Difference between revisions of "Equipment/Stratasys FDM 1650"

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'''Instructions for use [[Equipment/FDM1650|** READ THESE FIRST **]]'''
+
{{EquipmentInfobox
 +
|name=Stratasys 3D printer<!-- Do not change! Takes name from the name of the wiki page it is on. -->
 +
|image=stratasys.jpg <!-- Image of the item. Leave with placeholder image if none exists. -->
 +
|category=Equipment <!-- Main category. Please leave alone to keep item in this category -->
 +
|subcat=Defunct <!-- Sub-category if one exists. Please check main listing to see other categories contained within the main one -->
 +
|status=Scrapped
 +
|consumables=Printer filament <!-- Any items used up in normal operation, such as; ink, paper, saw-blades, cutting disks, oil, etc.. -->
 +
|accessories=<!-- Any items associated with the equipment but not consumable, such as; drill bits, safety gloves, goggles, etc.. -->
 +
|reqtraining=Yes <!-- Is training required to use this equipment? Yes or no. -->
 +
|trainlink=[[#Training & instruction]]<!-- If training is required, provide a link to training signup or contact page. Otherwise leave blank. -->
 +
|acnode=Yes
 +
|owner=LHS <!-- Provide a link to owners members page if other than LHS -->
 +
|origin=Donation <!-- If via pledge, please link to the completed pledge page on the wiki -->
 +
|location=3D printer area, Ground floor <!-- Floor, room/zone and location within that area -->
 +
|maintainers=Hipster <!-- If an individual is nominated as managing the upkeep of this item, please list them here. -->
 +
|itemId=<!-- Item ID code if available -->
 +
|template_ver=1.0 <!-- Please do not change. Used for tracking out-of-date templates -->
 +
}}
 +
=Description=
 +
The Stratasys is a commercial-grade 3D printer that was [http://groups.google.com/group/london-hack-space/browse_thread/thread/a4088a8560511d67 donated to the LHS by Imperial College London]. It was repaired for a time, but is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to bring the electronics up to modern standards and properly convert it to non-vendor-specific feedstock.
  
−
==Background==
 
  
−
http://groups.google.com/group/london-hack-space/browse_thread/thread/a4088a8560511d67
+
'''DISPOSAL: Notice of Disposal applied by Tgreer on 11/12/2016. Scrapped & gutted sometime over xmas period by Hipster.'''
  
−
==TODO==
+
== Pictures ==
  
−
Make a new TODO list now that the machine is working
+
{|
 +
| [[File:FDM_1650.JPG|thumb|What it could look like, one day.]]
 +
| [[File:Stratasys_controls.jpg|thumb|The control panel for the Stratasys.]]
 +
| [[File:Stratasys_side.jpg|thumb|A side view of the Stratasys.]]
 +
|}
  
 +
=Specification & documentation=
  
−
===Handling===
+
*Usable Print Area: 270mm x 270mm x 300mm
 +
*Top Print Speed: 20mm/sec (Yes its slow)
 +
*Print Tolerance: 0.05mm in X and Y axes. Z axis is dependent on layer thickness
 +
*Layer Thickness: 0.05mm to 0.2mm
 +
*Supported Materials: ABS and PLA plastic filaments
 +
*Usable Filament Sizes: standard 1.75mm
  
−
'''Any or all of these issues need investigating - but not haphazardly'''
 
  
−
*'''Document everything you do the same day'''
+
=Training & instruction=
−
**Not just solid new information - add any progress, concerns, ideas, speculation etc.
 
−
*'''Do NOT leave the stratasys in bits'''
 
−
**If you must leave something incomplete, put all the parts in a bag attached to the machine, document it here and put a note on the machine if it should not be switched on or is otherwise restricted.
 
−
*'''Do NOT leave parts strewn around the adjacent table after you finish work
 
−
**Tidy up, refit all covers, use as little space as possible. It's only tolerable to keep the machine out of the awkward alcove if it doesn't take over a whole load of extra space.
 
