The Chimera Project - Laser + 3D Printing
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 4:04 pm
Chimera: An Animal descended from two genetically different animals.
After seeing all the quality 3D printed parts at Maker Faire I really wanted to build my own printer. While I was trying to justify the $600-$900 it would probably cost, I realized that my laser could probably be converted to a dual purpose machine. It already had all the motion control needed. That would save a lot of time and money. Also all the others building my laser could benefit.
Currently the Z Axis is not ideal for a printer because it is not constrained from XY motion while moving. It wiggles a bit when moving. I decided to add another v wheel track for the Z. I have also heard that some people are having a little wiggling when engraving at high speed. This should help.
I am using the widest Misumi 25mm extrusion available 80mm. I think that should work. I do not know if I need this on both ends, but I have material on order for two. I decided to try the smaller v-rail this time. I don’t know why I went with the next size up for the laser. I think I had some already. I got the material and it should work fine. This rail could save about $50 on a build.
After seeing all the quality 3D printed parts at Maker Faire I really wanted to build my own printer. While I was trying to justify the $600-$900 it would probably cost, I realized that my laser could probably be converted to a dual purpose machine. It already had all the motion control needed. That would save a lot of time and money. Also all the others building my laser could benefit.
Currently the Z Axis is not ideal for a printer because it is not constrained from XY motion while moving. It wiggles a bit when moving. I decided to add another v wheel track for the Z. I have also heard that some people are having a little wiggling when engraving at high speed. This should help.
I am using the widest Misumi 25mm extrusion available 80mm. I think that should work. I do not know if I need this on both ends, but I have material on order for two. I decided to try the smaller v-rail this time. I don’t know why I went with the next size up for the laser. I think I had some already. I got the material and it should work fine. This rail could save about $50 on a build.