C-bot Monster V1 533mm x 711mm x 711mm

thingiverse

The total cost of the machine at that time was approximately $700, a significant investment for a printer with such impressive capabilities. The print area measures 21"x28"x28" (533mm x 711mm x 711mm), making it an ideal space for creating intricate designs and large-scale prints. Photos showcase some of the remarkable projects I've printed on this machine, which has accumulated nearly 500 hours of printing time. Some prints took a staggering 48 hours or more to complete, pushing the printer's limits and demonstrating its reliability under intense conditions. The x/y axis is entirely based on the C-bot design, while the Z-axis boasts a custom build that saved me money on the initial machine cost. The X-axis sits atop premium 2x4s, carefully selected for their exceptional strength and durability. To ensure squareness, I meticulously measured every component and used shims when necessary to guarantee perfect alignment. The V-channel-based Z track prevents z-banding by keeping the prints secure as the bed moves up and down on cheap 5/8 threaded rods. This design proved capable of handling an astonishing 35 pounds of weight before skipping a beat, thanks in part to individual threaded rods for each corner. The belt system is simplicity itself, consisting of a single triangular piece that keeps everything in line. Attaching the motors to a center 2x4 at an angle allows for fine-tuning by adjusting the motor's position along the board. One of the printer's standout features is its heated bed, which I managed to create using tempered glass from a discarded stove and a thrift store toaster. By carefully arranging kapton tape around the heater coils and attaching them to the bed, I was able to achieve even heat distribution. However, it's essential to avoid allowing any short circuits between coils, as this can lead to a fire. Next, I connected the setup to a Harbor Freight router speed controller and gradually increased the temperature until it reached a safe level. To add an extra layer of protection, I installed an opto-isolated 120v relay on the Ramps board and connected it to the heat bed channel. To retain heat, I placed two large silicone mats under the taped coils and covered them with a cheap piece of steel before adding a clean double-strength annealed glass plate for printing. Hairspray serves as an effective adhesive for securing prints to the bed. The printer's support system relies on standard C-channel, which is held in place by screws that press it against vertical V-channels to prevent warping. A Ramps board runs OctoPrint and a standard computer power supply powers everything. The gray wire from the power supply controls the 12v components, while network cable handles all wiring to prevent damage. I've added various STL files to the printer's library, although I may have lost some in Fusion 360 – perhaps one day I'll recover them! This marks the first iteration of my monster printer, and I'm currently working on V2 with V-slot OpenBuilds track and cable management using keystone jacks. The new design will be compact enough to fit under my workbench and feature wheels for easy mobility. Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to ask questions – I'll do my best to provide detailed answers as I continue refining this printer.