RepRap-8

This is the base (RepStrap) design of what will hopefully be full fledged RepRap printer. It's origins where in my desire to throw something together that I could put all of my ANET-A8 spares into good use.

After the first prototype was assembled, I decided to use one of the 8mm smooth rods to ream some 3D sleeve bearings that I designed for my A8 to replace the noisy LM8UU's bearings. I then had an idea...what if I did away with the bearing all together and replaced them with slide rails...The results were outstanding and is one of the features included in this release of the RepRap-8.

With the success of the slide rails on the Y-Axis, I realized that they could work on the other axis's as well. So the adventure begins!

Some project goals:

1. Maintain compatible frame volume with that of the A8 even if build volume needs to be sacrificed. That is, as long as the remaining build volume is sufficient to print all of its own parts.
2. Minimal glue, no screws. Snap-Fit only. Initially the printer is being assembled using screws but the plan is to reduce and hopefully eliminate as many as possible.
3. No guide rods. Going to be replace with 3D printed guide rails.
4. No belts. Going to be replace with herring bone base gear system.
5. No lead screw. Going to be replaced with a worm gear arrangement.
6. Noise levels should be considered but not a deciding factor when compared with the projects other goals.
7. In general, look for ways of replacing all metal items with printable equivalents.
8. Develop a means to measure quality and ensure the existing quality level is maintained. At a minimum, the printer should be able to reproduce it's own parts without generational loss.
9. Parts should be designed so measurements are not required during construction to ensure proper alignment.

I'm working on detailed build plans which I hope to have done soon. Until then I'm uploading an assembly file in STEP format and STL's for your viewing pleasure.

Note though that because some of the design elements are actually mods from my original A8, so parts to this design are posted on their own page. This following will include the link and mention any updates to those parts.

• X/Y bearings and bearing blocks: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2719391
• X/Y belt anchoring parts: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2722528
• Cable Management System: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2783509

=====Update: 20180205
Changes to the following fittings have been made to include "keys". These these keys allow attachments to be made without the need for screws and aid in alignment.

- Motor Mount,Y-Axis
- Rail Support,Y-Axis
- Frame Base Fitting
- Frame Z-Axis Bottom Fitting

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More to come....

https://youtu.be/SViP3lse-WQ
https://youtu.be/XT6kvPkSYok