Ormerod IDEX

Now that I have added IDEX (independent dual X carriage) support to RRF, I am wondering whether I can convert my dual-extrusion Ormerod to IDEX. I am thinking along these lines:

- Use a modified version of DaveK's aluminium X arm, with a second X motor mounted on the opposite side and a little higher or lower than the first. One of the motors would have to be held in place by 3 screws instead of 4.
- Two X belts, one above the other.
- Modify the printed parts that join the X-rod and X-arm together at each end, to increase the spacing between them and make room for the extra belt.
- Two different variants of the X carriage, one to engage with each belt without fouling the other.
- A microswitch mounted at the end of the X arm, for homing the second carriage.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to improve on this scheme?

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Large delta printer [miscsolutions.wordpress.com], E3D tool changer, Robotdigg SCARA printer, Crane Quad and Ormerod

Disclosure: I design Duet electronics and work on RepRapFirmware, [duet3d.com].

Maybe you should catch the x-arm at the opposite direction. I think the additional weight could be too high so the Ormerod may even tip over.
It sounds interesting and if this works for you I may change my Ormerod 2 in that way.

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Slicer: Simplify3D 4.0; sometimes CraftWare 1.14 or Cura 2.7
Delta with Duet-WiFi, FW: 1.20.1RC2; mini-sensor board by dc42 for auto-leveling
Ormerod common modifications: Mini-sensor board by dc42, aluminum X-arm, 0.4 mm nozzle E3D like, 2nd fan, Z stepper nut M5 x 15, Herringbone gears, Z-axis bearing at top, spring loaded extruder with pneumatic fitting, Y belt axis tensioner
Ormerod 2: FW: 1.19-dc42 on Duet-WiFi. own build, modifications: GT2-belts, silicone heat-bed, different motors and so on. Printed parts: bed support, (PSU holder) and Y-feet.
Ormerod 1: FW: 1.15c-dc42 on 1k Duet-Board. Modifications: Aluminium bed-support, (nearly) all parts reprinted in PLA/ ABS, and so on.

Quote
dc42
Now that I have added IDEX (independent dual X carriage) support to RRF

Nice! (had to look that up)

[www.youtube.com]

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I am wondering whether I can convert my dual-extrusion Ormerod to IDEX. I am thinking along these lines:

- Use a modified version of DaveK's aluminium X arm, with a second X motor mounted on the opposite side and a little higher or lower than the first. One of the motors would have to be held in place by 3 screws instead of 4...

...Does anyone have any suggestions for how to improve on this scheme?

Not really - you could also place the extra motor on the same side, behind the original (in the -X direction), a little higher or lower, to the keep the center of mass (whats left of it) over the threaded rod..

..or place it vertical on top of the original and use a couple of extra pulleys to direct the belt lower and parallel with the original

BTW, your Duet and PanelDue firmware is running beautifully, thank you!

Erik

Good point about the centre of mass - I hadn't considered the position of the centre of mass in the Y direction. Mounting the second motor behind the first X motor and shifted up a little sounds good. The BigBox IDEX uses Nema 14 motors for the X carriage, so I could go that route. The 14HS13-0804S Nema 17 motor provides 18Ncm torque for 190g mass, compared to 22Ncm and 230g for the standard Ormerod motors, so it should be a suitable replacement,

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Large delta printer [miscsolutions.wordpress.com], E3D tool changer, Robotdigg SCARA printer, Crane Quad and Ormerod

Disclosure: I design Duet electronics and work on RepRapFirmware, [duet3d.com].

Hi dc42

Knowing that IDEX support is now in your firmware is really great news!

How about putting the extruders somewhere else and having a second rod on the other side?
Thus it might even be possible to keep the lenght and position of the first rod and more important
the size of the X-arm.

I guess i have to complete my other printer design to be ready to change my Ormerod to IDEX.
But my near fiasco with my dual head print conversion keeps me a little reluctant...

Best regards
Tim