MendelMax
Release status: working, but needs user feedback.
| Description | A true reprap; printed brackets, with the rigidity of aluminium extrusions.
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MendelMax is a new RepRap 3d printer designed by Maxbots. It is a true reprap, using printed brackets, but instead of using threaded rod for the structural elements it uses inexpensive aluminium extrusions. This gives a huge increase in rigidity for a minimal extra cost (Self sourcing will cost about $50 more than a standard Prusa when purchased from the recommended suppliers). The required extrusions are available world wide from a variety of suppliers. For those that watch the KickStart page, these extrusions are the result, of the MakerRod project, and are T-slot designs which simplify construction by allowing bolt-together Construction.
A sister project is just getting started extending the Mendel Max to make the bed wider for consumer products. It currently doesn't have its own page, and mostly involves expanding the X-axis, and the frame in the X direction. The standard width of a Mendel Max X direction extrusion is 300mm the new one would be 1000mm (Approx. 1 meter) Since the MakerRod is much stiffer, it should be able to be extended without flexing more than the current Prusa does. The standard BOM would simply need some substitutions to get larger extrusions. Substitutons for the 4 300mm and 2 of the 420mm extrusions would have to be made, the latter for about 1012mm to allow for the Prusa Z-axis stepper mounts, and to extend the X-axis rods.
In addition to greatly increased rigidity, this design is faster to assemble (probably 4 hours for most users), a larger (and more easily scaled) build area, easier to print, and easier to hack on.
Files (.stl's) are found for now at MendelMax thingiverse page. For full assembly instructions and parts lists see its homepage.
| Quantity | Description | Type | Lenght (mm) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 20x20mm | Aluminium Extrusions | 420 | See: suppliers-list |
| 4 | 20x20mm | Aluminium Extrusions | 340 | See: suppliers-list |
| 4 | 20x20mm | Aluminium Extrusions | 300 | See: suppliers-list |
| 100 | Xmm (slot sized) | T-slot Nuts | - | See: suppliers-list |
