Incredible design, makes me think... how can we make it rise higher/lower.

Saw the following link, thought of this prokect:

http://blog.makezine.com/archi...

Wow, Frank! It looks like you have all the parts designed for a high percentage 3D printer, now. So whan are you going to put it all together?

This z axis is very cool. I presume the main reason for creating it is to try to get the self-made % to a higher level? It sure looks like a good step in that direction. :) If we could only recycle our messed up pieces and have our repraps near 100% self made we would indeed have something!! Great work!!

Hiroe: the screw has the advantage that it doesn't stretch or slip. If I put a sensor like a switch on the wheel, I could count rotations an tell how far it had moved. I have mounting holes and cam lobes in place for this, but the switch is not mounted in the picture. Also, the lossy nature of the screw thread (high friction), means that no energy need be expended to hold it in one place.

I think that screws are not right for the x or y axes, but are hard to beat for the z axis. They are not that hard to get, either.

This design has plenty of room for a different movement mechanism, so anyone who wants to make a different design is welcome to do so.

fdavies

why are you using a screw to provide direction? if I were you I'd use a string and a spool. the weight of the print head will let you move down and you can pull on it to move up. the fewer hard to get parts the better and a string is very easy to get.

It is, it must be said, a thing of beauty.

Vik :v)

I normally being a laser cutter guy am not jealous of 3d printers. However. You have changed this for me

Great work.

Ril3y

If I can control my urge to show off intermediate steps, my plan is to show something that can actually print. It will show up on reprap.org, on the 'Look what I made...' forum, first, however.
fdavies

ril3y
ril3y

I normally being a laser cutter guy am not jealous of 3d printers. However. You have changed this for me

Great work.

Ril3y

You are wonderful - this will be the proper solution to the RepRap challenge, I think. Are you gonna put the Z04 on Thingiverse too? What does this beast look like hooked up to the X/Y machine? Any pics/vids?