RepRap-8

thingiverse

This is the base design of what will hopefully be a full-fledged RepRap printer. Its origins were in my desire to utilize all of my ANET-A8 spares effectively. After assembling the first prototype, I decided to use one of the 8mm smooth rods to ream some 3D sleeve bearings that I designed for my A8 to replace its noisy LM8UU bearings. Then, an idea struck me...what if I eliminated the bearing entirely and replaced it with slide rails? The results were outstanding and are now a feature included in this release of the RepRap-8. With the success of the slide rails on the Y-Axis, I realized that they could work well on other axes too. So, my adventure begins! Some project goals: 1) Maintain compatible frame volume with that of the A8 even if build volume needs to be compromised. As long as the remaining build volume is sufficient to print all its own parts. 2) Minimal glue, no screws required. Snap-Fit only. Initially, the printer is assembled using screws but the plan is to reduce and eventually eliminate them as much as possible. 3) No guide rods are used. Instead, 3D printed guide rails will be employed. 4) No belts are used. A herring bone base gear system will replace them. 5) No lead screw is needed. A worm gear arrangement will take its place instead. 6) Noise levels should be considered but not prioritized over the project's other goals. 7) In general, I aim to replace all metal items with printable equivalents. 8) Develop a means to measure quality and ensure that the existing quality level is maintained. At a minimum, the printer should be able to reproduce its own parts without generational loss. 9) Parts should be designed so measurements are not required during construction to guarantee proper alignment. I'm working on detailed build plans which I hope to have completed soon. Until then, I'll upload an assembly file in STEP format and STLs for your viewing pleasure. Note that some of the design elements are actually mods from my original A8, so parts to this design can be found on their own page. This following will include the link and mention any updates to those parts: - X/Y bearings and bearing blocks: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2719391 - X/Y belt anchoring parts: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2722528 - Cable Management System: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2783509 =====Update: 20180205 Changes to the following fittings have been made to include "keys". These keys enable attachments to be made without the need for screws and aid in alignment. - Motor Mount,Y-Axis - Rail Support,Y-Axis - Frame Base Fitting - Frame Z-Axis Bottom Fitting More to come.... https://youtu.be/SViP3lse-WQ https://youtu.be/XT6kvPkSYok