Drew's Rostock variant

thingiverse

This printer is being constructed based on Johann's Rostock model but with modifications. The designer has chosen to use Makerslide rail instead of smooth rod and linear bearings, as they found cheap V-roller bearings at a junkyard. This choice was also influenced by the belief that Makerslide would provide increased rigidity and allow for hiding wiring inside the channel. To enhance user experience, the printer will be designed as a single self-contained furniture piece with hidden components, while incorporating Bluetooth, SD card reader, and full LCD interface for standalone printing capabilities. The initial version of the printer faced structural issues due to lack of proper machine tools; thus, the revised design uses 3/8 inch threaded rods for triangular frames at top and bottom ends, adjustable via nuts on screws. The wooden structural parts are no longer necessary but can still be used for mounting secondary components. Each drive axis is made using Makerslide rail, with three 666mm pieces creating the length that can be altered for different print areas. Top ends of rails have 5mm holes and "railtopblock" secured by a bolt and nut, with idler pulleys built around 525 bearings. The blocks also house travel limit microswitches and wire channels. These top end blocks are joined to each other using 3/8" threaded rods, while the "topfoot" part provides a mounting area for extruder drive, filament spool, lights, etc. Bottom ends of rails have "railbottomblock" parts secured with 5/16" bolts, joined by 3/8" threaded rods, and "bottomfoot" for rod securing to the bottom plate. Rail bottom blocks feature four thru holes for #10 bolts with hexagonal pockets for nuts, used for motor block mounting and bed support plate attachment. Motor mount blocks have a pattern for motor mounting and 525 bearing pocket for shaft support. Belt tension can be adjusted from above. The rail carriages consist of "carriagemid" and "carriageside" parts with V-groove bearings, joined by #6 threaded rods and M3 threaded rod. Carriages connect to rods using Traxxis rod ends and carbon fiber tubes. The "headmainbody" part secures connecting rods and features channels for wires, pockets for LEDs, and space for three 20mm cooling fans. The mini J-head is secured with triangular wooden screws inside the head main body. The printer utilizes a mixture of English and metric hardware due to limited availability of metric options. The Airtripper extruder drive has been modified extensively and may be redesigned in the future. Original parts from the first attempt are available in a provided zip file, but they are not recommended for use as the new design performs better.