Enhanced Delta Printer: Three Modifications Boost Responsiveness and Simplify Utilization
Reimagined Article:
Delta-style 3D printers are a joy to behold as they churn out intricate shapes, but their quirks can be a pain. Take theAnycubic Kossel, for instance. [Bruno Schwander] decided to spice things up by carrying out a trio of intriguing mods on his trusty machine.
First off, [Bruno] aimed to lighten the load on the printer's business end, which can improve precision and reliability. This transformation started with swapping the stock hot-end with a sleeker, lighter MQ Mozzie. However, this change introduced cooling issues that [Bruno] tackled with a thunderous brushless hairdryer fan. The fan is a powerhouse, needing a 0 to 5-VDC signal for the BLDC controller. [Bruno] whipped up an adapter to make Marlin's 12-volt PWM signal compatible.
With the fan's fury under control, [Bruno] dreamed up a cunning remote mount. A custom 3D-printed shroud allowed him to affix the fan and adapter to the printer's frame, with a flexible duct connecting it to the hot-end. The duct sported a flexible, nylon fabric construction, complete with elastic material sewn in to keep it loose as the printhead dances.
Lastly, to nix his biggest gripe with the stock Z-probe, [Bruno] converted the entire print bed into a nifty strain-gauge sensor. This wasn't an easy feat, but [Bruno] shared the deets in his blog post. Essentially, he built a composite spacer ring to fit the glass print bed and hold twelve strain gauges. These sensors are read by the HX711 amplifier and an Arduino, which tell Marlin when the head kisses the bed. Check out the video below to see the remote fan and bed sensor in action.
Extracting Nuggets of Wisdom:
Mastering the intricacies of a delta-style 3D printer like the Anycubic Kossel requires understanding the effects of modifications on various aspects of the printing process. Check out these tips for enhancing positional accuracy and repeatability:
- Lightweight Hot-End: A sleeker hot-end reduces vibrations during rapid movements, leading to more precise movements and quicker acceleration. By improving print quality, it leads to more accurate prints.
- Powerful Fan: An overpowered fan ensures efficient cooling, preventing warping and enhancing adhesion. Consistent cooling minimizes external disturbances, contributing to stable and precise printing.
- Remote Mount: Isolating electronics and components away from the print area reduces interference, contributing to better print quality and improved accuracy.
- Strain-Gauge Sensor Bed: Precise bed leveling ensures accurate first-layer adhesion, which lays the groundwork for subsequent layers with higher accuracy and repeatability.
When it comes to delta printers, remember to maintain mechanical stability, calibrate the printer regularly, and configure the firmware to match your modifications for optimal results. By tailoring your printer to your needs, you can achieve exceptional accuracy and repeatability.
- To enhance precision and reliability on a delta-style 3D printer like the Anycubic Kossel, consider swapping the stock hot-end with a lighter, sleeker model, such as the MQ Mozzie, and ensure efficient cooling with a powerful fan, like the brushless hairdryer fan used by Bruno Schwander.
- For better print quality and improved accuracy, consider isolating electronics and components away from the print area by mounting them remotely, as demonstrated by Bruno's custom shroud for the fan and adapter on his Anycubic Kossel.
