Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

C-Beam based modular Resin Printer

Discussion in '3D printers' started by Jim S, Jul 20, 2016.

  1. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    We will send it right out to you to see how it works out for your SLA printer Build.
    On the FDM printer I think whipping may occur if your speeding up this fast but there's really only one way to know for sure ;)
    Hope this helps :thumbsup:
     
  2. evilc66

    evilc66 Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2015
    Messages:
    392
    Likes Received:
    153
    Thanks Mark (sorry for hijacking the thread ;) ). I look forward to seeing whatever you send
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  3. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    Its on the way buddy, I think you will enjoy them. :thumbsup:
     
  4. evilc66

    evilc66 Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2015
    Messages:
    392
    Likes Received:
    153
    Yay! Just got the tracking info. Thanks again Mark.
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  5. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    No worries about the tangents, it's called a discussion for a reason!


    The photography of the build has begun. Resin Printer Build

    Boring so far, and mostly a practice run anyway (I'm borrowing a nicer camera next week and will set up some lighting) but I'm going to try and make photos and renderings that show things in an exploded view so that people can see what order the washers and spacers go in without having to read.

    I've also been looking at the other sites that I should publish a step by step guide on. I've done a handful of Instructables before, but I think that the grouping and nesting in WeVolver might be a better fit for the this one. Here's the writeup that I did there: {{meta.title || 'Wevolver'}} What other sites do you guys post builds on besides this one?
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  6. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Parts continue to arrive!

    Here's the SeeMeCNC Flex Vat and matching build plate.
    [​IMG] [​IMG]


    And as promised, the last few OpenBuilds parts have arrived!!!
    [​IMG]


    Now that just about everything is here, and I'm drooling to get things started, it just happens to be the last week before classes start and I might get swept away with the back to school rush. (I do AV work for classrooms at a university) Fingers crossed that I can sneak away a little bit and start the build!
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  7. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    It's been a while since I checked in. It was a busy BTS, but classes are started, classrooms are running smoothly, and I've just now gotten back into my project.

    Less words, more pictures.
    So far so good.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    I'm happy to report that (so far) there haven't been any glaring oversights or impossible assemblies. Aside from a small hardware order that I need to place soon, things are coming together very nicely. Expect more updates soon. More pictures, too (as soon as I've uploaded the "real" ones from the DSLR).
     
    evilc66 and Mark Carew like this.
  8. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2013
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    2,407
    This is really looking sharp Jim, I am excited to see how the reduction system works out for your Z resolution :)
    Very nice looking keep up the good work :thumbsup:
     
  9. evilc66

    evilc66 Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2015
    Messages:
    392
    Likes Received:
    153
    How does the stiffness of the Z-axis column feel with it only being supported at the end? The connection from the C-Beam to the 20x40 in the back is probably adequate, but I wonder if the 20x40 might twist a little as the extra weight is cantilevered in front of it.
     
  10. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    The assembly in the picture is the BOM check. Things are only finger tight, and it was a mockup to make sure that I had the right number of screws in the right places, and things like that. I'll take detailed disassembly pictures, and then flip their order and write my assembly instructions with them.


    You nailed it. The connection is as solid as a rock, but the leverage involved allows the horizontal piece of the frame to twist just a little bit. Luckily, it's not really a load bearing column, it just needs to be steady and not vibrate. Either way, I think I'll move the C-Beam down the thickness of the end-cap and add a second horizontal 20x40 to the front side of the C-Beam so that it's attached to the frame on both sides and is (hopefully) twice as rigid.


    The parts all look good. The main nitpick that I have isn't really design related. I just don't have enough hands to hold the screws and nuts in place while juggling the motor and trying to apply tension to the belt while tightening it :) I'm going to design either individual nut holders that can keep each nut from spinning, or a ring that goes around the whole motor and holds all 4 nuts in place for one handed tightening. That'll make things much easier to handle and adjust. It also seemed like the pulley on the leadscrew was difficult to clamp tightly enough to keep it from wiggling a little bit. Chances are that I was just too shy with the allen wrench to really torque it down tight enough, but if it turns out that there's a tolerance thing going on, I'll shim with really thin kapton tape or something like that. Too soon to say, at the moment.


    Have a great weekend, everybody!
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  11. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,853
    Likes Received:
    1,524
    Consider adding short pieces at the sides of the C-Beam, running out and connecting to the first interior crossbar. This will provide better leverage against rotation.
     
  12. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    That would be ideal, yes. I don't think it jives with this design, though. The cross-bars in the middle will be in different positions for everyone else who builds it because the mounting points on the projectors aren't standardized...

    Maybe there's a way to do it from underneath...
     
  13. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Here's what I initially had in mind... Can you even fit an allen wrench in two adjacent angle connectors? I could move one set down and avoid the interference, but I'd also hate to make the top and bottom attach points closer together... A conundrum.


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    Part of me is wondering if I shouldn't just put two 20x40's back to back with joining plates. Or I could buy a 40x40 to replace it all together.
     
  14. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,853
    Likes Received:
    1,524
    A single 40x40 will be significantly better than two 20x40s back to back.
     
    Jim S likes this.
  15. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Agreed. I'm thinking that's the plan, now.
     
  16. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Order is placed. A 40x40 beam, some connectors, and a pack of screws that I didn't know I needed before are on their way!

    The printed parts have been designed, and the first test pieces are printing now!
    I even found out that the LittleRP build plate and the SeeMeCNC one share a mounting hole dimension, so I'll be able to design one plastic piece that fits both of them!

