Walter's Modifications part 2

[Walter]

Topic is becoming a long story, so this is the start of part 2

Over the weekend I decided to get rid of the cable chain. I wanted to get more space to the right side of the gantry to set up a blower based part cooler.
That was step one. I redesigned some pieces for that. A new and shorter FT8, a minimal FT9, an independently adjustable X-end stop and a cable fix on top of the printhead.
See thingiverse

I also locked the Z-rods. it is also on thingiverse
I decided to keep both steppers and installed the whole thing on some adjustable 2020 and 2040 profiles.

[mstrauss]

Nice work! I was going to go with the 2020s at the base, but decided to use .25 AL plate. I am thinking it will workout a bit cleaner for what I have planned with a single stepper for the Z-axis. Time will tell...

[Walter]

Just did some testing and one stepper works nicely. Here is a video about the setup.

[mstrauss]

That is good to hear. I ordered a 48mm stepper (largest that will fit under the based plate without raising the printer) to get a bit more torque. I just got a new AL plate for the base (we do not speak of the first plate), so I am hoping I may have some time this weekend to work on it. Also ordered a 1000mm closed loop gt2 belt for the Z axis.

[Walter]

So, the last melamine just moved to the trash. Not by itself, had to help a bit.
I've put the aluminum electronics box in its place, still a bit of work to rewire and to install a clear PC backpanel on hinges.
Probably I will just use one 60mm fan. Before even with a 40mm fan the box was max 40°C since the power for the bed heater comes directly from mains. Now it is a large aluminum surface that also helps in dissipating heat.
Both power supplies are mounted directly on the aluminum backplane and can dissipate their heat (?) also easier. None of them has a fan.
The fan will come at the level of the steppers and blow from the side directly on them.
Here is a picture of the actual status. I will continue tomorrow.
A FT5 : real fun !

On the right a small 12V power supply for the safety processor. Below a power distribution block with a blue relay the safety processor will use to switch off the main power supply and the bed heater.
On the right all mains, on the left DC (common 0V, 12V and 24V).

O yes : 350mm high, 90 mm deep.

[mstrauss]

Very nice and clean! I like the DIN rail, looking very industrial. I worked as an electrician for a short time, and whenever I would open a breaker panel and saw a mess I know exactly what to expect with the rest of the house's wiring.

I was going to use the stock enclosure, but just today thought of going vertical with the box and making room for the Z-axis stepper on top and putting the belt below the base. I will have to order a longer belt now. I need to find a US source for these.

[Walter]

Adafruit has a long one (10xx mm). I used that one.

[Walter]

Day 2. Everything is working again. Need to clean up and make the Polycarbonate door. But first printing some stuff.

[Ron]

Looks great.
I think you need some high current off-board drivers..........

[Walter]

At least I do have room enough. The safety processor will be arduino nano, so that one doesn't take much place...
While building the box, it didn't take extra effort to make it higher. 250mm or 350mm makes no difference. Now, with the pieces in place, I realize how empty it still is.

[mstrauss]

Found this company, but they tack on a $10 surcharge for orders under $30 dollars. The belt is $10.57 for a 1320mm length. It makes it kind of hard to work with US suppliers/manufacturers when they don't see the potential for the Maker community. A comparable belt from a China supplier/manufacturers is $1.50 and $3 to ship. I don't mind paying the $20 for the part and shiping from the US supplier, I just feel burned paying an extra $10.

[Ron]

I have been buying things from SDP for over 25 years at work, and have even ordered from them for a few home projects.
They do have a good selection and ship fast (or at least they always have up until this point).
But I agree that they are not all that friendly to small buyers.
The "handling" and freight charges can be excessive.
So typically I have saved up a buy list for a larger single order.

"Now, with the pieces in place, I realize how empty it still is."
How about a 48 volt supply with 8 amp off-board microstep drivers for each axis and a mini-fridge.
Seriously though, it would be nice to have more space inside the enclosure than the stock one provides.
Nicely done.

[Walter]

mini-fridge

_'ll go for that _

[Ron]

Hey, it's very important to keep the Chimay or Stella cold...!
We must always keep our priorities in the correct order.

[Walter]

I prefer Duvel or Westmalle tripel or Gouden Carolus (the beer from a brewery here in Mechelen and very nearby). They also have a very good single malt Whisky!
Here it is

[Ron]

I have been around Belgium before (north, south, east and west of it, but never in it).
If I ever find myself near or in Mechelen I will have to check that out.
Thanks, it looks like a very interesting place.

We keep Stella in the fridge at home.
The area where I live is all about wineries.
I think there is one about every hundred meters.
Even our neighbor has a front yard full of grape vines.

Anyway...... Again, nicely done!

[Walter]

I've been in Orange county and L.A. a couple of years ago and yes : you have a good selection of wines over there!

[Ron]

Ah yes, Orange County.
I was in Long Beach about a month ago.
I love their airport. It is reminiscent of the 1960's.
But we live around 550km north of there.

Anyway, wrong topic for the thread.

[Walter]

Finished.

[mstrauss]

@Walter, what's that thing sitting on top of the box in the last picture? Oh, I see now from a picture further up. It's a small torch.

Thanks for sharing. It has given me some good thoughts for my build. I just picked up some more aluminum plate from Metal Supermarket. I love that place. They discount the cutoffs, so I am able to get what I need for the build without costing to much. For those in need of metals for fabricating something, check them out. They are a franchise with locations all around the US (sorry Walter, I know you are not in the US). The new pieces will be used to build a smaller version of what you did for the electricals. I was heading in this direction, but after seeing yours I was convinced it was needed. As I said in a previous post, building a new box will give me room to mount the Z-axis stepper on top of the base plate and put the drive belt below. Nice and clean, and no chance of getting something in the belt and screwing up a print.