−
*'''Do not assume you'll come back to finish something the next day etc. even if that's your plan -  always leave the machine as though someone else will be working on it next.
 
  
−
===Hardware===
+
Training '''IS REQUIRED''' and is being carried out voluntarily by the current maintainers, more info on the separate [[3dprinter_training|training page]]
  
 +
Please do not use the printer if you have not been trained, even if you think you know how to use it.
  
−
===Operations===
+
==Consumables==
 +
Only filament provided by the maintainers can be used in the Stratasys. This is to prevent any issues with poor quality filament. If we're running low on filament (or tape), ro recommended alternative providers, let them know (via the [[mailing list]]).
  
 +
Filament options (3.0mm)
 +
*ABS (lego brick plastic - prints at 190-230 DegC, requires heated bed at 100-110 DegC)
 +
*PLA (biodegradable , based on food starch - prints at 185-190 DegC, optional heated bed, not hotter than 60 DegC)
 +
*There are other 'specialist' filament, like wood effect, stone effect, nylon (can be coloured by clothes dye), etc
  
−
===Software===
+
== 3D printing process ==
 +
[[File:3D_Print_process.png ]]
  
−
*If we wanted to use the stratasys with skeinforge, we'd need to get skeinforge to output appropriate movement commands or, perhaps more maintainably, translate the G-code output into ACL. This might not be too difficult : skeinforge seems to use a very limited section of G and M codes, notably
+
=Log=
 +
==Original use==
 +
For pre-refurbishment logs, see the legacy sub-page here: [[Stratasys_FDM_1650/Legacy#Logs]]
  
−
G1 linear move
+
==Refurbishment==
−
G2 cw arc
+
===TODO===
−
G3 ccw arc
 
−
G21 set units to mm
 
−
G28 home
 
−
G90 set absolute distance mode
 
−
G91 set incremental distance mode
 
−
 
−
M101 extruder on
 
−
M103 extruder off
 
−
M104-108 extruder temperature control
 
−
M110 filament height ?
 
−
M113 duty cycle ?
 
  
−
*Write translator to perform the above conversion
+
*1. <s>Remove all the unnecessary wiring, including the old heater tubes.</s> 16-05-2013
 +
*2. <s>Identify the wiring on the steppers (these are wired differently to normal).</s> 16-05-2013
 +
*3. <s>Connect the motors to the 4pi (http://wiki.arcol.hu/blog:4pi) and calibrate the settings.</s>
 +
*4. <s>Redesign the head end for 2 hot-ends and extruders.</s>
 +
*5. <s>Connected hot ends and run heat and thermistor checks. </s>
 +
*6. <s>Head end redesign complete, waiting for aluminium part for mounting hot-ends</s>
 +
*7. <s>Filament path checks.</s>
 +
*8. Install Raspberry Pi with Octoprint and touch-screen.
 +
*9. Dual head calibration test print.
 +
*10. Heated chamber (required for ABS), phase 2.
  
 +
==Updates==
 +
===1-6-2014===
 +
After providing spare hands to tgreer in trying to get the new controller wired in for the open-day, I noticed both motor connector plastics are extremely perished. Sockets and plugs. The Y-axis (?) stepper connector has previously been bodged. Pins no longer make good electrical contact with bodged SIL connector. This is both due to bent pins that have apparently been forced, but also the SIL socket terminals sliding freely in their plastics. Pins on stepper are also able to move into the motor body when pressed! Attempting to press another connector onto them will likely push them all the way into the motor housing, rendering the motor useless.
 +
As the motor pins still pass continuity tests, this severely damaged connection seems the likely reason for the motor skipping phases.
 +
My recomendation is that flying leads are soldered directly to the damaged pins and connected to a seperate connector that can be fixed to the chassis. Possibly a DB9.
 +
Replacing the steppers entirely is a possibility, but will be tricky due to the capstan-drive. Removing the stepper will probably mean re-winding and re-tensioning the system.
  
