Help with openscad?
Can anyone help me understand how to configure the original openscad files from github for the i3? I've acquired a lot of smooth rod but it's all 5/16". My first attempt to build an i3 did produce a viable printer, but I'm trying to understand how to use the original files with my own configuration to streamline the process. Manually editing individual files in Blender took forever and now that I see how the original files were intended to be used I'd like to start fresh and build with properly configured files.
Here are some things I don't understand:
In the README it says to copy configuration.scad.dist to configuration.scad but there is no file with that name. Does that mean I'm supposed to copy and paste the contents into a new file and name it configuration.scad?
When I render complete_printer.scad in openscad I get tons of errors saying that thickness is not defined as a parameter, but it looks like it is clearly defined as a parameter and the value is set to 10. Are all of the files supposed to be opened in openscad first, and then the complete printer file rendered? I really don't need it to render per se, I've already build one so I know what it is supposed to look like but I was using that as an indication of whether or not the program was reading all of the include files properly.
Are the files from Github still saved in the correct structure for openscad to do what it is supposed to do?
I know there are probably easier or faster ways of doing this but I really like how the original Prusa printers were designed and the whole process really fascinates me. I don't really have much experience with programming, I got my first printer in February and that's when I started trying to learn so there are probably a lot of things I don't know that more experienced coders take for granted. If anyone wants to point those things out I would really appreciate it.
RE: Help with openscad?
Hi Master Splinter,
I believe you are planning to use 5/16 smooth rods in place of 8mm smooth rods!
have you found a source of 5/16 linear bushings / bearings?
If you can't find the matching Bushings/bearings, you may save a lot of effort by obtaining 8mm rods and bushings/bearings, and not modifying the OpenScad settings.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Help with openscad?
@joantabb
I printed my own, it took some tweaking to get them just right since the openscad file for those was written with metric in mind. They worked really well once I figured out my printer’s tolerances. I did some with only 3 teeth and some with as many teeth as I could fit and still have a gap between them. I was able to get about 40 ft of smooth rod for around $15 dollars so I’ve already got it and I could always repeat the process from the first printer. The main thing was I wanted to be able to configure the files so that anything affected by my changes would happen automatically, and also just wanted to learn how opens and works since I’ve only been at it for a couple of months.
RE: Help with openscad?
Does that mean I'm supposed to copy and paste the contents into a new file and name it configuration.scad?
Or just rename it.
it took some tweaking to get them just right since the openscad file for those was written with metric in mind.
Er, they were already just about right. You're going to have to source non standard components to fit this odd sized rod and then resize other parts to accommodate them ... and so on. This is a non trivial task and I suspect, much bigger than you expect..
Much cheaper and a lot less work to get some of the specified rod and use the undersized stuff for some other project.
I've only downloaded two of the part files that I needed for repairs and I don't recall any issues with the rendering and slicing process, they just worked.
Cheerio,