Claystruder 1.1
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Published on July 25, 2010
Description
These are the files for the first prototype of a clay extruding print head for a Bits From Bytes Rapman. Its a slightly improved version of the one we use for printing our initial ceramics objects (http://unfoldfab.blogspot.com). The design is based on the Frostruder by Zach Hoeken from Makerbot but uses one double action solenoid valve instead of two single action ones. It is important to note that it was never designed with elegance or easy printability in mind, its just a quick and dirty prototype.
Instructions
The Claystruder is designed on top of a spare rapman extruder mounting plate that I had around. The DXF for the mounting plate is attached. Laser cut out of 5mm material. The claystruder base that holds the syringe is glued on top of the mounting plate. Two feet fit in appropriate holes of the plate. (see, not very elegant...)
The two STL's that make up the claystruder need to be printed with support turned on. It is kept to the minimum but its not completely without overhangs.
You can fit most 50-60 cc syringes in the base of the Claystruder.
The cap is also a mounting base for a 12v DC 6012, 3/2-Way Miniature Solenoid Valve from Burkert: (http://www.burkert.com/COM/Products/Solenoid-valves/Water-and-other-neutral-media/6012.html). You will also need two screw on connectors for the tubing. On short tube goes straight down true the cap and should end 5-10 mm below the bottom. Here you can fit a rubber plunger cap from a 60cc syringe that you perforate to guide the tube true the rubber cap. This will make sure that your syringe is air tight. On top of the valve goes your tube that runs from the compressor. At the front of the valve is the pressure release outlet.
I always use two small clamps to hold the cap and the base together. You will need to fit something on the base plate to trigger your limit switches. I use a threaded rod and a few bolts.
Like for the Frostruder, you need a compressor, 10 bar max, for it to work.
The two STL's that make up the claystruder need to be printed with support turned on. It is kept to the minimum but its not completely without overhangs.
You can fit most 50-60 cc syringes in the base of the Claystruder.
The cap is also a mounting base for a 12v DC 6012, 3/2-Way Miniature Solenoid Valve from Burkert: (http://www.burkert.com/COM/Products/Solenoid-valves/Water-and-other-neutral-media/6012.html). You will also need two screw on connectors for the tubing. On short tube goes straight down true the cap and should end 5-10 mm below the bottom. Here you can fit a rubber plunger cap from a 60cc syringe that you perforate to guide the tube true the rubber cap. This will make sure that your syringe is air tight. On top of the valve goes your tube that runs from the compressor. At the front of the valve is the pressure release outlet.
I always use two small clamps to hold the cap and the base together. You will need to fit something on the base plate to trigger your limit switches. I use a threaded rod and a few bolts.
Like for the Frostruder, you need a compressor, 10 bar max, for it to work.
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peter_
on
July 28, 2010
said:
that much closer to printing a ceramic insulator retainer to replace the melting PTFE one... ;)
unfold
on
July 26, 2010
said:
I noticed that the DXF preview is all wrong, it open fine in Illustrator or Vectorworks. Units are mm.
mattmoses
on
July 26, 2010
said:
This is one of my favorite projects. It opens up whole new classes of objects and devices that can be printed. Do you plan to post a recipe for the clay slurry?
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License
Claystruder 1.1 by unfold is licensed under the Attribution - Share Alike - Creative Commons license.
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How much did you pay for the solenoid valve? I can't find a good source for it. I'd love to give it a try for making composite parts.
Hi Erik, did you try Burkert? They have an office in Holland. Should be around 45
â¬. I am working at the moment on a new version that should be a lot better and I think the valve will be optional in this version. Printing parts ATM :) . Will send you an email when I have the first results with this one.