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3d printers...how to?

fuzion_reaktor

Hey Ben (or anyone else who reads this, I can't tell where this is being posted), love the show, but I have a question. Like you I have been bitten by the electronics bug and I am considering building my own 3d printer, preferably with stuff I have around to save money. I'me wondering if I can use a belt or two and guide bars with bearings or bushings to drive the x carriage up and down in the y axis. I've never seen a printer with a belt driving the y, and I'm curious if it can be done. I probably should get a kit since this would be my first 3d printer, but where's the fun in that? Also, any recommendations on cheap, easy and reliable control board? Thanks.

  • I don't think it would be a problem if you get the mechanicals right.  I think many printers use belts on both, it definitely has the speed needed versus threaded rod.  My CNC machine uses belts on both x and y.  On Z they typically use a threaded rod style, I think for accuracy mostly.

     

    For control boards most people use RAMPS on top of an Arduino.  You can get knockoffs of those online pretty cheap, which I don't recommend (supporting community etc), or you can go with something like the printrboard which has everything on board, no need for separate drivers.

  • in reply to colecago

    Ok, I think I may have gotten the arrangement of axis confused...maybe. I meant to drive the carriage up and down vertically. So if I were to do that I'd be using belts for all the axis. Also, thanks for the recommendation, I think I'll go with a printrboard, it sounds easier and less likely to blow up in my face.

  • in reply to fuzion_reaktor

    Oh, yes, the Z axis is typically the screw axis.  I am not sure why they use screws on the Z, I imagine its for accuracy because that is more important than speed on that axis.  If you got a slower stepper, something like a .9 degree step versus the standard 1.8 that would help out a little, but I would probably stick with the tried and true ball screw.

  • You don't typically see a belt for the z-axis as you wont get the resolution that comes from the threaded rod.  It can be done but at a cost.  As far as the board, Colecago has a good point that Ramps 1.4 is a good all around board. I use these on most my printers.   If you want a newer version than go with RAMBO, which is just the Arduino and Ramps smashed together.  Just be aware that with the RAMBO if one thing goes bad it could be a little harder/more expensive to be fixed with everything all within one.

     

    Nate

  • in reply to Nate1616

    Thanks. Out of curiosity, does anyone know where I can get all this stuff? I've looked in some stores and websites and everyone sells 1-10% of what I will need.

  • in reply to colecago

    Generally the Z axis is a screw because it has more torque to lift the weight. With a belt you have to take steps to prevent the weight of the carriage from pulling itself down. With a screw you can use Acme threads which offer higher precision and accuracy.

     

    A belt will work on the Z axis, it is basically how a delta printer works. I don't see a reason to do it though beyond experimentation. It won't save any money and possibly create more issues.