Z-axis expansion
So I have a really large print that I'm trying to print, it's going to be printed in multiple parts regardless of how I go about it, but if I could expand the Z axis another inch or so, maybe from 25 cm to 30 cm, I could halve the number of prints required. I saw this thread: https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/improvements-archive--f85/30-more-build-volume-26-cm-build-height-working-t6088.html
about an expansion on the mk2, and I was wondering if something similar could be accomplished on the mk.3. I'm also not against having a new z frame cut, but I'm not sure what else would be needed. I think the motors would have to be replaced, as well as the smooth rods, since they nearly max out, everything else should plug and play like the original though, right? I can't think of a reason the x-chassis would need modification, and my print bed size is adequate, I just need to go up. I know print quality will suffer somewhat, but If I'm doing a new z axis frame, I could make additions for supports/stabilizers built in.
Any thoughts, anybody done this, anybody know or have an idea of what parts would be required?
I built my mk3 myself, but it's my first 3d printer, so while I'm mechanically capable, I'm not well versed in the parts.
Re: Z-axis expansion
Look here,
http://zaribo.org/upgrade-kits/56-original-prusa-mk3-zaribo-mk3-320-upgrade-kit.html
i use some parts from his BOM for my build
https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/general-discussion-announcements-and-releases-f61/i-made-custom-scratch-built-mk3-clones-and-yes-you-t15658.html
Re: Z-axis expansion
So I checked out the upgrade, and read through your thread a few times. I couldn't tell if you needed the firmware changes for the z-axis expansion, or for the extrusion things you were discussing. From the other thread I read, there was a universal build size setting or something, and you would just edit for the larger Z. From what I've seen with my printer at least, it will keep trying to print outside the bounds, so I imagine that just swapping the longer Z in wouldn't require any changes except for quality control. It did mention that the z calibration stopped at the stock height though. The upgrade site mentioned something about the board overheating though, is that just in general, or an effect of the expansion?
Re: Z-axis expansion
So I checked out the upgrade, and read through your thread a few times. I couldn't tell if you needed the firmware changes for the z-axis expansion, or for the extrusion things you were discussing. From the other thread I read, there was a universal build size setting or something, and you would just edit for the larger Z. From what I've seen with my printer at least, it will keep trying to print outside the bounds, so I imagine that just swapping the longer Z in wouldn't require any changes except for quality control. It did mention that the z calibration stopped at the stock height though. The upgrade site mentioned something about the board overheating though, is that just in general, or an effect of the expansion?
This zaribo upgrade kit is not easy to build, definitely not for a beginner. Needs tons tweaking and repositioning and calibrating of the X.Y Z axisuntil you get it 'right'
Z height needs to be setin in the firmware, setting up the Arduino runtime on your PC, cloning the github firmware and messing with a few variables.
Also non beginner friendly.
I build two printers, both from scratch, with all parts self sourced, and this took me about 3-4 months.
Granted, you having an vanilla MK3 and he sells you basically everything you need for this upgrade makes the teardown of the MK3 and the rebuild to aluminum extrusions about two weeks i think. Messing around with the firmware until everything works another week or two.
The old RAMBo mini is prone to burning on the heatbed connector, the new Einsy board in the MK3 has no problem with that.
(i went the additional MOSFET board regardless)
Re: Z-axis expansion
Ok, cool. I'm not too worried about physically assembling it or tweaking it for well aligned axes. Do you know of any resources for walkthroughs on the software/firmware side? Even just examples would be helpful, I'm not a great coder.