−
==Current Status - 4/11/11==
+
The capstan drums seem at risk already however, as the (nylon?) coating on the steel cable is severely deteriorated, cracked and flaking off. Once the coating fails sufficiently to expose the cable, the cable will begin to eat into the surface of the aluminium capstan drums, ruining them. The drums are not likely to be easily replaced, the motors and cable are.
  
−
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpUsUiTH8Fw  Hipster got it working] after cleaning and polishing the extruders
+
While the cable is fine for testing use, if the Statasys is going to be used frequently, new cable should be sourced as a priority.
  
−
01:20 < lovelace_> from hipster... I JUST GOT FDM TO DO ITS FIRST PRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+
- Sci
  
 +
===27-11-2013===
 +
The milled parts should arrive any day now and, once installed, we should be ready for a first test print.
  
−
==2/11/11==
+
As far as I am concerned, based on the investment by members, a successful print of any description, using both extruders or not, is proof of working.  Having experimented with Dual Extruders, the configuration too complicated to include this by the (self imposed) deadline.
  
−
*After Samthetechie took a look earlier this week, Hipster Chris managed to get the software running
+
Thanks
−
*Set the port to COM1, sent a bathplug model, and tried to print
+
Ian
−
*Needs some config to set the limits
 
−
*Still needs the powering-off bug to be fixed.
 
  
−
==27/10/11==
 
  
−
*Attempted to run windows software. but windows refuses to run as it isn't licensed.
 
−
*Taken CD home in the hope I can install it elsewhere
 
  
−
==17/10/11==
 
  
−
*Moved out of alcove and tried a few basic things.  
+
===01-11-2013===
−
*Self-test ran (aborted) after restoring front panel connector.  
+
Currently the Stratasys is moving and the hot-ends/extruders are working. We are waiting for the aluminium to mount the hot-ends in.
−
*All axes capable of movement using arrow pad.
 
−
*Remaining parameters dumped and entered in wiki
 
−
*Feed Home command works
 
−
*Z home using buttons appears not to stop (aborted, looked dangerous)
 
−
*ACL manual reports that microstepping is used (but is that for a different controller ?)
 
  
−
==6/10/11==
+
Once this is completed, it shouldn't take much longer to have this completed and working.
  
−
(Billy posted this to the mailing list)  
+
However, as I mentioned on IRC, if we cannot have a completed print by Christmas, I think this project should be marked as 'not completable'  (if there is such as word) and we call it a day...
  
−
Ally, one of Dean's friends, has said that she's happy to help us
+
Thanks
−
repair it. She's worked on older versions of the Stratasys printers,
+
Ian
−
and she's already had a look at the electronics. She's happy to to
 
−
show people what needs doing, and how to do it, though she'll need her
 
−
expenses covering for travel. I think it's inside the M25.
 
  
−
I'll pass along the contact details.
+
===16-05-2013===
 +
To the mailing list:
  
−
As for the state of the Stratasys. The transport mechanisms work fine.
+
<code>
−
Both extruders seem to work. The temperature control  mechanisms seem
+
Hey all.
−
to work, though the machine has the tendency to run for a while, then
 
−
shut down instantly.
 
  
−
From what Ally said, this is usually due to either leaking capacitors,
+
Right, finally got time today to do a thorough check-up on the stratasys. As I have rpreviously said, all internal mechanics (including the steppers) are in full working order, especially as I performed a strip and clean to it pre-move.
−
or two-legged transistors. Usually simple enough to replace, but this
 
−
project went waaaaaaaay past my skill levels in electronics a long
 
−
time ago... :))
 
  
−
The server sitting next to the Stratasys is set up with the OS and
+
After a quick talk with Ian on Wednesday, I have traced all the cables and found all the documentation for the parts, ferrous detecting end-stops, x-y controller pin outs, steppers etc. I have removed the old and power hungry heaters and flourescent lights.
−
software needed. We can communicate with the control boards happily.
 
