PrintrBot Simple - X-axis Rebuild/mix

thingiverse

With my original Printrbot Simple 1401 Maker editions, the X & Y axis movement was controlled by a string that wrapped around the sanding tip of a Dremel tool. Over time, these strings wore down, causing print shifting or eventual complete failure - which is exactly what happened to me. Due to this failure, I set out to patch up my printer first, allowing it to print basic parts to extend its life, with the ultimate goal of converting to a reliable system beyond string and sanding tool bits. A big shout-out goes to jonlawrence, ahaer, and bringho for the inspiration behind this upgrade. How I Designed This This expansion began as a last-ditch effort to save my printer from breaking down. However, it evolved into something more, becoming a project aimed at maximizing the bed area that can be used by the printer while keeping the original aluminum print bed intact. The goal was also to keep design elements such as spring leveling and belt tensioning. The first iteration of my print bed fix involved using GT2 timing belts. This was a Frankenstein version of jonlawrence's design, combined with the original Printrbot balsa bed, zipties, and aluminum L-channel. A top view of the first prototype for bed design shows its overall shape. Around 5 to 6 iterations in designs later, I arrived at the current left side X-Axis bed holder. The one in the middle cracked due to PLA's inflexibility and loss of moisture over time, while the bottom most mount did not allow for full usage of the print bed area. A top view of the last two revisions of the current left side X-Axis bed holder reveals its evolution. The topmost design incorporates a circular, slim shape that eliminates rubbing with the balsa wood side frames as the printer homes. It also includes an indented end stop feature not present in the bottom most design, helping optimize bed space usage. From a side view, the evolution of the end stop limiter can be seen. The topmost (most up-to-date) design implements a circular, slim shape that eliminates rubbing with the balsa wood side frames as the printer homes. Additionally, it incorporates the indented end stop feature not present in the bottom most design, further optimizing bed space usage.