FDM 3D printer: P40X70
XZ-head Cartesian 3D printer inspired on Prusa i3 frame, but using square Al extrusion profiles.
The first prototype for this project was started and finished after CubanTech meetup #68 and was influenced by ANET A8 DIY 3D printer assembled that time.
This project is particularly useful for scenarios in which there is availability of square extrusion profiles rather than T-slot structural framing. It's possible to try it out as well because of personal satisfaction or to challenge your creative capacity. It may still be considered work in progress.
Many resources (articles, videos, tutorials, ...) about 3D printers can be easily found across the internet on the subject of buying and assembling 3D printers. Most of them merely lead to guidelines provided by established manufacturers and sellers. Prices range from chea to expensive and providers are located around the world , including Latin America , China , USA, Europe, just to mention some examples. These options are not handy for Cuban citizens. Hence the need to reproduce well-established models but using local resources.
The stock of obsolete dot matrix printers can be used as a source of components to be repurposed to build low-cost 3D printers. Useful instances include stepper motors, rods, belts , and pulleys.
Structure can be assembled using one the highly available resources in Cuba , such as 40x70 mm square Al extrusion profiles. They are used in building construction for windows, doors and furniture. After cutting them the proper way, these are suitable for obtaining Prusa i3 frames for cartesian XZ-head system.
The main hurdle was actually to repurpose Prusa i3 frame using square 40x70 Al extrusion profiles.
The results illustrate that it is feasible to build many parts of a cartesian Prusa i3 3D printer using resources either available or recycled in Cuba. It was not possible to put this altogether from scratch , but the printer can self-replicate some plastic parts to build another instances. Some other were purchased online and imported into the country.
Research process did not start from scratch. Plastic parts were based on CubanMakers Prusa i3 3D model set for ANET A8 DIY suggested by Abel Bajuelos after some research in free open community web sites. PETG is preferred, but some parts tolerate mechanical stress if printed in PLA as well. The plastic parts for the initial prototype were kindly 3D printed and donated by Adrian Bravo. Cost of PLA can be $15 USD / kg or even cheaper.
The frame was put together by @co2kl , who actually led project from beginning to successful conclusion.
Bearings were not available at the time and they were 3D printed using PLA as well out of an OpenSCAD parametric 3D model.
Total cost : TBD
Cost : TBD
Plastic parts were based on CubanMakers Prusa i3 3D model set
| Image | Qty | Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
Cost: $0.00
Most of the following were obtained out of dot matrix printers.
| Image | Qty | Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD |
Cost: under $150.00 USD ($122.53 USD)
For components in need of being imported, this list is based on personal experience. Hence there's room for additions and improvements. If you find out better alternatives for components, go ahead! Information below is only provided as a reference.
| Image | Qty | Product | Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arduino MEGA 2560 R3 | This is the MCU , the software control of your 3D printer | $13.07 | |
| 1 | RAMPS 1.6 | This shields provides connectors for sensors, and actuators (stepper motor drivers, in particular) for your 3D printer. Notice: since this is a compulsory cost try purchasing the best. Options are 1.4, 1.5 or 1.6. Differences are minimal, but 1.6 is highly recommended since design includes improvements in PCB routing and heat sinks | $8.00 | |
| 1 | Kit de pantalla LCD | Keypad and screen to control 3D printer directly without the need for external PC. Includes SD card reader for storing G-Code. This is the default and recommended method since any issue in pre-emptive PC operating system software (anti-virus, power saving mode, sleep function ...) can affect 3D printing process accuracy. | $12.99 | |
| 5 | Stepper motor driver | Many options available. DRV8825 is highly recommended. A4988 or any other compatible may be useful as well. Hint: Buy at least 4 units, but think of purchasing a few more in advance since any error can break them. They are cheap. | $13.00 | |
| 1 | Hot bed | A lot of options available , even over $200 USD. It's important that it contains both thermistor and resistor. Otherwise those have to be purchases separately and it will be necessary to assemble them all after receiving the product, which is not trivial but is perfectly doable. The final choice for the hot bed determines the size limit of the objects that can be 3D printed. | $26.49 | |
| 1 | Extruder + nozzle | This is one of the most expensive components, but no savings should be done since this is a critical for print quality delivered to clients. Best kits are way above $50 USD. This option provides a good price / quality ratio. Besides it's versatile enough to bee used in either Bowden or direct extruder configurations. | $29.99 | |
| 1 | Hot bed base | Many options possible here as well. As a rule it is necessary to make sure that its own holes are aligned with those of the hot bed (hence size must fit). This option's size is 8,661" (i.e. ≈220mm) | $18.99 |
All prices are referred to Amazon. Nonetheless beware of the fact that everything can be purchased at lower prices from Chinese suppliers.
How to build it?
How does it work?
How to use it?
@co2kl