Workhorse 3D Printer

The Workhorse Printer is a large format 3d printer some friends and I have been working on for the past three years. The large 3d printer is a modular machine platform that uses lead screw driven motion with a fixed bed / moving gantry. For more information see https://3ddistributed.com/workhorse-printer/

Fixed Bed / Moving Gantry
X and Y-Axis Lead Screw

Lead Screw vs Belt Driven Motion
While most 3d printers use belt driven motion in the x and y axis to increase print speed but loses quality when more weight is applied to the gantry or carriage. The lead screw used on the Workhorse has a high helix pitch with multiple threads to allow increased print speeds while maintaining the quality provided from lead screw and ball screw motion. We designed the machine for applications that require more weight to the gantry or carriage such as materials such as clay, chocolate, plastic pellet extrusion. The increase weight that is moved around which without decreased quality or reduced print speeds.
Large Build Area
Print size millimeters (xyz): 650 x 350 x 350 mm
Print size inches (xyz): 25.6 x 13.7 x 13.7 inches

Fixed Bed
While most large format printers use a moving bed that moves along the Z-Axis, the Workhorse’s fixed bed and moving gantry design is more ideal for the large scale 3d printing process.

Nema 23 Stepper Motors
In order to drive the lead screw we had to use Nema 23's instead of the typical Nema 17 stepper motors found on most 3d printers and machine custom motor mounts.

Duet3D Firmware
We now recommend the Duet 3 Mainboard 6HC electronics by Duet3D. Build & Firmware Updates
Read More >>> https://3ddistributed.com/duet-2-vs-duet-3/

Workhorse Specifications
Technology: FFF FDM
Type: Material extrusion
Open-Source Year: 2018
Assembly or DIY Kit
Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian-XYZ-Head
Manufacturer country: USA
Materials
Filament diameter:1.75 mm, 3mm
Compatible with 3rd party filaments? Yes an open material system
Printable material(s):ABS, CPE, HIPS, Nylon, PETG, PLA