  
−
==2011-07-01==
+
I have paird the stepper cables and made ready for the 4-wire board. Also gave another clean
  
−
The rackmount machine on the floor is now running XP again; somebody, likely Billy, reinstalled the system without updating this page.
+
Basically it is ready to be connected to control board and ready to run.  
  
−
I've installed speedfan, and disconnected some of the non-software-controllable fans.  This makes it somewhat less horribly loud.
+
All we need now are to nice tourqey nema17 steppers, 2 j-hotends (ian has offered to source and will start pledge, less than £100). Once these have turned up and I've cad modeled them, i will design a nice clean and easily accesable mount for them in the existing hot end housing (also been cleaned).  
  
−
I've also started documenting the initial parameters below.
+
Charles will need to add a ACNode and it'll be up and running as a tool for the space. But like the laser cutter and charles, I will be its main care-taker/daddy lol.
  
−
The correct serial settings are 9600 7E1 (that is, even parity, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit).  Other settings work, but ESC.E gives errors.
+
Hope this has cleared up any concerns or apprensions about having a fully working, accurate, industrial 3D printer in the space to be used by people with training.
  
−
==2011-06-23==
+
Regards
 +
Hipster
 +
</code>
  
−
The rackmount machine on the floor under the terminal to the right of the stratasys is named capak (the man who coined the term "robot").  The user is hackspace/hackspace.  Please use sudo for root.  (The root password is also hackspace.)
 
  
−
If you know why the monitor is nigh-unreadable, please fix it.
+
=Links=
−
 
 
−
It should be possible to ssh to it from within the space.  (Use capak.local.)
 
−
 
 
−
==10/06/11==
 
−
 
 
−
It's kind of functional.
 
−
 
 
−
There's an computer connected to it and we can get a serial port connection on COM1.
 
−
 
 
−
At the moment it's only returning error messages.
 
−
 
 
−
The automated tools can connect happily.
 
−
 
 
−
IT STILL NEEDS CALIBRATION BEFORE USE!!!
 
−
 
 
−
Please do this first, and let us know what happened.
 
−
 
 
−
There are two printed manuals, a printed service manual, and the rest of the docs are on the desktop in the Stratasys folder.
 
−
 
 
−
I'm in the middle of setting up the software. It's NOT usable yet!
 
−
 
 
−
I'll be back later tonight to finish setting it up...
 
−
 
 
−
==DONE==
 
−
 
 
−
* Power up normally.  Are there any bad-looking lights on the front panel?  If so, something is stuck.
 
−
  DONE! - It's fine.
 
−
 
 
−
* Power up with left and right buttons pressed, should start self-test run.  It will loop, power-off or hit reset to stop it.
 
−
  DONE! - It works as expected. Ran through all the self-tests, and they came out ok.
 
−
  They're all in the service manual. Have a look.
 
−
 
 
−
* Connect the serial port up.  Document how to reach it on this wiki page.
 
−
* Open her up, document the position of the switches on the back of the automove unit.
 
−
* Determine serial parameters from the dip switches, see page 9 of [http://www-car.asymtek.com/support/manuals/70_0045_20_C.pdf the automove operation manual].
 
−
  DONE!  [[Equipment:Stratasys_FDM_1650#COM1_Settings]]
 
−
 
 
−
* Using [http://www.nordson.com/en-us/divisions/asymtek/documents/manuals/76_cs02_01_acl_manual.pdf the acl docs], find the current values of the personality parameters, document them here.  This will hopefully keep us from losing them by accident later, and tell us a bit about how the machine is set up.  You'll want the OP command, page 3-50, and the list of personality parameters, page 14-1.
 
