Hello belacesta,

thank you very much, for sharing your knowing about a possible leveling to the Z axis with us. That is new for me! I can use it for my next mill, printer and Laser machine (all in one). I have some heads for leveling. Excellent!!!

What I mean about "a simple and fast adjustment" at my last 3D Printer, is that I use a slot to move a switching cam to trigger the Switch. It is not easy to move switching cam only 0.1mm in a Slot and Fixing it. I think it is better to use a screw to move the switching cam and fix it behind - example: M6 screw move 1mm per one Rotation. I think it is exactly enough to adjust the head.

 

Thanks for posting your build - it´s look very professional!

What kind of work will you do with your machine?
- mill + 4th axis
- print
- laser??

 

Hi Vill,
the Echinus controllerboard have six bipolar 1.5 A stepper motor drivers (http://echinus.org/). With this controllerboard you can powered a motor up to 1.5 A. A good chois is a Nema 17 motors (http://openbuildspartstore.com/nema-17-stepper-motor/) he operate with DC 1.68 A/Phase.
For the Y and Z axis I use two motors per axis. I connect two motors on one driver output.



I think for the use as a 3d printer or similarly, is the nema 17 motor a good choice. But if you, need a little bit more power (like a router/ mill), you should be use a motor with more power (Nema 23) and a controller with also more power.

For my current project I use the Bam & Dice board (http://www.2printbeta.de/Electronics/Controller/BAM-DICE-Arduino-STK-kit::328.html?language=en). It´s based on a Arduino board and have enough power to 3D print and milling!



I hope the information is helpful for you!

 

Hello Vill,
I am glad if I can help!

To Q1: Yes, the Ehinus board is two in one (contollerboard and stepper driver in one). To explain: (http://www.echinus.org/wp-content/uploads/Installation-instructions-Echinus-V1.7a-English-V0011.pdf)




To Q2: At my beginning to build the 3D Printer, I search a controller board that can powered the Printer. The performance can powered 1,5 A per stepper motor. So I search a stepper motor what use 1,5 A. The Nema 17 take 1.68 A. So I decided to Nema 17 motor. For the 3D Print is it not so critical. You dont have so big shear forces.
But the experience what I have done: If the build (3D Printer) greater, than is the print speed slower. If The "small" Nema 17 motor have a acceleration and a suddenly direction change, so have the "small" Nema 17 motor problems to stop the big mass. So it is better that the greater printer accelerate slower, than he can better slow down the speed.
Whether a motor can manages the load, I have found the answer by testing. (example: by my milling tests with the Nema 17 motors is my result, that the motors are to weak. So I use Nema 23 by my next project. And test it again.)


To Q3: Honestly, I also have the most difficulty with the electronics and software.
Your board is a "Aruino uno". The Bam & Dice based on a "Arduino Mega 2560"!

The handeling is easy:
1.) Upload the rigth firmeware to the Arduino Mega 2560 (donwnload from Bam and Dice homepage) and make your setting whis the Arduino program.




2.) Conect all part with the Bam and Dice board. Website: http://www.2printbeta.de/Electronics/Controller/BAM-DICE-Arduino-STK-kit::328.html?language=en




3.) Run your CNC maschine (I use the Repetier Host program to send the G code to the board).



The Rapetier Host program have also a manuel control panel.





What kind of machine do you plan to build, Vill?

 

Hi Rayminski,
thank you very much for share the information with me. The head bed look good to use! When I will print bigger things, I will remember to this head bed.
Thanks!!!!!

 

Hi Vill,
sorry for this late reply, but I´m very busy at the last time!
I wish you good succeed for your calculation and hope you get Money to build up your own 3D Printer.

Best greeting to China!