Twin Cities Maker 3D Prototyper Project

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Contents

Project Title

Starting a revamp, this is the CyberOptics CNC based project.

Do we want a cute name or nickname?

  • Minne-Makie [suggestion source unknown]
  • TC Maker Maker (silly, but fun to say) [suggested by wammie]
  • [name suggestion] [suggested by <user id>]
  • Don't care to much about the name, let's make it do stuff [otto_pjm]

Project Definition

To create a 3D fabrication tool based off of the RepRap, but customized for our needs and interests.

  • Variations:
  • Maximum dimensions of machine: .......................... [suggested by <user id>]
  • Maximum limits of x,y,z machining ability: .......................... [suggested by <user id>]
  • Supporting both additive and subtractive operations?: Yes [suggested by wammie]
    • I'd like to make it as modular as possible, any contact cutting will need to be pretty light [otto_pjm]
  • Z-axis movement for tool head, table, or both?: .......................... [suggested by <user id>]
  • Tool heads?:
    • Airbrush [suggested by wammie]
    • Laser cutter [suggested by wammie]
    • Dremel or Roto-zip like tool [suggested by otto_pjm]

Participants

Please list your TC Maker user ID and/or name here if you would like to participate.

  • John Baichtal
  • wammie
  • Pete McKenna [otto_pjm]
  • Steve McGrath [mcsteve]

Roles

Do we want/need defined roles for TC Maker members in this project -- maybe project manager, resource chief, documenter, assembly chief, programmer, etc.

  • Project Manager: (who?) [suggested by wammie]
  • Primary Documenter: wammie [suggested by wammie]
  • CAD Designer: (who?) [suggested by wammie]
  • Programmer: (who?) [suggested by wammie]
  • PC Control, provider of g-code tool path options, lousy solderer [otto_pjm]

Current State

As of 8/24/10 we have a temporary PC running Linux EMC2 that can control the X and Y axis

Steve has done a great job getting the hardware and electrical sorted out with help from Mike and ? Pete got a PC parallel port breakout going, and did some initial setup in EMC.

It can be "run"

  • if you want to play talk to Pete and Steve
    • It has no safety stops of any kind and is strong enough to hurt itself, and perhaps you.
    • Shorting the axis step to ground may damage the PC Parallel port, so disconnect the PC if you want to do that
    • Checklist for power-up:
      • E-Stop on top: PUSH (just in case..)
      • Power supply switch on lower side panel: ON
      • Two green power LEDs should be lit on the control board.
      • Front cover: CLOSED if possible, otherwise both front panel safety switches should be pulled to bypass.
      • Rear cover safety switches: PULL to bypass
      • E-Stop: TWIST CW to reset
      • Green start button on top: PUSH
      • All three green power LEDs should now be lit on the control board.
      • The machine is now ready to use. When finished, press the red button and e-stop, and turn off the power supply.
    • From the PC, I'd suggest running Applications -> CNC -> Stepconfig Wizard
      • you can load the existing config and tweak it, called hfcnc-1 I believe (sorry it was late)
      • about 3 steps in you can use "test this axis" to run an axis back and forth (remember it has no stops)

next steps

  • Interface to built-in limit switches if possible. This machine can probably damage itself/others if run against the hard stops
  • Create missing safety cover for rear of machine. A simple piece of acrylic or other lightweight material will work. Held on by magnets
  • Take cover safety switches out of bypass, warn against the dangers of idly bypassing them
  • get Z going,
  • get the integrated PC, or a PC in the integrated case controlling it
  • get the setup documented, we are bypassing a fair amount of the original bits
  • clean up the wiring a bit
  • get a common Z-axis "tool holder" designed / installed
  • do stuff
  • maybe have a class on CAM, g-code, parts making, 3D carving, 3D extrusion, ?
  • Provision should be made for safely powering an attached tool
    • Power should come through a relay controlled by the motor power circuit. This way the E-Stop will stop the tool as well. This seems important for a machine like this.
    • We can easily provide a standard electrical outlet for a dremel/router/etc. powered through the aforementioned relay.

Images, now local

Most of the machine from the X-axis side Long shot of X

Now trying with the local images. If anyone can take better pictures, please do so, the iPhone is definately not all that. The schematic actually has newer notes on additional wire color, so that would be a good one to update soon.

alt Overview looking down the X axis
alt Schematic with notes of control
X axis
X closeup
I am having trouble
Y axis
Y closeup
with the image placement
Z axis
Z closeup
and other sections over running this section

hmmmm, not sure why. Found this trying to make it behave.

Build log

Started a build log on cnczone.com. I've have a build log for my router I built and it's a very active community with quite good input from the members. I kicked the log off with a blurb about the Hack Factory and TC Makers. Might help us find some local folks who don't know about us as well.


Information Resources

E.g., schematics, lists, instructions from other groups who have built 3D fabricators. Also, recommended reading.

Equipment Needs

What tools and facilities will be needed to make the printer?

  • [tool or facility]
  • [tool or facility]
  • [tool or facility]

Parts Needs

What electronic components and other parts will be needed?

Everything Else

Do we want a section on a proposed timeline, or is that too anal? What are we missing?

  • [project suggestion]
  • [project suggestion]
  • [project suggestion]
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