Eiffel
These are raw notes I'm trying to hack together into a design proposal. You are welcome and invited to edit and improve this page. Critique should go in 'Design Analysis' or in the 'discussion' tab above.
Design Proposal/Abstract
TriLap will be a steel square-tube CNC router made with tri-lapping joints, aka [http:gridbeamers.com Tri-Joints]. File:Trijoint example.jpg
It will use RepRap technology for 3D printing and either RepRap or emc2 for software motion control. It will use RepRap electronics or Gecko brand Stepper Motor Controllers for hardware motion control.
Abstract
It will have a work volume of 24" x 48" x 8".
It will be made from square steel tubing, drilled for bolting together in tri-joints.
Users User wants and needs: Journeyman (just graduated) architecture student, who will need CNC router/3D printer for modelmaking and crafting.
Design Philosophy The RepRap has successfully made a 3D printer using the GPL for a licenense. TriLap will do the same, and will leverage and contribute to RepRap technology and community. We will use the GPL and the RepRap wiki to be able to freely interoperate with standard RepRap hardware and software.
(AFAIK) There is no mature and published GPL-based CNC router. TriLap will fill that space.
Design Analysis ACTIONITEMACTIONITEMACTIONITEMACTIONITEMACTIONITEMACTIONITEM
Note to reader: does this plan make sense?
1) Can we build it? 2) Will it work?
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Capabilities
- Work volume of 24" x 48" x 8".
- Wood cutting - ~100% duty cycle.
- Metal cutting - light aluminum and other non-ferrous cutting.
- Steel - drilling.
- 3D printing:
1) Thermoplastic: like a normal RepRap
2) Powder Printer: Shem wants one. Why not?
Fabrication/Tooling It will be made from square steel tubing, drilled for bolting together in tri-joints. It will _not_ require a normal machine shop.
Steel Chop Saw
Drill Press
Maybe benchtop CNC mill for fittings, but would greatly prefer having mother TriLap or other cnc router, 3D printer make fittings from Filled_Epoxy.
Materials
- Structure: square steel tubing
- Rails: 1" Gas Pipe or better
- Toothed Belt for X, Y
- Threaded rod for Z
Notes:
I like the idea of a steel square-tube solsylva-like machine which is potentially dis-assembleable for the more nomadic fledgling architects. (Using what the gridbeamers.com folks call 'tri-joints').