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    I also designed that nut holder that I was talking about. Looks good so far! I'll publish the files shortly, and post the link here.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Mark Carew likes this.
  17. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Rick 2.0 likes this.
  18. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Things are starting to come together!

    Using the 40x40 beam for the vertical C-Beam mount works very well. It's much sturdier than the 20x40 that I was using before. There's 90% less wiggle on that part from the aluminum twisting now. I'm quite happy with it. Money well spent.

    [​IMG]


    I've got the carriage arm and leveling block installed. They're both my own design, but the dimensions of the leveling block and the block on the build plate are compatible with the stock LittleRP pieces, so I think there're some synergies there. A pair of rubber washers on each of the 3 mounting screws will squish enough to let me level the build plate. I've also designed a newer piece than what's in the picture to match the vent holes on the SeeMeCNC build plate (the LittleRP plate is what's pictured below).

    [​IMG]


    The projector mounts up as expected, so that's good. The mounting screws are an M5 thread, so I had to ream out the angle brackets just a touch to fit them, but that's no big deal. That part of the build will vary by projector on everybody else's build, so I don't think there's a need to go looking for a different part.

    [​IMG]


    Here's what the mounted build plate looks like, when it's dipped down into the build vat. It's really starting to look like a printer!

    [​IMG]


    Today's mission is to modify the projector's lens so that it can zoom a little bit larger and focus a little bit closer. That part of the build will also vary depending on what projector the next builder throws at the project, but it should be pretty easy for me. It's an all aluminum, fully threaded lens so I'll probably just have to remove some stop screws. I may even get the motorized part of the lens to work still. Heck, maybe it'll even be motorized and let me index it still!

    After that, it's all about the electronics. I'm thinking about making a single sleeve to hold the Raspberry Pi and Arduino + Shield. If I get that all mounted, it's time to learn the ins and outs of NanoDLP. Luckily, there's plenty of room on the back of the C-Beam to mount it all.

    Wish me luck, I'm trying to finish the build this week!
     
  19. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    I made a Gerbil Tube for the electronics (raspberry pi for NanoDLP, and an arduino running GRBL plus a motor driver shield) ... Still need to add mounting holes for the C-Beam, but at least it all fits!
    I should have the machine moving that afternoon.

    [​IMG]
     
    Muh_3d and Mark Carew like this.
  20. evilc66

    evilc66 Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2015
    Messages:
    392
    Likes Received:
    153
    Looking good Jim. I need to get off my *** and get mine moving forward at a faster pace now that I have my larger FDM printer up and running (still needs some tweaks). I also need to stop changing the design before I even get the first version up and running :D
     
    Jim S likes this.
  21. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    No time for typing, but IT'S PRINTING!!!
    Words coming soon, here're pictures for now.

    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
  22. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Hi again, all!

    It's been a while (much longer than it should have been) but I'm back on this project, and gathering all of the parts and documentation so that I can publish a 'real' build log for other DIYers.

    Things are printing well. I created a calibration cube with words on all sides so that it was easier to tell which way to flip the projector to get the right results (i.e. ceiling or floor and front or rear projection).
    [​IMG]


    I've also updated my Raspberry Pi and Arduino holder so that it's got little fingers to grab the C-Beam and attach it to the machine. I need to print and test the final revision still, but I'll be uploading it to the existing Thingiverse page when it's ready today or tomorrow. GRBL Tube - Raspberry Pi & Arduino Sleeve by jimustanguitar
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    It looks like the newest build of NanoDLP has some new support features built in, so I'll be playing with those. I also like the idea of the new "resin test" feature, but I'm not sure how to use it yet.

    I'm going through the BOM, making corrections, updating the CAD drawing, and preparing to finish publishing the design. I'll send more updates as things unfold!!

    Jim
     
  23. evilc66

    evilc66 Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2015
    Messages:
    392
    Likes Received:
    153
    Looks like it's coming together nicely. Any chance of seeing some other shots of the calibration cube? I'd like to see how the vertical surfaces are coming out. The top looks great.
     
  24. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    The side views aren't as impressive :) I need to do some pixel color/dimming to get a full cure without bleeding. That'll be a learning curve, so I'll report back when I know a little bit more about it.
     
  25. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    I don't know if these are useful to anybody or not, but I've started making videos of the software side of the printer. The first steps are loading NanoDLP onto your Raspberry Pi and flashing GRBL to your Arduino. Later, I'll record how to connect and configure everything, and then I'll do one of how to actually run a print.



     
    Sinterklaas, Sonny Lowe and crazerico like this.
  26. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Got another video done... This is how to ID the USB port that your GRBL board is using on the Pi, and to set the Baud rate and all of that good stuff.

     
    Sinterklaas likes this.
  27. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    I'm not sure if these are particularly useful to anyone or not, but I've made some more videos to go with the other documentation for this project.

    Here's the software side of starting your first print.


    And if you're not familiar with NanoDLP at all, here's an overview of the entire program.
     
    Sinterklaas likes this.
  28. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    Settings and configuration of GRBL and NanoDLP.
     
    Sinterklaas likes this.
  29. Jim S

    Jim S Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    37
    By the way, these videos are not monetized, they're not intended to promote a particular product or company, it's not even to create a YouTube channel or anything like that, I just made them to try and be helpful. When I finally get my build documentation together, I'm hoping that teachers and librarians and others who aren't "professionally-technical" can pick this up and run with it. That's why I'm posting so many videos lately.
     
    JustinTime likes this.
  30. SteamLabs

    SteamLabs New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2017
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    3
    Enjoyed your presentation at construct3d!
     
    Jim S likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice