Sneak Peek: X and Z axis cable chains

-

I've been asked on Reddit for a sneak peek at the prototype of my combined X and Z axis cable chains. Well, they are now fitted in a test configuration and here are some pictures and a brief video. The cables aren't actually in it yet as I'm just testing the motion, but things are looking promising at the moment. 


These are the chains at present (the Z axis is a little long still). Below is a video of them in motion 


They still need some tweaking, but things seem to be working and if I can get rid of the awful umbilical that's there by default, I will be pleased. I just need to create the appropriate cabling. I'm not happy with the dupont connectors on the BL-Touch, for example. They're just screaming to fall apart, so will be replaced with some JST XH inline connectors. 




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Update: Mopping up

-
Image
Today I have been working on mopping up some tasks which need do in preparation for creating the cable looms. This latter task is now a little delayed as I've decided to make the stepper motor cables with shielded cables, just because I don't like the amount of noise which they're pumping out .  Today, I have carried out a number of preparatory and remedial processes.  Installed the ESP01 WiFi module into the TFT35 screen. I had had a number of aborted attempts at this previously (it's more than a little arcane) but this time I have managed to get it working. In practice, I may not use it that often but it could be useful in some circumstances. It does seem very basic, but it does mean that I'm not tied to a cable.  I also decided to replace the IGUS bearings on the X axis with traditional roller bearing ones. While I had the carriage apart, I also replaced the heater block, throat and nozzle.  I also upgraded the X axis belt to a high quality Gates one as I'd b
Read more

Update: delayed but not forgotten

-
Those of you following this blog will have noticed that I've gone a little quiet for a while. This is due to a combination of factors. First, I am very busy with work at present and, secondly, I have a backlog of things which I need to print for jobs around the house. I can't print with the printer at the same time as rebuilding it. To give an update on progress: I still need to rejig the X-axis cable chains to rotate them by 90° The fanless PSU seems to be working very well indeed and makes a huge difference to the noise of the printer The foam insulation on the base of the HBP also seems to help a lot and works far better than I'd expected. Heat up time is improved significantly and excess cooling between prints is also reduced.  I have a set of Z axis pull-rods to install for extra rigidity but these need to be modded to fit the 350mm Z height.  I also really want to move to the latest version of Marlin to address a few annoying niggles which I know are present in 2.0.5.
Read more

Imminent release: Storage trays are finished

-
Image
Well, after some ado I have finally completed my storage tray solution. It's in numerous parts in order to remove the significant number of supports it would have needed and the parts just slot together. The whole thing then screws into the frame slots.  It also includes clips for the display ribbon cables.  These parts... Slot together like this. To be installed like this To do this I plan to make this available for download soon.  In other news: I have had another delivery from AliExpress as Which is an automatic case cooling kit. It has a built-in thermistor and will take 24V in and be used for the case for my SKR main board. This means that the fan will only come on when it's needed - part of my silencing scheme. I'll probably replace the fan with a Noctua to help further.  Visit the main content pages
Read more