PrintrBot Simple - X-axis Rebuild/mix

thingiverse

With the original Printrbot Simple 1401 Maker editions, the X & Y axis' movement was controlled by a string that was wrapped around the sanding tip of a Dremmel tool. Overtime with multiple use, these strings wear down and cause print shifting or eventual complete failure (which is what occurred to me). Due to this failure, I'd set out to firstly, patch up my printer such that it can print rudimentary parts to extend its life, with the goal of eventually converting to a reliable system of something other than string and sanding tool bits. Shout out to jonlawrence, ahaer, and bringho for the inspiration for this upgrade. How I Designed This This expansion started out as a simple last ditch effort to save the printer from breaking down. However, it has evolved into more than that, becoming a project with the aim of one, maximizing the bed area capable of being used by the printer while keeping the original aluminum print bed, and two, keeping design elements such as spring leveling and belt tensioning. The first iteration of my print bed fix with the use of GT2 timing belts. A Frankenstein version of jonlawrence's design, original Printrbot balsa bed, zipties, and aluminum L-channel. Top view of the first prototype for bed design. Around 5 to 6 iterations in designs later... (left four is for the left X-axis piece, right are the right) A top view of the last two revisions of the current left side X-Axis bed holder. The one in the middle, ended up cracking at joint which was due to PLA's inflexibility and loss of moisture over time. The bottom most mount did not allow for a proper, full usage of the print bed area. From a side view, the evolution in design of the end stop limiter can be seen. The top most (most up to date) design implements a circular, slim shape that eliminates rubbing with the balsa wood side frames as the printer homes. Additionally, it also incorporates the indented end stop feature not present at the bottom most design, helping further optimize bed space usage.