Electronic Bed Leveller

thingiverse

An electronic bed leveller project is being worked on by me for the first time. I am using a Y carriage from Thingiverse (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:43270) for testing purposes since I don't have a spare one. The bed levelling will be automated with a probe attached to the X carriage and three stepper motors mounted on the standard RepRap Mendel carriage. Currently, I am exploring ways to attach a nut to the MDF print bed without having to drill or glue it, so that it can be easily reverted to its original state. My idea involves using an M3 mudguard washer with an outer diameter of about 15mm and bending it over the edge of the MDF. Super gluing an M3 nut to the washer completes this solution. OpenSCAD images display the MDF print bed (yellow), the M3 bolt (red), and the M3 nut (green). The Y carriage in the photo is a test version from Thingiverse, but it should also work with the original MDF base plate. A Raspberry Pi will control the system, while a screwdriver with wire serves as the X carriage probe for now. Each stepper motor weighs approximately 20g, and together with the plastic mounts and extra screws, they are expected to add 70-80g to the carriage. Photos have been uploaded showing the assembly of the stepper motor and mount. M3x12 and M3 x 30 screws are used for securing the components. A washer is required between the coupler and LM8UU holder to prevent any snags on the coupler. The bed leveller's performance will be tested in a couple of days after obtaining mudguard washers.