Projects - 3D Printer

Part 1 - 5: Framework

   This part of the project mostly consists of building the framework for the 3-D printer. Mostly I followed the steps out-lined in the following pdf webpage document

After Part 5

   After Step 5, I had to start following my own intuition with help whenever I could get it. Most of my attention was towards this Google Document. The google document is comprised of what another student who purchased a Maker Gear Prusa Mendel 3-D printer did to make his work. He follows the document mentioned above and gives directions if the instructions from the pdf differ from the prusa model. I found this very helpfull.

Heat-Core

   The heatcore is the device that actually melts the plastic to be molded in the 3-dimensional model that the printer makes. This is a very temperamental piece of hardware, and can be the make-or-break moment of this entire project. I followed the instructions listed here and here.

Electronics

   The electronical aspect of this device was by far the hardest thing to do. After getting the build right, and the HeatCore set up properly I had to start worrying about which wire went where. Thankfully, there was a different model that had used a similar shield that I used with the Arduino Mega. I have provided multiple pictures located above to show exactly how I wired the device so that other builders may have a reference.

MISC Problems:

   One major problem I encountered while building this device was not placing the switches in the proper places. This caused the device to "home" incorrectly. Other miscellaneous issues that occured happened due to not having a clean and large enough work-space, and time constraints.

Extra Links:

Course Rubric