe someone found them on aliexpress.
I have toyed with the lead screw thought but have not found many good reviews on use with printers.
The Griffin is a Delta design specifically created to be relatively size independent. I’m currently building one with a 500mm diameter build envelope. With almost trivial changes, the same design can be used for any size between 200mm to 500mm.
@Roger_Waggener thanks for the input. I have looked at several delta style, love the motion. Preventing me, I see inherent issues with most delta printers that would not work for my application.