Wallace
Color:	White
Extruder:	0.35 mm
Temperature:	TBD

3D printer codename: Wallace is a unit that is currently in progress. Construction began during the 2nd week of the Spring semester (January 2014). The effort is headed by Brandon Tunkel and Alex Marcireau. The design is a modification of the RepRap Wallace printer, dubbed the 3DM1. The build is slated to reach completion by the end of the Spring semester.

The decision to switch to the Wallace design was based on several advantages over the Open Hybrid Mendel printers. First off, this style of printer is intended to be as simple as possible. This is accomplished by utilizing as few parts as necessary. This results in a lower cost and assembly effort. Additionally, it allows for a more robust printer. Fewer joints and points of attachment result in fewer places for unwanted motion or "play". Secondly, the Wallace design allows for a large print volume. The nature of the design permits a large range of motion in each axial direction. The printer bed is considerably large at 20" x 14.5", and the Z-axis can accommodate a print approximately 11" in height.

Other improvements with this printer that are not exclusive to the 3DM1 design are the Bowden extruder and linear bearings. This extruder type allows for less weight and thus less mass to move in all axial directions. This will reduce shaking of the extruder and allow for faster movement when not extruding. The motors will also be under a smaller load in comparison to that experienced in moving a conventional extruder. Linear bearings make part of the simplicity of the Wallace design possible. A single linear bearing will stay fixed to a shaft, whereas at least 2 ball bearings would be required to do the same job (also requiring a system to fix the bearings to the carriage).

Log

Date	Modification / Problem
7/25/2014	Fully operational with auto-bed leveling! Currently trying to find a good place to mount the extruder.
4/8/2014	Mechanical components are assembled and nearly ready for function. Electronic components are in hand, but have not been attached to the printer. All wiring has yet to be completed. The Bowden extruder is assembled but still needs a hot tip and wiring.
4/24/2014	The electronics have been tested and attached to the printer. The hot tip has been obtained and the extruder is undergoing its final assembly.