#1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
Background:
I got the MK2S kit last week and assembled it over several evenings. Following the online directions there were a few rough spots, but it wasn't bad for someone who has previously built two different wood cutting CNC machines from scratch.
Suggestion:
Please look at making the Y-axis platform a CNC cut .25" aluminum frame, just like the Z-axis. The Z-axis was SUPER easy to assemble and there aren't any worries about "are my Z-axis rods parallel". On the other hand, the Y-axis is the longest part of the build, requires the most precision work, and seems to be a big pain point for people trying to get their machines squared up. It was tough for me to get right even with digital calipers, which not everyone has. If the 3d printed parts of the Y-axis could be screwed directly into cut aluminum holes, and the Y and Z axis slotted together with CNC tolerances, it would almost certainly reduce assembly time by an hour or two and remove several of the big problem points with people assembling their kits.
Re: #1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
At that point, wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just go to a 3030 frame?
Re: #1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
At that point, wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to just go to a 3030 frame?
Cheaper: they already have large orders going to the company that provides the Z-axis frame, this would be something that created additional work with that same company, and therefore likely discounted.
Easier: using aluminum extrusions has many of the same problems as threaded rod. Because you can attach things along ANY point, it's up to the builder to make sure everything is at exactly the right spot in order to be aligned and square along multiple axis. An aluminum frame with laser cut holes would only allow things to be attached at very specific points.
Re: #1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
Nope. It would be *cheaper* and *easier* to switch to 3030 extrusion.
Easier: using aluminum extrusions has many of the same problems as threaded rod. Because you can attach things along ANY point, it's up to the builder to make sure everything is at exactly the right spot in order to be aligned and square along multiple axis. An aluminum frame with laser cut holes would only allow things to be attached at very specific points.
You precisely length the 3030 extrusions and mill holes at the appropriate points in the 3030 extrusion to bolt the thing together? It's as easy as installing 8 bolts, and perfectly precise out of the box...
Cheaper: they already have large orders going to the company that provides the Z-axis frame, this would be something that created additional work with that same company, and therefore likely discounted.
Or they could switch the entire frame to 3030 extrusions, and get discounted pricing on *that* instead...
Prusa lists the Z-axis frame / carriage parts for $61, the 3030 extrusions for the entire frame come to $58 (with holes cut). Assuming similar margins for both parts, the 3030 is cheaper *before* you add in the cost of your Y-axis frame parts.
Re: #1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
Extrusions would be better.
If you look at extrusion based construction, you don't need most of the cuts to be "accurate", just "precise".
i.e. you lay all the extrusions you need to be cut to the same length down at the same time on some saw or something at cut them all at the same time. Boom, half your problem is solved right there.
Everything else can be taken care of with some sane assembly jigs and a square.
Main issues I see are extrusion quality and straightness can vary greatly, and you lose a bit of z height because the Z steppers have to sit on top of the base extrusions.
It's hard to speak to cost, but considering you went from "CNC milling custom parts" to "mitre saw against readily available extrusions" to produce the frame components, I'm gonna guess the extrusions come out cheaper.
Re: #1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
Well that didn't age well heh.
Re: #1 Suggestion: Make the Y-axis aluminum, just like the Z-axis
Well that didn't age well heh.
Grass on my side of the fence is plenty green 😉