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http://reprap.org/wiki/RUG/New_Zealand Discussions on suppliers, meetups, and how to keep Keas from eating your extruder heads.
Print Quality Issues - 13 years ago
Finally got my printer up and running, not quite getting the quality of print I would like. I am running Marlin and Pronterface software. The program I have been trying to test run is the 20cube_export file that is included with Marlin. The machine has a 90W 240V heated nozzle with a 0.5 orifice and is running 3mm ABS. Heated bed with 4x 400W 240V elements. The nozzle dribbles a lot when not pby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: Homing procedures with Marlin / Pronterface / Ramps 1.4? - 13 years ago
Hi, sorry for the late reply I've finally managed to get back to working on the machine. What you have described is exactly what I want, to be able to click the home button and all three axes find their home position at the limits of their travel. All that happens when I click the homing buttons now are the machine zero's each axis at the current position - no homing procedure is executed. I'by Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Homing procedures with Marlin / Pronterface / Ramps 1.4? - 13 years ago
Hi, I'm in the process of setting up my machine using Marlin firmware, Pronterface / Slicer, Arduino Mega 1280 with Ramps 1.4 board wired to Gecko G251 stepper motor drivers Nema 23 3A Stepper motors on X,Y,Z and E axes What I'm trying to do at the moment is configure the homing procedure and limit switches. I previously had Sprinter firmware and in Pronterface I could click Z, Y, or Z home bby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: Machine is complete, but what software? - 13 years ago
Hi, thanks for that information. I've changed to the Marlin firmware, you're right it is a bit more difficult to configure but provides a lot more options which is better for my application. I'm having a bit of trouble with homing procedures but I'll start another thread for that. Cheers.by Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: Machine is complete, but what software? - 13 years ago
Hi, thanks for the reply. I've installed Sprinter firmware onto the Arduino board, and Pronterface onto the laptop. I got it to the point where I was mucking around with settings, calibrating the axes to more accurately, working through the other settings as I go. Unfortunately I was working on setting up the limit switches which I was getting no response from, I thought mabye the wiring was atby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: Machine is complete, but what software? - 13 years ago
Ok, I have Skeinforge working, I think I had a too new version of Python. I've installed the 2.7 release aswell and Skeinforge seems to load OK. I have ReplicatorG as well, is this a good program to be using? Where do I set things like travel limits, machine feed rates, distance travelled per step, +/- directions, etc? And I can't find anywhere relating to the AT MEGA 1280 controller board I haby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Machine is complete, but what software? - 13 years ago
Right, this is the machine I have built, It's 90% completed mechanically just the software and firmware side of things I don't really know what direction to head in. The machine has: Arduino Mega 1280 with Ramps 1.4 board wired to Gecko G251 stepper motor drivers Nema 23 3A Stepper motors on X,Y,Z and E axes Approx travels 200x200x150 Bed is heated from 4x 400W 240V elements from the outpby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: 3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 13 years ago
A lot of work done, here's a short video of the machine:by Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
Re: Cannibalizing RAMPS for use with different stepper drivers - 14 years ago
I've just done similar to what you're talking about but used the RAMPS board as it has the outputs / inputs for heaters and limit switches etc. I'm building an aluminium framed machine using Nema 23 3A steppers which obviously wouldn't work with the standard Pololu stepper drivers. I've only just tested it tonight and so far it seems to be working fine. I used an Audrino Mega 1280 board with Ramby Nigel_NZ - RAMPS Electronics
Re: What electronics to use for my machine? - 14 years ago
Hi, thanks for the input. If you have a look at the link I've posted to the blog of the machine above It's all aluminium framed and I can install fans and / or water cooling if heat soak from the motors becomes a problem. I've ordered 4x Gecko G251 Drives from Australia. Cheers.by Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: What electronics to use for my machine? - 14 years ago
Hi, thanks for the replies I really do appreciate it. A lot of useful information already. I've purchased an Arduino Mega controller from a supplier in New Zealand, and have looked into stepper drivers some more. Ideally I would want to be able to run the motors at maximum output -what's the point in having a 3A motor and only running it at 1A current. Is it possible to run wires from the RAMPSby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: What electronics to use for my machine? - 14 years ago
Just having a quick look round another thread I saw this image, I didn't realise the board I have (the top one) needs to connect to the lower board. I don't have the lower board.. what is it and where can I get it? If there's a guide someone can point me in the direction of regarding what's what when it comes to the electronic side of things I would really appreciate it. Cheers.by Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
What electronics to use for my machine? - 14 years ago
Hi, i'm building an 3D printer, but I'm a bit confused as to what electronics I need to be using. The machine is using Nema 23 3A/Phase stepper motors for X, Y, Z and the extruder. Pictures of the machine can be found here; http://rappronz.blogspot.com/ I've purchased a RAMPS V1.4 board but have since found that the stepper drivers that go with it are rated at 2A per coil (is this the same asby Nigel_NZ - Reprappers
Re: 3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 14 years ago
Looking into it a bit more, is this what I should be using? RAMPS Pre-Assembled Kit Complete The stepper motors I have a are rated at 3.0A / phase so I don't think they will work with the stepper drivers that included with the kit -they are rated at 2A per coil. Is it possible to use a different stepper or what should I use? What other parts will I need? Any recommendations are greatly appreby Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
Re: 3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 14 years ago
Hi, thanks for the replies. I'll have some more pictures of the machine up over the weekend with all the rails, X-Z Saddle, Extruder Body and bed mounted. Regarding the controller boards, if the board I mentioned above isn't a good option, what is recommended and where can I purchase the boards from? I would rather buy a complete assembled board rather than a kit as machining is my speciality noby Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
Re: Aluminium pulleys - 14 years ago
Itrans and Tranz both have stock of these pulleys and can cut belts to suit. I've just used them for my machine.by Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
Re: 3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 14 years ago
Hi, thanks for the input Vik. A lot more work has been done on the machine, most of the base and frame are completed just waiting for linear rails and parts from eBay. Photos are up on my blog. What I really need to figure out now is what's the best options for heating the filament and the table. Is using a resistor the best heater or are there more specific heating solutions which can be betterby Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
Re: 3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 14 years ago
Hi, thanks for your reply. The information on filament sizes is exactly what I wanted to know. You might want to check your maths on the torques above, 4400Nm seems a wee bit high! I have a Mitsubishi Triton with about 420Nm of torque, don't think a Nema 17 stepper motor is greater than that 44N.cm is 0.44Nm. Cheers, Nigel.by Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
Re: 3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 14 years ago
Hi, thanks for the replies. Every little bit of input helps. I've designed the drive roller setup to be easily changed to knurled rollers or whatever is needed. It's something that I'll sort out when it's up and working so I can test it out. From what I've been told atleast 80N force is required at the filament drive rollers. I only have about 54N with the current setup. Changing to a Nema 23 stby Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group
3D Printer Build (Napier - NZ) - 14 years ago
Hi, I'm starting to build a printer in Napier, NZ. I've made a few designs and started gathering parts together. I've posted it on a blog, After people's opinions of what works, what they think etc. Be critical Regards, Nigel.by Nigel_NZ - New Zealand RepRap User Group