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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    176

    Electronics for roll-your-own printer

    Hi All.

    I'm looking for a solution for controlling a 3D printer and extruder. From what I've seen, there are two schools of thought. One solution is to have say a 4 axis stepper controller run externally by a PC which feeds the controller G-Code. The other solution appears to be having an on-board microprocessor, like Arduino, and basically plugging a USB memory device into it with the model on it and hitting a "print" button.

    For my machine I'd be OK with the PC controlling a 4 axis driver board and I'm aware of the plug-ins for Mach 3 that provide for extruder control.

    As far as the other solution goes, with the on-board micro, I find it very appealing if it's not going to cost a bomb. What is the current hotness in this side of things?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Posts
    1543
    Arduino control with SDRamps is popular, You may want to head over to reprap forums and get more insight.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    17

    RAMPS or Azteeg 3D printer control

    I have built an Ordbot Hadron
    The RAMPS1.4 electronics package on an arduino does it all
    drives axes motors, extruder motor, Extruder heater, bed heater

    see
    http://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4

    The Azteeg X3 printer controller does much the same

    see
    http://reprap.org/wiki/Azteeg_X3

    Quote Originally Posted by Benonymous View Post
    Hi All.

    I'm looking for a solution for controlling a 3D printer and extruder. From what I've seen, there are two schools of thought. One solution is to have say a 4 axis stepper controller run externally by a PC which feeds the controller G-Code. The other solution appears to be having an on-board microprocessor, like Arduino, and basically plugging a USB memory device into it with the model on it and hitting a "print" button.

    For my machine I'd be OK with the PC controlling a 4 axis driver board and I'm aware of the plug-ins for Mach 3 that provide for extruder control.

    As far as the other solution goes, with the on-board micro, I find it very appealing if it's not going to cost a bomb. What is the current hotness in this side of things?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    176
    Thanks for the replies chaps, I'll go and pore over the links

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    176
    I found this site whilst researching. I definitely want to get pre-assembled stuff. They seem like decent prices no?

    GADGETS 3D

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Posts
    17
    I started with Gadgets3D
    Then got stuff from these guys

    Reprap Electronics items in reprapdiscount store on eBay!

    Depending on your printer configuration
    you will need
    Arduino ATMega 2560
    RAMPS1.4 board with 4 or 5 stepper driver board
    Endstop switches
    Extruder and hot end
    Bed heater
    wiring

    What is your mechanical configuration?
    I have built an Ordbot Hadron

    The Quantum ORD bot at Buildlog.Net Blog

    High-Torque Stepper Motor, Stepper Motor, Driver, Stepper Motor kit, DC Servo Motor, DC Servo Motor kit, Stepper Motor Power Supply, CNC Router, Spindle, and other Components. Automation Technology Inc

    A solidoodle is good all ready built.
    Solidoodle | Affordable, Easy-to-Use 3D Printers


    Quote Originally Posted by Benonymous View Post
    I found this site whilst researching. I definitely want to get pre-assembled stuff. They seem like decent prices no?

    GADGETS 3D

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    176
    hi cozmicray. My Mechanical layout will be a basic 3 axis motion with a fourth axis for the extruder. I might use the spare (5th) axis for an additional drive on the bed depending on how the mechanism works out rigidity-wise. The ORD Bot looks like a good chassis but I'm planning something on a larger scale.

    That's a good eBay store, just what I'm after, thanks for the tip!

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