VertexEvo Rev.2

thingiverse

This is the 3rd revision of VertexEvo. In this post, I'll highlight what's new in this version. Please follow the link above to read all pros and cons of such a major modification of Vertex K8400 before deciding to move forward. After several upgrades (see my previous posts), the print volume reached its maximum: X=192mm, Y=218mm, Z=194mm per nozzle. The distance between e3D nozzles is 23mm. I've finally eliminated the original connector PCB that was always a constraint in printhead design. I created custom connector PCB and placed X-stop sensor on it. The PCB is attached to the back of printhead and is barely visible. I have extra PCB boards and can sell them assembled for the price of parts (about $15 USD) + shipping. If there's demand for bigger quantities, I foresee the price going down. The main cable and X-stop cable connector layouts remain unchanged, so you can simply plug them into the new PCB. An attached image explains the function of each connector located on the new PCB. The PCB is mounted to the back of main Thing with a single M3x6mm screw and is also "sandwiched" between top and duct Things. The right and left XY clamps house LM8LUU 8mm Linear Bearing Ball Bushing 8x15x45mm, which are aligned with the clamps from the side facing the motors (see attached images). The lower bushing in main Thing is the original from K8400. Upper bushing is LM8LUU 8mm Linear Bearing Ball Bushing 8x15x24mm. Most of the screws used in XY clamps are M3x12mm. X_visor mounting screw is M3x16mm. The belts are directly attached to the left side of main Thing. Four M3x30mm socket head screws and four self-locking M3 nuts are used to tighten the belts. Belt ends are locked in the same way as in revision 1. I've slightly changed the shape of motor mounts and added holes to their back sides for maintenance purposes. If you drill the back panel in spots aligned with these holes, you can slide Y-rods out through them. This makes it much easier to remove and reinstall print head; no need to detach front corners and motor mounts anymore. The right motor cap has a new hole aligned with the screw of clamp1 Thing. Front corners and front corner caps were updated as well. For ease of maintenance, I relocated several screws. I also added one mounting hole to each corner for M5 screws. Corners have been redesigned to provide better support. X rods: D=8mm L=295mm Y rods: D=8mm L=320-330mm Belts: 125cm (49") each Along the top of front and side panels, you need to add 25mm x 3mm (1"x1/8") aluminum bars for reinforcement. <b>Update 24-Jun-2018</b> I've uploaded new revisions of left_motor_mount and clamp2. The reason for change is that the lower screw of the clamp was "hidden" behind the belt and difficult to reach. <b>Update 25-Jun-2018</b> Yesterday, I had to replace polyurethane GT2 belts for the second time in about 10 months. A quick web search showed - this is a common problem with these types of belts. The steel threads inside the belt break and then the belt starts to stretch. Next time, I'll try carbon fiber enforced belts from Gates. <b>Update 11-Oct-2018</b> I've started working on Vertex-H design. This will be H-bot with MGN-12H rails and single 9mm GT2 belt. You may want to wait until this new project is completed and then choose between VertexEvo and Vertex-H. Here are the details https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3145721 <b>Update 26-Dec-2018</b> Vertex-H project was a success. Please read the description here and choose which of these two MODs will work best for you.