−
  DONE! [[Equipment:Stratasys_FDM_1650#Initial_Conditions]]
 
−
 
 
−
==Information==
 
−
 
 
−
UK reseller is http://www.laserlines.co.uk/.  This one may have come direct from Stratasys, though.
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/ Extensive blog on the 1650 and 2000]
 
−
** Manuals for an FDM 2000 (includes description of Quickslice 5.0 - 1997):
 
−
*** [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2000APPL.pdf Applications]
 
−
*** [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2000UTIL.pdf Utilities]
 
−
*** [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2000INTR.pdf Manual]
 
−
*** [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2000PROC.pdf Procedures]
 
−
** [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/?p=29 Page referencing these] and C:\QuickSliceV64-qsni
 
−
** [http://www.3d4u.org/MyFDM_Files/cb12abs-sml-101211.txt Calibration file]
 
−
** [http://3d4u.org/MyFDM/?p=708 Webcams]
 
−
* [http://haveblue.org/ Another 1650 owner]
 
−
* [http://www.incredilution.com/2011/01/engineering-to-save-5000/ Repairing an FDM 2000]
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://support.knowlton.ohio-state.edu/files/InsightUserGuide.pdf Insight User guide] (2005)
 
−
 
 
−
* [http://replay.web.archive.org/19990221032334/http://www.stratasys.com/1600.HTM Stratasys product page] (1999)
 
−
* [http://www.hive76.org/fdm2000-progress Philadelphia hackspace] with an FDM 2000
 
  
 
==Training==
 
==Training==
Line 191: Line 149:
 
* [http://www.ipd.anl.gov/anlpubs/2001/05/39420.pdf Modification for makerbot-style self-supporting objects]
 
* [http://www.ipd.anl.gov/anlpubs/2001/05/39420.pdf Modification for makerbot-style self-supporting objects]
 
* [http://wiki.makerbot.com/forum/t-284930 Using makerbot parts]
 
* [http://wiki.makerbot.com/forum/t-284930 Using makerbot parts]
−
 
−
==Software==
 
−
Quickslice known versions are 5.0, [http://replay.web.archive.org/19990224223330/http://www.stratasys.com/PR061298.HTML 6.0], 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
 
−
Insight known version are 3.4.1, 4.2, 6.0, 7.0.  Only 4.2 and below works with the 1650[http://jcflowers1.iweb.bsu.edu/rlo/fdm.htm].
 
−
 
−
Answers from Stratasys to emails:
 
−
: We stop supporting this system a couple years ago, so getting the software for this system is not possible because it cannot be purchased and is only available through a maintenance contract. We are not aware of any third party or open source application that would work on this system.
 
−
: Quickslice might be archived somewhere, however, we have to adhere to company policy.
 
  
 
==Reverse engineering==
 
==Reverse engineering==
Line 207: Line 157:
 
* [http://utwired.utexas.edu/lff/symposium/proceedingsArchive/pubs/Manuscripts/1998/1998-28-Bertoldi.pdf Some guys at UTexas] managed to cope with it
 
* [http://utwired.utexas.edu/lff/symposium/proceedingsArchive/pubs/Manuscripts/1998/1998-28-Bertoldi.pdf Some guys at UTexas] managed to cope with it
 
* [http://utwired.utexas.edu/lff/symposium/proceedingsArchive/pubs/Manuscripts/1998/1998-28-Bertoldi.pdf Some guys at UChicago] did too
 
* [http://utwired.utexas.edu/lff/symposium/proceedingsArchive/pubs/Manuscripts/1998/1998-28-Bertoldi.pdf Some guys at UChicago] did too
−
 
−
 
−
==Initial conditions==
 
−
 
−
 
−
Firmware Version is 9.01
 
−
 
−
OF: Calibration factors: 1.0027,1.0028
 
−
OI: AUTOMOVE REV 3.60/3.60
 
−
OL: travel limits: 0,0, 12000, 12000
 
−
ON: digital inputs state: 0
 
−
OO: origin : 0,0
 
−
 
−
OP: Personality parameters:  (enter OP<space>n; or OP<space>nn;)
 
−
1: Arrow Single Step Delay: 3000 (factory)
 
−
2: Arrow slow step delay: 100 (factory)
 
