Hello rrr…thanks for starting this tread.
Over the last few weeks, I developed interest in the world 3D printing and have been looking on the internet and been reading up on it. Initially, I didn’t know anything about building one’s own 3D printer, so I was almost about to buy the Cube by 3DSYSTEMS. But, when I came across a website about building a 3D printer at home, was both fascinated and intrigued by the idea and have spent several more days exploring that idea, which is when I came across this website.
Since then, I have been looking on where to buy parts for the printer. I noticed in one of the posts by mfgman that he ordered parts from McMaster-Carr and Misumi for his build, and that you had one of your friends print out the plastics for your printer. Mfgman mentioned that he was building a MendelMax, but I am not entirely sure which model you built. I am thinking about building the i3 model myself.
However, I would like to improve upon, if I could, on the standard build envelope (200x200x190mm) the i3 offers to 300x300x300mm. I know I will have to make changes to certain components that would be necessary for this build and to be perfectly honest, I am not sure if it is worth the trouble. I would like your input on this idea. This is the list of components, which I have noticed, needed to build a standard i3.
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reprap.org]
What I am thinking, is to download the STL files for the plastic components, export them into SolidWorks, create the rods as part files, make the assembly of the lot and perform a stress analysis of the build to see what changes I would need to make the parts inorder to accommodate the larger build envelope! Of course, I know this is easier said than done, but I am hoping, I can accomplish the task!
Assuming, all of the above mentioned is done, and assuming that the parts in the standard i3 kit will not suffice for the larger volume, would you happen to know anyone who can print custom parts?
Thanks again for the time you took to create this new thread and for reading this note from me. Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
RJ.