Custom Large Format 3D Printer

thingiverse

I was planning to purchase a Folgertech FT-5 R2 kit and assemble it, but I decided to design my own printer instead. The frame's design is inspired by the original laser-cut Makerbot Replicator, but I scaled it up to create a large-scale frame. It's constructed from 1/4" MDF, laser cut according to the .dxf files uploaded, then painted dark gray and fastened with M3x25 socket head cap screws and nuts. There are several 3D printed components that will be used in the final build, and these are all provided as stl files. I'm purchasing all the electronics and other materials from AliExpress, so it may take some time to receive everything needed to put the hardware together. However, I've also uploaded a mostly complete bill of materials (excel file) outlining what I plan to use. There are a few items missing from this list, such as an m5 shaft for the y-axis belt pulleys, smaller screws and other components that haven't been identified yet. This is a work in progress, but hopefully it will be completed by the new year. I'll continue updating this information as I work on the project. I've also uploaded the firmware. So far, it's basic - just what's needed to upload it to the board and get the machine running. I haven't calibrated the steppers yet because I don't have all the necessary hardware. Once that is received, I'll upload the final version of the firmware. Not exhaustive build requirements include: * Vertical bed motion, not horizontal * Bed axis supported by four corner rods * Bowden extruder setup * 300x300 mm build plate * 24VDC power system * Easily enclosed These are features that I was looking for in my next printer. The FT-5 hit most of these points, but when I got interested in making my own, it seemed like the way to go. And I think I have the build cost under what the FT-5 kit is - my estimated cost to build this machine is under $350. So far, I have the frame built and assembled, and the firmware loaded onto the control board. I've plugged in the display and powered it with a 24V source, and everything seems to be working fine. The motors are ordered, so when they arrive, I'll get a chance to connect them and make sure they're working as intended. ***EDIT 1 I just updated Y Carriage Idler to V10 and Y Carriage Motor to V14 to allow for a mounting post for the Y belt. I also uploaded a graphic showing the intended belt routing. Red and Blue are for the Y axis motion, and Green is for the X axis motion. ***EDIT 2; 12/3/2018 I modified the belt mounting for the Y Carriage Motor (now V15) so the part the belt mounts to is a separate piece altogether, called Y Belt Bracket V1. This makes the Y Carriage Motor much more printable as it doesn't require a huge volume of support material. I also updated the Firmware code so it has the correct True/False values for the limit switches. It's now fully operational - I will edit it one more time to make tuning adjustments for the steppers (steps/mm values). Also, all purchased components have been ordered! I'll keep you all updated when they begin arriving, and I'll document the build so I can post instructions here.