RepRapMicron Delta mods
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Creating A Micron Accurate Delta Stage
While the OpenFlexure Delta Stage is excellent for microscopy, it requires modification to become an R&D platform for μRepRap. There are a lot of unknown unknowns though, so it makes sense to push it as far as possible until we know what more of them are. A key difference is that microscopy is in 2D while μRepRap requires motion and observation in 3D. So rather than observing a slide from underneath, μRepRap needs to view the precision work area in several dimensions. This was initially done by extending a beam from the slide platform which can reach a microscope stage, and while this allowed initial testing to proceed it had unwanted vibration and angular movement. Multiple microscope views will probably be required, and coloured multidirectional lighting may make visual alignment easier.
Suggested modifications so far are:
Implemented
- Replace OpenFlexure Raspberry Pi package with RAMPS system running GRBL
- Improve robustness of motor mounts
- Adaptors for NEMA17 motors
- Extended beam to position probe over free-standing microscope
- Rigid probe arm mounted to stage body
- Axis limit switches
Unimplemented
- 'O' Ring accessibility improvement, possible replacement similar to Darwin Z axis anti-backlash nuts
- Illumination with different colours/directions to improve 3D visibility
Redesign
These are potential features for a redesign of the delta stage:
- Integrate NEMA17 motor mounts
- Alternative to 'O'-rings for backlash control
- Increase gear ratio for finer control over the same work area
- Reduce gear backlash with pre-loaded flexures in split driven gears.
- Anchor points for cameras viewing multiple angles
- Multiple attachment points on a 20mm grid for prototyping extensions.
