I appreciate all of the information from people answering my first post in the General forum.
I want a stable machine capable of carrying the Dragon multicolor head, and is built like a brick outhouse.
I looked at the CoreXY machines, and they seem elegantly simple.
Does anyone have an accurate 3D model of the Dragon hot end with all five colors?(doesn't have to be printable) Initially, I plan on running a single head for run-in and testing, and will add the Cyclops, and then the Dragon in turn as things progress.
So, I've considered what I've read and seen, and the stability concerns voiced on my initial post by others.
The frame of the machine will consist of a cube of 20/40 extrusion. They will be drilled and tapped for bolts to secure them to square. The corner brackets are too wimpy for this size in my opinion.
Three 20/20 struts will carry linear bearings (not rod bearings, rail bearings) to guide the Z axis table. The heated table will ride on this table to eliminate heat expansion concerns. size of the heated table will be sized at least 20mm larger than the printer traveling ability.
Four lead screws with acme followers will lift the table squarely, and will be driven by one belt. Two if torque is a problem. Each lead screw will have a wraparound follower to ensure maximum # of teeth on the belt is engaged with the pulleys. Each lead screw will be supported top and bottom in a Misumi bearing carrier.
The print head gantry will consist of four linear bearings mounted on 20mm extrusion, two in Y axis on 20/40 and two on the X axis on 20/20.
NEMA steppers for the drives. The Z axis will probably require a gearmotor.
Mounting points for up to five Bowden extruders on the top rail at the rear.
Enclosed with a hinged door on the front.
Controls? I haven't a clue yet. I'm good with robotics and PLC programming, but C and other coding frustrates me. I will use a Rumba board because it seems to have everything I'll need, want WiFi, Ethernet, and a small HMI or touchscreen.
Honestly, I'm going to need some help when it comes to the controls. Mechanically, I think I got this... Mistake #1 - overconfidence.
It looks like about $500 in parts, $100 in machine shop time, and then... not sure.
All input/help/suggestions welcome!
Cheers!
Kev
I want a stable machine capable of carrying the Dragon multicolor head, and is built like a brick outhouse.
I looked at the CoreXY machines, and they seem elegantly simple.
Does anyone have an accurate 3D model of the Dragon hot end with all five colors?(doesn't have to be printable) Initially, I plan on running a single head for run-in and testing, and will add the Cyclops, and then the Dragon in turn as things progress.
So, I've considered what I've read and seen, and the stability concerns voiced on my initial post by others.
The frame of the machine will consist of a cube of 20/40 extrusion. They will be drilled and tapped for bolts to secure them to square. The corner brackets are too wimpy for this size in my opinion.
Three 20/20 struts will carry linear bearings (not rod bearings, rail bearings) to guide the Z axis table. The heated table will ride on this table to eliminate heat expansion concerns. size of the heated table will be sized at least 20mm larger than the printer traveling ability.
Four lead screws with acme followers will lift the table squarely, and will be driven by one belt. Two if torque is a problem. Each lead screw will have a wraparound follower to ensure maximum # of teeth on the belt is engaged with the pulleys. Each lead screw will be supported top and bottom in a Misumi bearing carrier.
The print head gantry will consist of four linear bearings mounted on 20mm extrusion, two in Y axis on 20/40 and two on the X axis on 20/20.
NEMA steppers for the drives. The Z axis will probably require a gearmotor.
Mounting points for up to five Bowden extruders on the top rail at the rear.
Enclosed with a hinged door on the front.
Controls? I haven't a clue yet. I'm good with robotics and PLC programming, but C and other coding frustrates me. I will use a Rumba board because it seems to have everything I'll need, want WiFi, Ethernet, and a small HMI or touchscreen.
Honestly, I'm going to need some help when it comes to the controls. Mechanically, I think I got this... Mistake #1 - overconfidence.
It looks like about $500 in parts, $100 in machine shop time, and then... not sure.
All input/help/suggestions welcome!
Cheers!
Kev