−
3: Arrow Fast Step Delay: 3 (factory)
 
−
4: X Arrow Direction Swap: 0 (factory)
 
−
5: 0
 
−
6: 0
 
−
7: 250
 
−
8: 2
 
−
9: 2
 
−
10: 100
 
−
11: 100
 
−
12: 100
 
−
13: 100
 
−
14: 32767
 
−
15: 32767
 
−
16: 32767
 
−
17: -15
 
−
18: -15
 
−
19: 1.0027
 
−
20: 1.0028
 
−
21: 8
 
−
22: 8
 
−
23: 0
 
−
24: 0
 
−
25: 12000
 
−
26: 12000
 
−
27: 16504
 
−
28: 16504
 
−
29: 1
 
−
30: 0
 
−
31: 1
 
−
32: 40
 
−
33: 10000
 
−
34: 40
 
−
35: 10000
 
−
36: 0
 
−
37: 0
 
−
38: 255
 
−
39: -1
 
−
40: 200
 
−
41: 25
 
−
42: 1
 
−
43: 0
 
−
44: 100
 
−
45: 32767
 
−
46: 0
 
−
47: 200
 
−
48: 0
 
−
49: 0
 
−
50: -1
 
−
51: 500
 
−
52: 0
 
−
53: 150
 
−
54: 400
 
−
55: 400
 
−
56: 10
 
−
57: 1
 
−
58: 0
 
−
59: 0
 
−
60: 0
 
−
 
−
==COM1 Settings==
 
−
 
−
Bits per second : 9600 <BR>
 
−
Data Bits      : 7<BR>
 
−
Parity          : None<BR>
 
−
Stop Bits      : 1<BR>
 
−
Flow Control    : Xon/Xoff<BR>
 
−
 
−
These settings are stored in a Hyperterminal session called FDM1650.
 

Latest revision as of 15:09, 31 December 2016

Stratasys 3D printer
Stratasys.jpg
Sub-category Defunct
Status Scrapped
Consumables Printer filament
Training requirement Yes
Training link #Training & instruction
ACnode Yes
Owner LHS
Origin Donation
Location 3D printer area, Ground floor
Maintainers Hipster

Description

The Stratasys is a commercial-grade 3D printer that was donated to the LHS by Imperial College London. It was repaired for a time, but is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to bring the electronics up to modern standards and properly convert it to non-vendor-specific feedstock.


DISPOSAL: Notice of Disposal applied by Tgreer on 11/12/2016. Scrapped & gutted sometime over xmas period by Hipster.

Pictures

What it could look like, one day.
The control panel for the Stratasys.
A side view of the Stratasys.

Specification & documentation

  • Usable Print Area: 270mm x 270mm x 300mm
  • Top Print Speed: 20mm/sec (Yes its slow)
  • Print Tolerance: 0.05mm in X and Y axes. Z axis is dependent on layer thickness
  • Layer Thickness: 0.05mm to 0.2mm
  • Supported Materials: ABS and PLA plastic filaments
  • Usable Filament Sizes: standard 1.75mm


Training & instruction

Training IS REQUIRED and is being carried out voluntarily by the current maintainers, more info on the separate training page

Please do not use the printer if you have not been trained, even if you think you know how to use it.

Consumables

Only filament provided by the maintainers can be used in the Stratasys. This is to prevent any issues with poor quality filament. If we're running low on filament (or tape), ro recommended alternative providers, let them know (via the mailing list).

