Mendel 90 remix

thingiverse

First, I aimed to have a solid 3D printer for as low a cost as feasible. So I chose the Mendel 90 model because there weren't that many printed parts and the body is made of MDF, which I'm familiar with working on. So, after taking a close look at the plans and "vitamins," I realized it would be challenging to make it for cheap: since I am in Canada (Québec), sorry for my English! It was hard to find metric equipment. Therefore, I decided to work on modifying the plans to make it with imperial equipment for rods, bolts, nuts, etc. Before getting started, I also removed anything from the original design that isn't crucial to get printing. This printer can be built for under $300. So here are my main modifications: I used 5/16 smooth rods instead of 8mm (7.94mm) rods. I used LM8UU AJ adjustable linear bearings. For this reason, every bearing mount is designed to be screwable. You just need to screw the bolt and nut enough for it to be stable but not too tight so it can move freely. I redesigned the extruder to fit 6-32 screws and make it more solid (I'm not the first to do that, though!) I worked on the X carriage to find a good optional way to easily install the extruder with a Bowden tube or not! Also, I fixed the J-head style fixation for the hot end directly on the X carriage so that if there is a jam, you can work on it by just removing the extruder or the Bowden adapter but still have it solidly installed on the X carriage. I changed the location of the back panels to protect your PSU and Ramps. However, this also allows you to put more plastic spools in there. I simplified all the wiring that was so complicated on the original Mendel 90. Now, you can just use normal wires with tie-wrap. And the beauty of this design: You have to use your imagination to make your own printer! With these printed parts, you could build a 24x24x24 inch 3D printer if you wanted to. Just use longer rods and bigger MDF panels! "Bowden" and "LCD case" are not necessary to make it work. Some improvements are on their way: -A little modification to the extruder so that the gears are easier to align. -Add end-stop switch brackets on both sides (X motor and X idler) so you can choose which side you want to put it on. -Add a plastic plate to glue hot-end plugs onto the X carriage.