printrbot simple metal x / y axis upgrade to 10 x 10 inches, under $75

thingiverse

To upgrade your Printrbot Simple Metal 1403 to a 10x10 print area for under $75, start by printing the shorter x rails on a 6x6 Printrbot Simple Metal (orient them diagonally and they'll fit). Next, print the 4 inch y axis extension. Order 8mm rods from McMaster (O1 tool steel rods, ~$12) and GT2 belts for RepRap on eBay (~$5). The x-axis rods are approximately 14.25 inches long, while the y-axis rods are approximately 14.75 inches long. Use the shorter x rails to mount the larger build plate. An aluminum plate with dimensions of 15.75 inches in width and 10.75 inches in height is required; its thickness can be between 3/16 and 1/4 inch. You can now mount the plate and test print with the extended x-axis print area, even though you cannot use the full y axis yet. Next, use the 4 inch y axis extension to extend the y axis to 10 inches. Use manual control movements to verify the final x/y printable area in millimeters and enter it into Cura or Repetier printer settings. Now you can print with a full 10x10 area. Optional, print the longer x axis rails so that you get an extra screw hole to mount the build plate (I didn't need it, still using the shorter rails because they work!). Once the build plate is finalized, add a heated PCB underneath. I used a cheap eBay heater PCB with red high temp silicone gasket maker to hold it in place (used this method for years and never failed). Notes: For the build plate, use two plates - one thicker 3/16 inch plate to mount the heater and level with rails (using a wave washer from McMaster), and one thinner plate that clips on top so printed parts can be removed off the printer. Go to a surplus metal shop because slight scratches don't matter (the bottom plate is covered up and the top plate is covered with blue tape), ~$30. Good luck.