Blockbot V3.1
Description
Improvements from previous versions:
1. Improved printability. Should be able to print all parts without supports
2. Added and improved clearances.
3. Thickened up some of the thinner sections.
4. Pins are compatible with tbuser's Toy Robot Toolkit.
5. Blockbot now has a backpack/pen holder/rocket launcher tube/use your imagination thing on his back.
6. (V3 to V3.1) Pins printed horizontally for strength.
Big thanks to Lochemage for various design input.
Instructions
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For folks who find installing the pins a little difficult, a small vise or clamp works really well. They're tough to put in, but worth it for rugged play by the kids. Here's a video example. http://vine.co/v/bvj7aubFXpU
I'd like to play a bit with the plug sizes, using the parametric Pin connectors V3 (made with OpenSCAD). Is there any change you could give us some more info about the pin sizes? (I don't have SolidWorks)
I'm finally printing out my own copy and I'm unhappy with the pins as well. I will post a dimensional drawing (hopefully tomorrow) of the pin connections so others can try making them better. After printing it out myself I think there might be a V3.2 with some changes to the joint designs.
One of the nicest models that I have downloaded from Thingiverse. Printed 100% on a Replicator brilliantly. Well done!
Very nice model, printed very well too. Used the BFB 3D TOUCH printer, ABS, 100% scale, 20% infill, 0,25mm Layer Thickness. Total print time of both plates was about nine hours at double speed. Assembly was a 'snap' even though I managed to swap the feet. I could correct it without damaging the joint. Excellent fit. The spare joint included on the print plates makes you smile.
Here's my mini-Blockbot. I scaled your model down to 50% of the original size and he still printed just perfectly.
Check out the video at http://youtu.be/JzdpM3xwCZs to see him in action.
I tried printing this in ABS but all the vertically printed pins snapped off when I pushed them into the holes. :(
Not sure what I did wrong.
New design is up with all of the pins printed horizontally. The head and the body are the same, all of the other parts are new. There was an error on the original pins so I would recommend using the new pins.
I printed with the default settings (10% fill, 1 shell) and had the same problem, but had some luck using acetone 'goop' to strengthen the pins. That is, dissolve some ABS in acetone so that it forms a thick liquid, then put that on the pins so the goop fills in between the threads of plastic and bonds it all together into a stronger part. I had to wait a long time for the acetone to dry out so that the pins were strong - the acetone made them soft.
I am printing again with three shells to see if that helps. Overall the parts were fine with one shell, but I am hoping the extra shells make the pins a bit stronger.
You might try talking to user MacGyver as he's been successful with his prints. Also user tbuser might have some suggestions. If you find a good solution please share.
Excellent! I can't wait for the build plates. My Son keeps saying, "I wish someone would make a better Blockbot". I said, "they have Son and soon we'll print it".
License
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Printed with PLA on Replicator 2. I found it very difficult to assemble. Printed 5 copies and found them all very difficult to assemble. I would suggest making the pins attached instead of separate pieces by themselves. That way one would only need to make one attachment per joint. Tried at 50%. Pins are too small to hold for assembly.
Yeah, the pins are the weak point in the design. Originally the pins were attached, but because of the orientation they were not very strong and snapped easily. I've been playing with several different pin systems to see if I can find a more robust, easy to assemble and consistent fit.