Have you ever wanted to print a continuous object longer than 15cm with your stock Thing-O-Matic with ABP (Automated Build Platform)? Now you can! Well, sort of. This is concept is VERY early in development, but it works!
This was an idea I while I was waiting for my Thing-O-Matic to come. A few days ago I started working one it and here it is. I am surprised that no one has tried this before. The closest case I found was thing 6607. ( http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6607 ) As it turns out, mrkim has already done something similar with thing 6552 using a 1X2 Reprap.( http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6552 )
How does this work?
The printer prints part of the object and leaves an lip on one edge. Then moves the ABP's belt forward (4cm in this case) and prints another part of the object that has an overhang that fuses to the lip on the previous part.
Future modification ideas:
- Add a plate to prevent parts from drooping off the end of the ABP
- Create a script that makes this style of printing a little more feasible
- Build an encoder that tracks the distance that the ABP belt moved, thus improving the joining of the parts
Test History:
0) Printed only the start piece. Forgot to remove the end.gcode stuff
1) Printed a 7.4cm object with 2 segments on ABP belt @ 120C. Each segment at 4 cm long with a 5mm lip at each end.
2) Printed a 11.2cm object with 3 segments on ABP belt @ 120C. Each segment at 4 cm long with a 5mm lip at each end.
3) Printed a 14.7cm object with 4 segments on ABP belt @ 120C. Each segment at 4 cm long with a 5mm lip at each end.
4) Printed a 26.5cm object with 7 segments on ABP belt @ 120C. Each segment at 4 cm long with a 5mm lip at each end.
5) Move print position back to prevent part droop and printed a 28.5cm object with 7 segments on ABP belt @ 120C. Each segment at 4 cm long with a 10mm lip at each end.
6) Printed a 24cm object with 7 segments on blue tape with no heat, thus eliminating any drooping. Each segment at 4 cm long with a 10mm lip at each end.
Print Stats: (All stats are approximate)- Time: 15 min.
- Plastic used: N/A
- Cost (@ $0.024 USD per CC): N/A
(Note: These values will change depending on your 3D printer and settings.)
A video of test print 6 is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZTXRhORQA0
onebytegone
