Primarily built to support future prototypes / projects (namely an ABS bezel for my BMW tablet install) I built this printer in a race against the birth of my second daughter. While I haven't printed much yet, it was a fun build, it prints very nice parts, and I made the deadline :P
Getting my attic shop ready to build | Sizing up the build | 100s of parts organized. Seriously, these things just come as bags of unlabeled hardware and it's up to you to sort it out and identify what's what. |
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More sorting | Finally. On to building the support structure | Mounting the print bed along with the installation of the X, Y, and Z motors |
Parts to build the extruder & hot end mount. | Assembled | Mounted |
Starting enclosure construction based on an inverted ikea lack table. | Walls constructed from 3/4" MDF. Hole cut and fan mounted for controlled ventilation. | Lexan door built. |
Some electronics mounted in the rear. On top of the kit electronics I added a Raspberry Pi 3 loaded with octoprint and a relay board to control lights, fans, and power to the 3D printer. | Aforementioned lights mounted. | Tadaaaaa! |
Another look inside before I completely wrap up the wiring. | Finished backend | Finished inside. |
After a year of limited use I started heavily focusing on my 540i infotainment project and my use of the printer ramped up. After the z-axis nut that's embedded in the left x-axis end stripped out I decided to knock out a batch of upgrades:
#1 - Z-axis 8mm Lead Screw upgrade
a. New ABS 3D Printed X axis ends
d. 5mm to 8mm flexible couplings
#2 - Autoleveling
c. RAMPS 1.6 board (not necessary but my v1.4 board had a melting power connector)
d. Marlin 1.1.8 (latest at time of edit)(also not necessary but nice to do if you're already going to be doing firmware edits for
autoleveling).
#3 - 500W AC Heated bed
a. Keenovo 110VAC 500watt 200x200mm silicone heater
b. Watlow DIN-A-MITE DB10-24C0-S000 (industrial grade SSR that can be had for ~$60 used on eBay).
There have only been two notable difficulties with the upgrades.
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#1 - Getting the printed parts made on a broken / limping printer
#2 - Re-squaring the printer
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I'm still working on #2, as my x-axis still isn't 100% square to the y-axis. I'm also still in the process of getting the heated bed changed out. Stay tuned for pictures :D