This MendelMax inspired printer is compact, lightweight, and totally self contained. Nothing protrudes beyond the frame. Z axis motors are mounted low, and thrust bearings carry the weight. Note that the z axis uses the aluminum extrusion for a guide, saving space and expense. The linear bearings and belt and pulley upgrades give high quality prints. All dimensions are chosen so that you can use 4 smooth rods and 2 threaded rods, plus all other parts from you mendel.
All parts are easy to print without support. The 60 W onboard power supply runs the motors and extruder heater. The heated bed used a 120 vac and a solid state relay. The extruder is very accessible. The heatsinks on the extruder are optional, but help keep thing cool when printing ABS.
See BOM and exploded veiw of X axis below
I added a pdf of an exploded frame drawing 1/19/12
Wire clips and T-slot cover for Misumi extrusions are at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16344
Below is a zipped archive of all the Inventor source files.
Full BOM added per several requests.
.stp files added.
See video of this printer at http://youtu.be/JysNv3Hi67k
| Al_Mendel_stp_2.zip | 187.6KB | |
| BOM_Aluminum_Mendel.pdf | 187.9KB | |
| end_cap.stl | 65.0KB | |
| exploded_x_motor_end.pdf | 115.7KB | |
| foot.stl | 43.4KB | |
| Frame_Exploded_Drawing.pdf | 135.3KB | |
| Full_BOM_Al_Mendel.pdf | 196.9KB | |
| Inventor_Complete.zip | 16.0MB | |
| marlinMendel_configh.txt | 9.5KB | |
| Marlin_Mendel_smartController.zip | 145.3KB | |
| Mendel_Al_Inv.zip | 3.6MB | |
| nut_cap.stl | 44.8KB | |
| Printer_Animated_Assy_2.wmv | 1.5MB | |
| printer_assembly.iam | 343.5KB | |
| Printer_Exploded_Drawing.pdf | 167.1KB | |
| Ramps_holder_bottom.stl | 16.1KB | |
| Ramps_holder_side.stl | 16.7KB | |
| RELAY_wiring.pdf | 98.5KB | |
| vertical_brace_left.stl | 24.5KB | |
| vertical_brace_right.stl | 24.5KB | |
| X_carriage.stl | 46.4KB | |
| x_idler_end.stl | 123.9KB | |
| x_inner_slide.stl | 35.8KB | |
| x_limit_switch_bracket.stl | 25.0KB | |
| x_motor_end.stl | 141.0KB | |
| y_bracket.stl | 55.0KB | |
| y_bracket_offset.stl | 56.9KB | |
| y_carriage_belt_mount.stl | 60.1KB | |
| Y_carriage_mounts.stl | 70.1KB | |
| y_motor_bracket.stl | 53.0KB | |
| y_pulley_bracket.stl | 49.6KB | |
| z_limit_switch_bracket.stl | 15.3KB | |
| z_motor_bracket_left.stl | 48.8KB | |
| z_motor_bracket_right.stl | 48.8KB | |
| z_rod_bracket.stl | 55.2KB |