Filament options (3.0mm)

  • ABS (lego brick plastic - prints at 190-230 DegC, requires heated bed at 100-110 DegC)
  • PLA (biodegradable , based on food starch - prints at 185-190 DegC, optional heated bed, not hotter than 60 DegC)
  • There are other 'specialist' filament, like wood effect, stone effect, nylon (can be coloured by clothes dye), etc

3D printing process

3D Print process.png

Log

Original use

For pre-refurbishment logs, see the legacy sub-page here: Stratasys_FDM_1650/Legacy#Logs

Refurbishment

TODO

  • 1. Remove all the unnecessary wiring, including the old heater tubes. 16-05-2013
  • 2. Identify the wiring on the steppers (these are wired differently to normal). 16-05-2013
  • 3. Connect the motors to the 4pi (http://wiki.arcol.hu/blog:4pi) and calibrate the settings.
  • 4. Redesign the head end for 2 hot-ends and extruders.
  • 5. Connected hot ends and run heat and thermistor checks.
  • 6. Head end redesign complete, waiting for aluminium part for mounting hot-ends
  • 7. Filament path checks.
  • 8. Install Raspberry Pi with Octoprint and touch-screen.
  • 9. Dual head calibration test print.
  • 10. Heated chamber (required for ABS), phase 2.

Updates

1-6-2014

After providing spare hands to tgreer in trying to get the new controller wired in for the open-day, I noticed both motor connector plastics are extremely perished. Sockets and plugs. The Y-axis (?) stepper connector has previously been bodged. Pins no longer make good electrical contact with bodged SIL connector. This is both due to bent pins that have apparently been forced, but also the SIL socket terminals sliding freely in their plastics. Pins on stepper are also able to move into the motor body when pressed! Attempting to press another connector onto them will likely push them all the way into the motor housing, rendering the motor useless. As the motor pins still pass continuity tests, this severely damaged connection seems the likely reason for the motor skipping phases. My recomendation is that flying leads are soldered directly to the damaged pins and connected to a seperate connector that can be fixed to the chassis. Possibly a DB9. Replacing the steppers entirely is a possibility, but will be tricky due to the capstan-drive. Removing the stepper will probably mean re-winding and re-tensioning the system.

The capstan drums seem at risk already however, as the (nylon?) coating on the steel cable is severely deteriorated, cracked and flaking off. Once the coating fails sufficiently to expose the cable, the cable will begin to eat into the surface of the aluminium capstan drums, ruining them. The drums are not likely to be easily replaced, the motors and cable are.

While the cable is fine for testing use, if the Statasys is going to be used frequently, new cable should be sourced as a priority.

- Sci

27-11-2013

The milled parts should arrive any day now and, once installed, we should be ready for a first test print.

As far as I am concerned, based on the investment by members, a successful print of any description, using both extruders or not, is proof of working. Having experimented with Dual Extruders, the configuration too complicated to include this by the (self imposed) deadline.

Thanks Ian



01-11-2013

Currently the Stratasys is moving and the hot-ends/extruders are working. We are waiting for the aluminium to mount the hot-ends in.

Once this is completed, it shouldn't take much longer to have this completed and working.

However, as I mentioned on IRC, if we cannot have a completed print by Christmas, I think this project should be marked as 'not completable' (if there is such as word) and we call it a day...

Thanks Ian

16-05-2013

To the mailing list:

Hey all.

Right, finally got time today to do a thorough check-up on the stratasys. As I have rpreviously said, all internal mechanics (including the steppers) are in full working order, especially as I performed a strip and clean to it pre-move.

After a quick talk with Ian on Wednesday, I have traced all the cables and found all the documentation for the parts, ferrous detecting end-stops, x-y controller pin outs, steppers etc. I have removed the old and power hungry heaters and flourescent lights.

I have paird the stepper cables and made ready for the 4-wire board. Also gave another clean

Basically it is ready to be connected to control board and ready to run.

All we need now are to nice tourqey nema17 steppers, 2 j-hotends (ian has offered to source and will start pledge, less than £100). Once these have turned up and I've cad modeled them, i will design a nice clean and easily accesable mount for them in the existing hot end housing (also been cleaned).

Charles will need to add a ACNode and it'll be up and running as a tool for the space. But like the laser cutter and charles, I will be its main care-taker/daddy lol.

Hope this has cleared up any concerns or apprensions about having a fully working, accurate, industrial 3D printer in the space to be used by people with training.

Regards Hipster


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