Columbus
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| Description | Documentation of Columbus R&D
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//UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Please be patient for the next few days as I upload my thoughts;)//
Columbus is a 3D printing device currently being developed as an answer to the inspiring challenges of the Kartik M. Gada Personal Manufacturing Prize. The current stage of development is: preliminary design. In this stage brainstorming sessions are combined with due diligence to narrow down goals and define objectives. Various materials are extruded by Columbus via a cartesian coordinate arrangement which consists of a belt driven gantry for positioning in the X & Y axises and a print bed that is raised an lowered by a linkage for positioning in the Z axis.
Contents
Overview
The main requirements of the Gada Prize are:
- Print at least three different materials, including one that is usefully electrically conductive.
- Demonstrate the ability to print electronic circuit boards.
- Any print beds must be of a material which may be reused with minimal refurbishment for at least 20 print cycles.
- Maintain a total materials and parts cost under $200.
- 90% of the volume of the device's components shall be printed.
- Demonstrate a build volume greater than 300mm[11.81in] x 300mm[11.81in] x 100mm[3.94in].
- The capacity to print a full set of components for a complete replica of itself within 10 days unattended save for clearing no more than one printer head jam.
- The ability to print autonomously without a PC attached.
- Uses no more than 60 watts of electrical power.
Design Philosophy
- Preliminary Design
- Prototype One
- Redesign One
- Prototype Two
- Redesign Two
Key Concepts
Progressive Construction
It is assumed that those who assemble Columbus will be in one of two main categories: those that have an existing 3D printer (i.e. Darwin, Mendel, MakerBot) and those that do not. While it will be difficult to achieve the $200 price range with an existing 3D printer, it will be nearly impossible to reach that goal without such a device. In an effort to increase the number of potential users Columbus is being designed with a "progressive construction" in mind. In this scheme the user will first assemble a RepStrap which contains many of the components of the full size Columbus (i.e. stepper motors, electronics, straight rods). This device will then print the remaining structural components. Finally, the initial device is dismantled and it's components are combined with the parts it printed to form the compete Columbus printer. It is hoped that this routine will not only save the first time user money, but will also familiarize the user with the components and construction ideas they need before assembling the complete unit.
Structure
Print Bed
Control Systems
- Pololu Controls
Workbook
General Notes
In accordance with the official Gada Prize rules regarding documentation and transparency - as interpreted by the RepRap Core Team and others - all documentation for this project will take place here in this wiki. If there happen to be any "Other Spaces" out there that have documentation for this project, then such information is posted there only after it is posted here.
- The following notes help to keep this workbook in a neat and orderly condition and shall be generally adhered to throughout all levels of documentation.
- All dimension and temperature nomenclature shall include both SI and Imperial units. SI units shall be first followed by Imperial units in brackets. Examples: 100mm[3.94in] and 40°C[104°F]
