Modified Mendelmax to dlp

This is the place to discuss various hardware. Topic include:
- Display devices (Projectors, Lasers & etc..)
- Microcontrollers & RAMPs boards
- Power supplies
- Z-Axis and Tilt assemblies
- etc..
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable
User avatar
Pie
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:45 pm
Location: USA, Pennsylvania
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby Pie » Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:04 pm

I've been trying to build a DLP 3d printer for a while - I got suck on the z axis and how to get it working correctly. So I took a break for a while.

I just came back to the DLP tonight. It occurred to me that I could use my mendelmax 1.5 for the z-axis. The mendelmax wasn't getting used (I have a MH3000 as my primary printer). So, I took off the extruder, Y axis, and X axis carriage.

My plan is to print an X-carriage with a mirror image so I can mount in upside down on the X axis (flat side down). Mount a build plate to the Carriage. Place a vat under. and project the image up through the bottom.

Do you think the z-axis is strong enough? What problems should I look out for?

(I'd buy a littleRP, but I can't wait that long. BTW- nice job on the littleRP if your reading this.)
Attachments
photo.JPG
modifying a MendelMax 1.5 for DLP
photo.JPG (43.62 KiB) Viewed 15203 times

User avatar
PacManFan
Site Admin
Posts: 633
Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2013 11:44 am
Location: Ahead of the curve
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby PacManFan » Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:17 pm

I think the Z Axis of the MendalMax 1.5 should work fine. I have a Mendalmax 2.0. Post more pix of your setup as you make progress.

User avatar
Pie
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:45 pm
Location: USA, Pennsylvania
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby Pie » Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:21 pm

It occurred to me as I was trying to figure out a release mechanism (tilt), that the Mendelmax has two Z-axis stepper motors. Currently both are linked and contain support bars for the X-axis.

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to do two z-axis attached to the build platform. Basically you would have the platform attached to each side (with pivots). And you would simply move one side up before the other to get it peel up and avoid the vacuum.

Any thoughts on the idea?

User avatar
PacManFan
Site Admin
Posts: 633
Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2013 11:44 am
Location: Ahead of the curve
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby PacManFan » Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:47 pm


User avatar
Pie
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:45 pm
Location: USA, Pennsylvania
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby Pie » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:27 pm

I've finally got 2 hours to work on the printer. Given my schedule, I decided to build quickly with what I had lying around.

I had to modify the lens of my Toshiba projector. I printed out a 3mm spacer to put in the projector. I used the customizable cylinder on thingiverse (I can't draw), printed it out, sanded it into a square, and drilled the holes. It decreased the throw distance to about 10 inches.

I figured out how to mount the projector to a piece of plywood. Then mounted that to a 2x4 table I build. I ended up cutting a hole in the bottom of the piece of wood on the mendelmax 1.5 and then cut a hole in the table. It worked out pretty well.

I had a little trouble with the vat. I thought I would just sit it on the mendelmax frame, but it was to low. So I ended up cutting a couple of oak boards as spacers. I used some roofing rubber to give a little give to the vat to prevent it from breaking if the build platform goes to far. I'm just going to use clamps to hold the vat to the frame/oak board supports.

I printed out a mendelmax extruder platform I found on thingiverse with 4 bearings. (I had one with 3 bearings that was cracked). I also ended up printing a spacer under the platform to give me clearance of the sides of my vat. To get the spacer, I ended up using the thingiverse platform, and I scaled the Z axis to be huge in Cura (the X and the Y were not scaled). When I printed the part, I just stopped the print when it hit the height I needed. I also managed to get a piece of aluminum for the stage. I ended up epoxy'ing the platform, spacer, and aluminum together to get the final build platform.

I'll finish the coating on the vat soon. I have two vats, so I'll use Sylgard 184 on one, and the other one I'll try to get some release liner silicone coating.
Attachments
photo 4.JPG
spacer in place
photo 4.JPG (33.97 KiB) Viewed 15133 times
photo 3.JPG
spacer ring for Toshiba dlp projector to minimize the throw distance
photo 3.JPG (36.6 KiB) Viewed 15133 times
photo 1.JPG
photo 1.JPG (40.42 KiB) Viewed 15133 times

User avatar
Pie
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:45 pm
Location: USA, Pennsylvania
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby Pie » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:29 pm

more pics
Attachments
photo 3.JPG
photo 3.JPG (41.11 KiB) Viewed 15132 times
photo 2.JPG
photo 2.JPG (44 KiB) Viewed 15132 times
photo 5.JPG
build platform
photo 5.JPG (39.23 KiB) Viewed 15132 times

User avatar
Pie
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 10:45 pm
Location: USA, Pennsylvania
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby Pie » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:32 pm

I still have one problem. How do I move the (2) z-axis independently. I want to move one up then the other, but I can't figure out how to do it.

I'm assuming I need to use gcode. But I'm not sure where to put it. Do I put it in Marlin? Do I put it in Creation workshop?

I found this "
;********** Lift Sequence ********
G4 P500
G1 E-2.8 F1200 ;pre position cam
G1 E-2.2 F100 ;release motion
G4 P700 ;wait for 700ms
G1 Z($LayerThickness * $ZDir) F$ZLiftRate ;lift Z
G1 E-5 F1200 ;tilt back up
G4 P50
;<Delay> %d$BlankTime
;********** Lift Sequence **********
"
But how do I use it?

Any help would be great.

thanks,
Pie.

User avatar
PacManFan
Site Admin
Posts: 633
Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2013 11:44 am
Location: Ahead of the curve
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: Modified Mendelmax to dlp

Postby PacManFan » Fri Aug 22, 2014 12:26 am

You might want to look at the mUVe firmware posted by Dean Piper. It's a modified version of Marlin that can move the 2 axis's independantly or in unison for the peel sequence. I beleive he's using a special gcode/mcode command to set parameters and perform the lift and peel.


[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable