January 5, 2019
Description
Hi!
*Update! New, better, safe version is published. Go there for it!
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3335522
I want to share my upgrade for 3D printer which gives Auto Power Off functionality.
Some printers, equipped with ATX PSU may do this by simple M81 command. Lucky owners!!!!
All others, or almost all others, know these timers to switch off the printer after printing is finished. We also know that expected finishing time may be different than calculated by slicer software. So we add one or two hours to not switch off the printer too early.
I started to be tired of this solution and invented my way of secure switching off the printer just after the printing. Tested with Ender 3. Should work with similar printers.
After finishing printer cools down and raises printhead frame to the maximum height. It triggers switch and disconnects power from printer.
MOST IMPORTANT IS TO KNOW HOW TO WORK WITH POTENTIALLY LETHAL LIVE VOLTAGE.
You will not need to take a risk, but mistake can always happen!!!
SO PLEASE, ASK PROFFESSIONAL TO HELP YOU WITH CABLING.
Print V2 arm. PLA or any other material except of TPU. Fancy colour is highly recommended! 20% infill. Layer 0.2mm is OK. No supports. No rafts. No brim.
V1 arm is fine too, but there is a risk of collision with some models of head in very rare cases of high and wide prints
prepare all parts
power off the printer
UNPLUG POWER CABLE!
unscrew PSU from the frame
remove plastic cover of PSU cables
disconnect one of power cables from PSU (L or N). In my Ender 3 it's first from the right.
solder one wire from your new cable to just disconnected wire
solder end of second wire of new cable to make it hard (cover with tin).
attach and screw this wire to PSU in place of the original one
guide new cable through PSU cover hole
install PSU plastic cover back
you may add extra tube to the cable, just in case
mount PSU leading new cable through frame as seen on the photo below
assemble printed arm to the frame. Fix it high as possible for a start.
install microswitch
bend microswitch arm as seen on pictures. Do not bend whole arm from switch, bend arm in the middle, to trigger the switch earlier. It helps to securely stop Z motor and frame before hitting the switch body. PSU has big capacitors which extend the move of the fraction for a second after disconnecting the power.
move frame up by hand and check if it push the switch lever with any part. Adjust arm if necessary. It may happen that your printer needs different shape of arm. Ask me for help or make remix. Up to you.
measure needed cable length to the microswitch
weld cables to pair of connectors which are normally closed (NC) IMPORTANT
secure connections with tubes or insulating tape.
IMPORTANT! Secure also third, not used pin of microswitch. It may have live voltage when the printer is turned off by the switch
G4 S300 ; wait 5mins to cool nozzle
G0 Z250 ; go up to max height
You may adapt commands to your needs. Decrease Z250 part if your printer is smaller than Ender3 which has 250mm max height
5min pause is really needed. Too much heat from hot nozzle without cooling fan active may cause filament jamming in the head.
print anything. Small one for sure
wait until frame goes up
use of terminal is also OK. Octoprint or any other one. Just send commands:
G28
G0 Z250
adjust printed arm with microswitch to trigger it. It should power off your printer!
Starting printer is simply by pushing the frame little down. Power is coming back.
In case of another microswitch you may adapt holes in the arm or ask me for help with it.
.stp files enclosed
Good luck!
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution - Share Alike