Custom Build 3D Printer - Where to start?

RedViking

RedViking

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Hi guys,

I would like to build a Custom FDM 3D Printer but have no idea where to start. I do not want to spend days/weeks designing the printer and then realise most of the spares are very difficult to get hold of in South Africa or expensive to import.

If you have built a custom printer, please give me some advice, direction, do's / do not's. I've done some research but feel very lost, specially because allot of the guys buy their stuff from Amazon which doesn't ship to SA.

I've got an Anet A8 to print PLA parts with only. I guess this should help in the building process.

Features I would like to have (this probably also depends on the cost of parts etc.)
• At this stage my end goal budget is R10 - R15K.
• 300x300x400 Print Volume or similar / slightly smaller is okay.
• Print Speed 80mm/s to 150mm/s or higher.
• Heatbed capable of easily reaching 110deg.
• Enclosure
• ABS / PETG / NYLON / EXOTICS ETC.
• V-rail ? Pros / Cons , T-Rails ? Pros / Cons. Where to get the fittings?
• I'm thinking of using the printer to print prototypes for people / and myself. Currently I'm pushing the Anet A8 to its PLA limits.

This one looks nice: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1001065
This one also looks nice: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1460354/#comments
and this one: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2254103

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks
RV
 
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saor said:
Have used hobbytronics - bought aluminium profiles from them, stepper motors, couplings etc.
Extruders, hotends, controllers, displays etc: http://www.3dprintingstore.co.za/categories/extruders-hotends.html

Importing parts - we've built an entire fdm printer without importing anything - not sure what parts you're referring to? We printed a lot of our own parts and had sheet metal bent (brackets) and some aluminium machined (for the bed).
Click to expand...

Did you work from a guide for your FDM printer to start it off with?

Thanks. The Hobbytronics link is helpful. All the build guides I've seen are non-SA so the links are from Amazon etc.
 
Get a 32 bit board... My ramps / mega is not coping at high speeds and is the main limiting factor.
Also make sure you get some proper wiring ran into some issues using old pc case wires.You will notice that the steppers ship with very short wires.

My printer was build almost a year ago .The Creality cr-10 printer has stolen my design.I would buy that printer if I had to start over. it really is great value for your money.Plus the design is great .And you will save yourself from loosing a lot of hair out of frustration

Heating a 300x300 heatbed I would suggest getting a 24v or a 220v heatbed. Mine takes about 15-25mins to get to 75 degrees on 12v this sometimes is a pain in the butt.
Now in winter without an enclosure I cant get it to go above 75 summer months I can get to 80 easy.

I also suggest getting the bigger steppers for the larger moving parts.the 1.8 degree stepper I had on my Y axis was too weak causing it to miss steps on the large bed.Installed a 0.9 degree one and it is much better .The 0.9 degree steppers are more expensive but I rate in the long run would save you lots of frustration.

Get the steel core belts for the motors they work 30% better also causing a lot less vibration using them somehow.

I imported all my parts off aliexpress. Right now there is some holdup at customs and things take about 2 months to get here due to some ransomware issues
Localy the steppers are very expensive.And they will be the bulk of the cost of the printer.

T-slot alu I got from www.smoothedge.co.za

It will definitely help that you already have a working printer to print the rest of the parts.

Good luck .

C
 
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