Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Rep-Rap Build Part 2

I was looking over some images on my phone and realized I forgot to include a picture of the Z-axis smooth rod clamps and alignment.
The Z-axis retaining bar is a regular piece of 5/16" threaded rod as the rest of the frame and uses the same smooth rod clamps as the Y-Axis does from the previous post.
To make sure it is aligned with the top mounting spots I put a nut on a string as a makeshift plum-bob line and hung it down. Using the nuts to adjust the clamps in either direction enabled me to get it all accurately aligned.
I will just need to make sure the smooth rods are parallel when they are installed.
Once the X and Z-axis are in place I can do a slide test to make sure it runs smooth and do any fine tuning as needed.

Here is a picture of the plum-bob line and the clamp and retaining bar.


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Rep-Rap Build Part 1

After a few weeks waiting all of the extra printed parts I needed have arrived I can begin the build.
I realized that I also needed to get a pile of nuts, bolts and washers. While sorting through the storage room I found the plastic tote of hardware I got from Jackie's uncle. Lots of containers of nuts, bolts, washers and misc hardware. Looking through I found just about everything I need. It's perfect and will help cut the costs down!
Going through some online assembly videos I realized I needed to do some alignment checks and tightening of the frame before I could begin adding all the of axis parts.
Here is a link to the prusa mendel i2 assembly site with videos.
http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Prusa_Mendel_Assembly_(iteration_2)

Joel included an alignment jig with the kit of stuff he gave me and boy was that a life saver.
Here you can see a few photo's of the alignment being done along with the jig.


Top Alignment

Lower frame alignment

More lower frame alignment


It took about an hour to make sure everything was properly aligned, squared and aligned and then double checking it over again to be sure it was bang on.
After that was done I could begin on some of the assembly.
I started with the x-axis basic parts as it was a quick win.
Here you can see some if it assembled.



x-axis rough assembly

X-Axis bearing installed


After that was done I could start on some of the y-axis construction.
First was to make sure the smooth rod clamps were properly aligned and square.

Smooth rod clamps and idler pulley

Next up was to install the rods with printed bearings installed, then check they were perfectly parallel and square. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.

Printed bearings on smooth rods

Now that they were installed I could add the print base plate clamps. to the bearings.
I was very impressed at the design to precisely fit some small zip ties to hold the clamps to the bearings.

Here you can see some examples of it.

Clamp with zip-tie





















More clamp with zip-tie





















Clamp tied to printed bearing


That's all I have for now, next up will be the base plate installation and hopefully the x and z axis installation.