3D printer #2 build

[EL34]

I refined the 3D printer #1 build after using it for a while and built printer #2 based on those refinements

Printer #2 came out really nice and is printing very clean objects compared to the first pics I posted on printer #1

I set up a build page here with big pics and lots of info
http://www.el34world.com/Misc/Cnc/CNC23.htm

Here is a Youtube video with a walk around of the printer
Printer walk around

Here's a Youtube video of the printer printing and some objects I have printed
Printer printing objects

[Slimtim]

sir you are on another level.i also took a look at your cnc machine.i didn't even know these types of machines could be diy built.but having seen yours,now i think anything can be diy.when the apocalypse comes i'm going to find you,you'll come in handy.

[EL34]

yeah, lots of people build their own CNC machines

After making two CNC machines the 3D printer was much easier
But the extruder was harder to do that I thought it would be.


This forum is the mecca of CNC machines. Commercial or DIY

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/index.php?

[EL34]

I uploaded a youtube vid of the printer printing and some of the objects I have printed


Printer printing objects

[Ritchie200]

Doug,

Have you seen the latest offering from DX?  Also, coming from a CNC background (and being away from it for about 10yrs), I always wondered if there are there specific 3d printer programming packages?  How are they set up?  Is it pretty intuitive or just raw G-code stuff?

http://dx.com/p/heacent-3dp01-diy-3d-printer-full-assembly-kit-black-silver-110-220v-220815?tc=USD&gclid=CMakmdHljLoCFYqZ4Aod2HwAjQ

Jim

[EL34]

I figured DX would get in the game sooner or later

There's a couple way to go at the software

I went with what I know and already own, which is Mach3
Most of the 3D printer guys use other stuff developed for 3D printers and it's free
The Reprap forum has all that info, but I don't know much about the stuff they use
That would be another huge learning curve for me so I stuck with what I already know

The machines process Gcode files but there's other new stuff in the code like temp settings, etc

In order to get a Gcode file the printer can use you need a program that takes a .STL 3D file and makes a gcode file

I use Slic3r to create Gcode files from 3D files
I use Alibre to create 3D .stl files

3D printing has a bunch of new stuff to learn and takes a while to figure out how it all works

So not only do you have the 3D hardware to figure out
You have to learn 3D cad drawing and learn how to use programs like Slic3r and the machine control software that runs the Gcode

whew!

[tubenit]

That's waaayyy cool stuff.

Thanks for sharing it.

Jeff

[Ritchie200]

I think I am officially old...  I haven't thought about programming since I sold my wire edm.  Now it just seems like I've been passed up and I have NO desire to figure it out.  It's a different bicycle now!

Jim

[EL34]

It's more 3D CAD work than anything else
Well, all the electronics and stuff on the printer itself too.

The Slic3r program takes the .STL file and creates Gcode for the printer
So you don't have to code Gcode by hand

[tubenit]

I bet your 3D printer could make these?

octal base keyway replacement

Jeff

[EL34]

Yeah I could but the heat would be an issue

The PLA plastic I use would probably get soft

[EL34]

Came upon a Harper's magazine article about AR-15's and in the article was item created using a 3D printer. 
What you guy's build out of plastic is unbelievable.
Are there UV hardening resins out there that you further harden with UV?  Just a thought. 
Regarding 3D printing, any one doing investment castings? 

There are a few different 3D printer types
The home models like mine just melt plastic in layers

As you go up into commercial high end stuff you get lasers that fuse powders into solids
This is the type that can make AR15 parts, etc

The DIY guys are already trying to figure out how to use lasers and powders, so it may be within reach of the DIY community down the road.
There are tight controls on high powered lasers in the US
Importing them without declaring what they are seems to be what you have to do.
In the laser type printers the laser shines on mirrors and then you have to tilt the mirrors and aim them so it's quite complicated

[Shrapnel]

Came upon a Harper's magazine article about AR-15's and in the article was item created using a 3D printer. 
What you guy's build out of plastic is unbelievable.
Are there UV hardening resins out there that you further harden with UV?  Just a thought. 
Regarding 3D printing, any one doing investment castings? 

There are a few different 3D printer types
The home models like mine just melt plastic in layers

As you go up into commercial high end stuff you get lasers that fuse powders into solids
...

Some of the higher end commercial units, well the low end of them anyway, can use the plastic extruder method as well. Just have a look at the extras on the Jeff Dunham: Minding the Monsters DVD and you can see his unit. It also uses another substance to support the plastic where needed and that is removed in an ultrasonic bath.

[EL34]

When was that DVD made?

The 3D printer technology has evolved quite rapidly

[Shrapnel]

When was that DVD made?

The 3D printer technology has evolved quite rapidly

That DVD was (C) 2012, and also showed up on Comedy Central around the same time of release (Halloween)

It might be the same unit he had around his Spark of Insanity DVD ( (C) 2007)