User:Scottlawsonbc

From RepRap
Revision as of 00:22, 21 August 2014 by Scottlawsonbc (talk | contribs) ((by SublimeText.Mediawiker))
Jump to: navigation, search


Lawson Documentation
Crystal Clear action run.png
Lawson

Release status: concept

Lawson-concept-image.jpg
Description
Lawson is a 3D printer with accurate linear motion and a mechanically stiff frame.
License
Author
Contributors
Based-on
[[]]
Categories
CAD Models
External Link


Introduction

Lawson is a 3D printer design by Scott Lawson featuring excellent linear motion accuracy and a mechanically stiff frame. Compared with the MendelMax 2, Lawson eliminates the need for custom sheet metal, slashes build costs, and improves the linear motion of the X, Y, and Z axes. It is easy to source components for the Lawson printer as 95% of the components can be sourced from only two suppliers.

Features

  • Stiff, rigid frame with no play
  • Excellent linear motion accuracy
  • Easy to source components. 95% of components can be obtained from only two suppliers
  • Components can be substituted to achieve higher accuracy, or to lower build costs

Overview

Design Goals

  • High accuracy linear motion
  • Mechanically stiff frame
  • All printable components have purchasable off-the-shelf counterparts
  • 95% of components available from two suppliers to simplify component sourcing

Cost

The total build cost of the Lawson printer is approximately $900 USD. This is the price for all components needed to build a working Lawson printer including electronics and motors. Build costs can be reduced by approximately $120 USD if printed components are used.

Component Sourcing

To simplify component sourcing, 95% of the components can be obtained from only just two suppliers, Misumi and OpenBuilds Parts Store. The parts that cannot be obtained from these suppliers are:

  • Hotend + extruder
  • Heated bed + Glass
  • Electronics

This gives users the freedom to easily purchase Lawson components themselves, without needing to go through a middle-man supplier selling a kit.

X-axis

The x-axis is a belt driven linear stage powered by a [[NEMA 17 stepper motor]. The axis is constrained by OpenRail which is screwed into a length of 2020 aluminium extrusion. The x-carriage wheels have eccentric spacers that can be adjusted to prevent excessive friction. The belt tension can be adjusted easily by loosening the belt idler and sliding it left or right on the extrusion. While a direct drive extruder can be used, a bowden feed extruder is reccommended because it significantly reduces the mass of the x-carriage, permitting higher acceleration and speed values and reducing resonance.

Y-axis

Overview of the triangular y-axis belt drive mechanism.

The y-axis is a belt driven linear stage powered by a NEMA 23 stepper motor and is constrained by a precision Misumi linear slide. Compared to y-axes in other designs such as the MendelMax 2, this triangular belt configuration permits higher speed and acceleration values, reduces component costs, and simplifies construction and maintenance access. The y-axis belt tension can be adjusted by loosening the screws on the NEMA 23 motor and sliding the motor left or right.

The NEMA 23 was selected instead of a NEMA 17 because it permits a simplified mounting configuration and has generally higher performance characteristics.

Z-axis

The z-axis is a lead screw driven linear stage powered by two NEMA 17 stepper motors wired in parallel. The z-axis is accurate to ±150 µm over the full travel. The wheels have eccentric spacers that can be adjusted to prevent excessive friction from overconstaint.

Close-up of the z-axis which is constrained by V-slot wheels.

Printable Components

A number of Lawson components can be 3D printed to reduce build costs, with the caveat that printed components are less stiff than their metal counterparts. Unlike many other RepRap printers, all printable components are purchasable, but not all purchasable components are printable. This means that printed components are not mandatory and that individuals without access to 3D printers, or individuals who prefer metal components are able to build a Lawson printer. The use of printed components can save up to approximately $120 USD in build costs.

Optionally printable components are shown highlighted in blue.

Electronics

Almost all RepRap electronics such can be used to control the Lawson. Electronics confirmed to be working include the RUBMA Board, Printrboard, GEN7, RAMPS, and Rambo board.