Ft5-r2 corexy conversion

swrightlast 2019-01-13 00:12:24 UTC #1

Where can I find a good source for hardware needed, parts to print, videos, detailed instructions any other goodies for doing this conversion?

Ron 2019-01-13 17:15:52 UTC #2

You might consider an "H" drive conversion instead because it is much simpler and less expensive to do.
It is what is used on printers such as the Ender-4.

I am planning to do that to my FT-5 in the near future but have been too busy with other things including converting it to have a 32 bit processor board recently.
However when I do get around to it I will gladly post any build files for conversion parts.
As far as things to buy, what I have purchased so far are 5 meters of GT2 belting and six idlers (proper ones, not the double bearing things that FT supplies).
As far as I know that should be about "it".
Then I still need to devise a few mounting plates and other things that will need to be printed or fabricated.
I may convert the extruder carriage to something completely different in the process as well, not sure yet.

FRFT 2019-01-13 23:23:38 UTC #3

Can you elaborate on what you mean by proper idler?

Ron 2019-01-14 00:19:07 UTC #4

Sure, these sorts of things rather than a pair of stacked flange bearings-

The choice of toothed or smooth is generally that if the idler is located on the toothed side of the belt use a toothed idler and if on the smooth side use a smooth one.
These types of pulleys have generous flanges that will prevent the belt from walking itself off if it is slightly misaligned to the pulleys.

All of the ones I am using have 3mm bore.
5mm bores could be easier to mount but I like having more bearing and less center bore.
Just a personal preference, these aren't carrying a lot of radial load generally.

I hope this helps.

Wyvern 2019-01-16 07:28:48 UTC #5

Curious how your guy's rigs turn out.

With upgraded steppers, board, hotend, cradle, and lots of printed and alloy bracing I'm getting 100mm/s reliably with minimal ghosting and other issues.

Needs to be direct drive IMHO, I don't like bowdens if they can be avoided.

Ron 2019-01-17 22:22:16 UTC #6

I don't care much for Bowden either but it sure reduces the moving mass.

tkward 2019-02-07 03:04:25 UTC #7

I have done a corexy conversion on mine with Duet Wifi and it is very stable.

I used a modified version of this .... https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2409756

But, it needed some mods to use proper rollers and idlers. Once I have them tidied up I will print off a parts list and upload the STL files.

There are pictures and a video in the Folgertech group on Facebook.

Ron 2019-02-07 19:34:16 UTC #8

That is quite similar to what I am planning, but I will still do an "H" drive version instead because it is much simpler.

I recently updated my carriage assembly to lower its mass (pancake motor and custom printed parts) and made it more rigid.
In the end I gave up on Bowden feed completely.
It worked but was just too troublesome in regards to stringing and blobbing.
So far I am pleased with the present setup and can print at 80-100mm/sec all day long.
I also recently converted it to a three point bed leveling arrangement which works great.

The "H" drive conversion is next on my hit list.

As far as the larger Z rods go, it is nothing but good, however the double bearing setup I have on the 8mm Z rods works fine too.
Because the bed motion only moves up and down and the framework is heavily cross-braced, I really am not seeing any lateral movements of the bed plate.
And no tilt either any more.
Another forum member recently tried this as well and reported being pleased with it.
FWIW.......