I want upgrade from the prusa i3 that i have to a more stable build platform I was thinking of going for a build similar or the same as the OX CNC build, with multiple extruders http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/openbuilds-ox-cnc-machine.341/ Then the thought came to me why not design a system by which you could change the extruder for a mill or a laser and then have a 3 in 1 machine, it would involve some setup such as changing wires maybe loosen a few bolts. Was thinking there could be interchangeable beds also, a heat bed and a vacuum bed Is there any reason that hasn't occurred to me that would make this a bad idea?
An all-in-one concept is not in any way a bad idea, but you will find the inherent Z-axis limitations of the OX platform to be a bit too restrictive for a 3D printer. It's not something that cannot be overcome, just something that will take a bit of thought.
I have heard others, over the years, decry multi-purpose machines on the grounds that they will never perform as well as a single-purpose machine. In some cases this may be true but by careful design multi-purpose machines rock (in my opinion). I can successfully V-Carve 12mm deep in hardwoods, cut vinyl for signs, laser engrave and cut non-metallic products, electro-engrave steel products, impact engrave stone products, rotary engrave text less than 0.5mm tall, etc.etc etc., all using the same machine with interchangeable attachments and beds. As Rick has mentioned, the standard Z axis travel would certainly be a limitation for me with regard to 3D printing but (at the expense of loosing a bit of Y axis travel) an additional Z axis, with much more travel, could easily be fitted as an attachment to the existing Z axis. Now there's a thought for me to ponder. Tweakie.
was thinking of doing something like this maybe http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/cubefoot-cnc.716/ the y axis can run off 2 cross bars as in this however Id have these attached to a motor plate setup on the outside of each corner for z axis movement, the only thing would be the belt pinion motor set up would be constricted by the frame height, i.e. the motor would hit off the top of the frame. Was thinking a spacer wheel spacer config could be done to allow a plate on each side of the of the cross bar so a motor could be mounted to the outside and the x axis cross bar can still be attached to the y axis gantry. did a basic sketch of the idea was also thinking i want this machine quite large for the cnc and laser cutting
To simplify, you might consider something along the lines of the lower 2/3rds of this build: http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/table-ox-router-3d-printer.844/ Basically, build an OX on the upper half but with a tall Z-axis rail and a removable build surface 2"-3" down and a permanent build surface 8"-10" below that. All routing would need to be done on the surface 2" down and most of the other functions could be done there too. And then when you want to 3D print, remove the upper shelf and you have a 10"-12" well to print in. You would probably need to stiffen or brace the Z-axis a bit but as there is no lateral loading (other than inertia) on the print head, projecting downward 10" or so shouldn't create significant alignment issues.
so yer as these things progress my line of thinking seems to have swayed to put cation to the wind and just build a 3d printer, as much as I think this would be a wicked/brilliant thing I have 2nd year college coming up and building this would involve all sorts of research into lasers, cnc and how to put this all together in a viable platform. Not to mention the amount of time i spend looking up 3d printer ideas However I have come across this badboy http://e3d-online.com/The-Kraken and Im thinking this on a delta (oh how i do love the delta movement) would be pretty fricken sweet, thinking about running it on a Azteeg X3 Pro http://www.panucatt.com/Azteeg_X3_reprap_3d_printer_controller_p/ax33dp.htm which gives room for 8 stepper motor drivers so plenty of room for the four extruder motors required for the kracken All in all it has to be said, GOD **** YOU V-SLOT!!! with your fangdangled modular capabilities, there's just too many options and as someone on the cusp of starting a design you would think this would be a good thing but it isnt i cant make up me bloody mind on what it is i actually want
Dual carriages on an OX solve all the problems, as long as one can make the necessary firmware changes to implement them. A carriage on one end the way the ox was designed, and a carriage on the other end with vertical beams and ACME rod for height. When printing, just clamp down a piece of glass as your printbed. Home Depot has many sizes of glass cheap. For printing PLA, just use some hair spray/ spray adhesive/ glue stick on the glass and no heating is necessary!
