Build Your Own SLA/SLS

I think there is no need to worry about the vat. It looks like it will be supported just fine. There should not be a downward pressure on the vat anyway during a build, only upward when the part releases.

If anything, I would add another fastening plate to the sides or top of the vat mount extrusion. But probably not necessary.

Jon

Nice work so far. Going from the Instructibles build it appears.

I'm wondering about those T-slot extrusions. They look like an inexpensive design. Where did you get it and what did it cost?

I'm currently searching around the world for the best deal on aluminum T-slot extrusions. I'm doing a DLP build too, but my shop is too cold to work in right now. I started on a welded steel frame (overkill) and got the idea that if I make the frame from T-slot extrusion I can just bolt it together indoors.

The best deals I can find so far appear to be used extrusions on eBay.

Can't beat free!

Yeah, I too keep building materials laying around for decades. Also, I'm terrible at anything having to do with technical stuff like programming.

Finally after not being able to work on this for awhile I've finished this up. Just have to coat the VAT and I should be able to start some test prints.
Kinda finished the last bit in a hurry since I really should be working on other things so some isn't exactly they way I wanted but I can fine tune and tweak as I go from here on in.
Did some more bracing on the Vat arms since hp_ brought it up was on my mind. lol
Also changed out the Acme screw for a 10mm 1.5 threaded rod since it has a very slight bend that I could see in movement where the 10mm does not at all. Also Delrin nuts on the top and bottom tensioned by a spring between to take out any backlash, I cannot measure an backlash with my digital calipers but they only go down to 10 microns so there could still be some.
I've been able to get the RAMPS 1.4 to play well with a servo so I have a shutter working as well which I think is nice for keeping the stray light off the build plate.
Build plate has been drilled out with 1/8" holes to reduce some of the suction as I hope it works with passive tilt, if not I have a game plan for adding a stepper.
And power is supplied form a old Dell laptop supply 19.5volts at 4.62A more than enough for driving 2 steppers.

A few pics, don't mind the mess just busy if anyone has any suggestions or questions feel free.






Clinton

Looks real nice. Great work on the design.

What is that laminate you are using for the base and some of the brackets? From the images it appears to be aluminum sheet with a foam core. I don't think I've ever seen that before. Where do you get that? Is it easy to cut or is it problematic?

I just ordered a batch of T-slot aluminum extrusions from Misumi yesterday so I should be able to get back to mine in a few weeks.

Looks great! Can't wait to see the prints!