Experimental Thing-o-Matic Inspired Cupcake Z-stage 3D Printer Model
The file 'Experimental Thing-o-Matic Inspired Cupcake Z-stage 3D Printer Model' is (pdf,dxf,stl) file type, size is 128.6KB.
The file 'Experimental Thing-o-Matic Inspired Cupcake Z-stage 3D Printer Model' is (pdf,dxf,stl) file type, size is 128.6KB.
If you're like me, you were smitten with envy when the Thing-o-matic was announced; if you're even more like me, you can't really afford it (yet). I designed this as a way to retrofit some of the new functionality into the cupcake - specifically the faster, lead-screw based Z-movement and Z-shafting to improve print quality. With any luck, this mod and the 4th generation electronics will bring the cupcake into the same class of build quality as the Thing-o-matic, if in a reduced build size/poor cousin kind of way. And I really mean reduced build size - this Z-stage cuts about 45mm off the available height, so be warned.
NOTES:
1) I specified a 1/4"-16 acme screw, 152.5mm in length. The length will depend on exactly how you mount the screw and coupler on your motor. I think the Thing-o-matic uses 1/4"-20 precision acme screw, but I wasn't able to find a cheap hex nut for that, and all the flanged nuts I found were pricey and needed machining for a bolt pattern. Consequently, I went for the 1/4"-16, but once Makerbot releases the documentation maybe it can be switched. It would be best to use whatever they're using. The length will also be shorter if you're using either a HBP or conveyor.
2) For this to work your extruder has to be mounted 180 degrees from the stock configuration - in other words, with the motor in front.
EDITED TO ADD:
Version 2 of this thing is here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4259
I've also uploaded modified top and middle profiles with dedicated .25" holes for the Z-rods, for those hardcore cupcakers who want a fully lasercut setup.
I've also uploaded a printable Z-motor spacer block and shaft coupler.
| T-o-m_Z-stage_Assy.pdf | 66.3KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_A_01.dxf | 36.3KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_B_01.dxf | 29.6KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_C_01.dxf | 41.8KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_D_01.dxf | 31.9KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_E_01.dxf | 24.9KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_F_01.dxf | 19.6KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_layout_01.dxf | 137.3KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_Middle_01.dxf | 52.1KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_motor_block_01.stl | 12.6KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_rod_holder_01.stl | 16.9KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_shaft_coupler_01.stl | 19.4KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_top_01.dxf | 55.7KB | |
| T-o-m_Z-stage_Top_02.dxf | 66.4KB |
