Hello,
I am new here and want to build my first 3D printer for making 1:1 scale prototypes for work and to just have fun. I have been reading around for months and dreaming of having my own 3d printer .
My criteria is:
1. Not cost the earth,
2. Can print 400mm x 400mm x 450mm objects,
3. Has a small footprint, space is at a premium including when running,
4. Is fast, I loved richrap's prusa hotend video [www.youtube.com]
5. Prints nicely though i can survive sanding and trimming stray strands,
6. Prints PLA, Nylon and Polycarbonate,
7. runs quietly.
I was initially thinking of making a large rostock a makerbot replicater but with the extruder away from the hotend as the extruder in the replicator makes it have to have a much larger frame.
What model should i base my printer on and what problems will i encounter?
What are those models strengths and weaknesses?
Is it all right to make the frame and or rods out of cast iron? I heard that a flexing frame reduces print quality and cast iron dousnt flex though I would be unhappy if it shattered.
Should I use spectra wire or rubber belts? I heard the elastic nature of the material makes the print head overshoot when it moves fast.
Anyone tried using toothed bars or bicycle chains and sprockets in place of the belts?
Do I really need chromed steel rods which have an insane price tag?
In fact what is worth the money on quality parts and what isnt?
What parts of a 3d printer is noisy and how can I dampen it?
I'm thinking of putting an enclosure around the printer to keep dust out. What air flow is required? exhaust fan at top, middle or bottem?
I look forward to your answers
stonefisher
I am new here and want to build my first 3D printer for making 1:1 scale prototypes for work and to just have fun. I have been reading around for months and dreaming of having my own 3d printer .
My criteria is:
1. Not cost the earth,
2. Can print 400mm x 400mm x 450mm objects,
3. Has a small footprint, space is at a premium including when running,
4. Is fast, I loved richrap's prusa hotend video [www.youtube.com]
5. Prints nicely though i can survive sanding and trimming stray strands,
6. Prints PLA, Nylon and Polycarbonate,
7. runs quietly.
I was initially thinking of making a large rostock a makerbot replicater but with the extruder away from the hotend as the extruder in the replicator makes it have to have a much larger frame.
What model should i base my printer on and what problems will i encounter?
What are those models strengths and weaknesses?
Is it all right to make the frame and or rods out of cast iron? I heard that a flexing frame reduces print quality and cast iron dousnt flex though I would be unhappy if it shattered.
Should I use spectra wire or rubber belts? I heard the elastic nature of the material makes the print head overshoot when it moves fast.
Anyone tried using toothed bars or bicycle chains and sprockets in place of the belts?
Do I really need chromed steel rods which have an insane price tag?
In fact what is worth the money on quality parts and what isnt?
What parts of a 3d printer is noisy and how can I dampen it?
I'm thinking of putting an enclosure around the printer to keep dust out. What air flow is required? exhaust fan at top, middle or bottem?
I look forward to your answers
stonefisher