Something new in XY mechanisms.

[John_Rice]

Something new in XY mechanisms. (I think)

I have made a couple printers using this new mechanism I devised. Inspired by Ultimaker and Sli3dr. Advantages include:

Can use belts or filament and round or other linear rails (this version uses filament and round rails).

Unlike Ultimaker, no spinning rods.

Both X and Y mechanism are attached to belt/filament on both sides to prevent racking.

All motors outside of build area to allow heated chamber.

More area inside printer is usable as print area compared to many other designs.

Design avoids over-constrained mechanism easing build tolerances.

Fewer and cheaper parts than many designs.

A complete printer including heated build chamber can be made for about $350 US.

Comments and critiques welcome. A complete printer design is available on Thingiverse: thing:2014217 rice9300

[Dale_Dunn]

There are some ideas here I’ve been wanting to use, but never find the time for. In particular, using that kind of cable run for both ends of a travelling beam. What cord are you using, and what are you using for idler pulleys? Is elasticity of the cord evident in the prints?

[Ariel_Yahni_UniKpty]

Interesting

[Stephanie_A]

At those belt lengths you might as well go core-xy.

[Jeff_DeMaagd]

I can’t tell how one direction is controlled. I can make a guess, it would be hard to know for sure. It looks interesting.

[John_Rice]

@Dale_Dunn I am using 100lb test Power Pro Spectra fishing line. Stretch does not seem to be an issue.Idler pulleys are simply 625VV v-groove bearings . Drive spool is 3d printed.

[John_Rice]

@Jeff_DeMaagd I will post a video shortly that should make the operation easier to see.

[Ryan_Carlyle]

Definitely need some kind of illustration showing how the lines are arranged to move the carriages. Really hard to tell what’s going on from the model renders

[John_Rice]

@Ryan_Carlyle Excellent idea. Done. See above.