Rroofl

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Revision as of 19:06, 6 May 2013 by Vikolliver (talk | contribs) (Current Status)
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RepRap Out Of FabLab (RROOFL)

Release status: Development

Rroofl axes complete.jpg
Description
A Mendel variant designed specifically to be made in a FabLab
License
GPL
Author
Contributors
Based-on
Categories
CAD Models
External Link


"Don't like society? Print a new one." - Vik Olliver http://diamondage.co.nz


Overview

This RepRap/RepStrap variant is designed to be produced in a FabLab, and yet to be sufficiently modular to produce using a variety of local manufacturing processes. In its final configuration it will make use of all the available CNC-type devices in the workshop in parallel, but works equally well as a solid and durable printable 3D Printer. It sprang out of a 2-day session organised by User:VikOlliver and about a dozen hard-working volunteers at FabLab8 in Wellington, New Zealand. They are invited to add their names to the list when they find out about this page :)

Actual build volume currently 250mm x 310mm x 200mm in the lasercut version.


Build One

Not quite there with the full user-friendly documentation yet. Links to build instructions so far:

Design Objectives

  • Fabricate mechanical hardware in 1 person-day.
  • Absolutely no fiddly bits.
  • Completely Open Source
  • As many parts as possible to be able to use more than one fabrication technique.
  • All routing cuts at least 6mm wide.
  • No little extra bits to bolt on - minimize part count.
  • Widely available aluminium tube (we used 9.5mm) or steel wire can be used as Z guide rails.
  • If you do use bolts and threaded rod, either M3 (essential for the NEMA17 anyway) or M8 (or 5/16" and Sudo Mallet at a pinch) please.
  • If a zip tie or woodscrew does the job instead of 8 screws, 4 nuts and 16 washers, use one.
  • Common parts only.
  • Allow for alignment even with lots of variation in user-cut parts like the rods.
  • Modular design that can be mass-produced, and reused/recycled in other devices.
  • Control systems capable of being scaled to drive other workshop equipment.
  • Runs off 12-14V DC to be friendly to small, local, power generation systems.
  • There is but One True Bearing: the 608Z "skateboard" bearing. Rroofl and the extruder together need an astonishing 14 of them.
  • Hold oily bits in non-lasercut cavities as oil destroys MDF.

Current Status

The M8 frame Roofl is production-ready and is available in kit form.

Development of a lasercut version is in progress with [[1] in New Zealand as part of an open project to stimulate local industry. The laser cutting process restricts the material thickness to 9mm MDF, which is not exactly a favoured building material. This requires reinforcement of some parts of the frame to damp vibrations. Also, neither M8 nor M3 fasteners are appropriate and specific M6 MDF fasteners are highly recommended even though this increases the range of parts needed.

The FabLab version is also in continuous development, borrowing from all the above projects just like a good Open Source project should.

See also The Original Rroofl

Basic Rules of Engagement

Any rules or warnings that should be established before using the Rroofl can be included here. For example, a safety related tip would definitely make a good addition to this section (thanks for the reminder, OHM).

  • Do touch, but touch responsibly.
  • During assembly, look out for sharp bits of wire in the edge of the belt. They hurt.
  • Do not ever unplug/plug a stepper motor with the power on. It kills the driver.

Ongoing Development

Pronounced roofle, like rifle with an oo in it.

We need to sculpt the lower edges of the bottom of the sides slightly, to reduce contact with bench.

Rroofl is under active development at Diamond Age Solutions Ltd http://diamondage.co.nz with the first 3 Alpha kits being assembled, and the first client used the workshop to build it in. These have been popular and the run will be extended, pushing the Production of Beta kits out to February 2012. Supervised workshops are available on-site for advice and customisation, allowing the user to craft the design to their own requirements in the Fablab as long as they document the design under the GPL here.

See Also