SCOUTcorexy 3D Printer (square aluminum tube frame, scout-tower-like corner nodes, dual-support Z, lots of adjustability to compensate for construction errors) by florinf-ro

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Check latest version @ https://skfb.ly/Uuv7
!!WARNING: this is a WIP project and will take a lot of time on my side to finish due to ... life. I will often update it and correct it so come back often :).
Update 20170614: Added the .rsdoc source file for you to play with.
Navigate the 3D Model @ SketchFab:https://skfb.ly/Uuv7
This is a CoreXY 3D printer design that has some features that should be appealing to many:
1) it uses tubular extrusion (square 20x20mm) Aluminum or Steel so it should be cheaper than T/V-slot but all parts are designed to be able to be fitted on 2020 extrusion also;;
2) all the cutting & drilling can be done by hand as the design is very forgiving, prefect straight cuts being unnecessary and perfectly matching holes are not a prerequisite;
3) all frame holes can be drilled by hand with a method I will describe when I will have built it and I release the docs (or can be drilled on a drill press according to the holes pattern I will release when ready). Holes can be slightly larger than the intended size bolts - I use M6 bolts which means holes can be M7;
4) all the features of the printer are mobile, they slide on the tube via the square clamp that I have designed and which is a part of every part in the design;
5) Y rods are adjustable in 3D space due to the 4-points-adjusting-collars that I have designed specifically to take any misalignment of the frame and/or other errors in construction. Like I said, it's quite forgiving;
6) Z axis is dual supported, using 3 smooth rods (10mm) and has a very simple T(ee) support frame from the same square alu tubing. The important aspect of the Z is that the BearingBlocks/Bed_Clamps/Leveling&ShockAbsorbers are all embedded in a 3-part piece that can also take a lot of misalignment of the Z rods (drilling exact holes with the hand drill is impossible so I had to fix this in the design intent so you don't have to outsource any fabrication step).
Another important aspect of the Z axis is that the upper ends of the rods are inserted straight in holes in metal while the lower ends are floating in larger then their diameter holes so that perfect vertical alignment can be done -again using the 4 bolts in the collar of the lower receiving part). Once the verticality is ensured, resin can be poured in these holes to freeze the position.
Update 13/10/2016: I have uploaded the latest "RepStrap-ed" version of the original, with updated parts where better details were developed. This repstrap is due to the expensive price 3DHubs charge for the 3D printed parts and because I don't have my own printer to make them myself. The repstrap pieces are simple ALU angle pieces drilled so they are very easy to make and they use leftover aluminum angle that is used for the bed support (see 3D model). This is for now the basis for the SCOUTcorexy MotelT.
Update 01/06/2016: Another major overhaul: changed size to allow standard dimensions for belts (now a 5m roll is enough for both XY - <1.5m each - and Z - <2m -). To allow this change there have been some parts alterations (ex YRods clamps, ZRods Bearings housing and bumper pieces, etc)
Update 04/07/2016: I have uploaded the different sections' STLs in separate files, with parts arranged on bed with the right orientation for best printing. Now they are ready to be printed.
Update 26/04/2016: Pretty major change in XY Motors Support ALU tubes position (moved them to the exterior, making the frame symmetrical) and XY Motors Mounts (pictures attached). Also Updated all printed parts file.
Update 19/04/2016: Lots of fixes and streamlining of parts. New Floating Parts STL attached. Also check it @Sketchfab for a better experience: https://skfb.ly/MZR8
Update 15/04/2016: Major overhaul of the Z stage
I have updated the bearing blocks to better follow the square clamp design that all other parts feature. For some reason I didn't do this from the beginning and now it bit my backside. STL and Sketchfab models have been updated accordingly.