RepRapPro Multimaterials

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Introduction

This page describes the steps you need to take to build the multi-material and multi-colour version of RepRapPro Ltd's version of RepRap Mendel.

For the most part, the construction is the same as for the single-colour machine, and you should follow the instructions for that through to the end and get your machine working with a single colour/extruder before starting the work on this page.

When you have followed the single-colour machine instructions through to the end, then start...

Step 1 - Installing the slave electronics

...here.

Reprappro-multi-materials-slave-controller-parts.jpg

The slave controller is mounted in exactly the same way as the master controller, but on the opposite side of the machine. Mount it with the screw connectors at the back, and the USB connector at the front and the bottom.

Reprappro-multi-materials-slave-mounted.jpg

Take the insulating tape off the power wires and connect them to the slave controller. Make sure to get the polarity right.

The Extruder 1 should already be wired into the master controller from when you cot the machine working in single-colour mode.

Wire the other two extruders to the slave controller.

Extruder 2's motor goes to the X motor output of the slave, and its head goes to the slave's extruder heater and extruder thermistor connectors.

Extruder 3's motor goes to the Y motor output of the slave, and its head goes to the slave's bed heater and bed thermistor connectors.

Reprappro-multi-materials-master-slave-wire.jpg

Finally, put two three-way shell connectors on either end of a 660mm length of 3-way ribbon cable to connect the master controller to the slave:

  1. Rx on the master goes to Tx on the slave,
  2. Tx on the master goes to Rx on the slave, and
  3. SCL on the master goes to SCL on the slave.

You will get the neatest result if you make the wire slightly too long, connect one end, run it and cable-tie it round the frame, then cut it to length and fit the connector at the other end.

Important: If you reload the firmware into either the master or the slave controller (details of how here) you must first disconnect one end of this 3-way wire. Reconnect it when you have finished reloading the firmware.

Step 2 - Check

Use your multimeter to check that the resistance between the case of the SD card holder on the slave controller and the outer metal shell of the XLR power input plug at the back of the machine is 0 ohms.

Check that the resistance between the + power input screw connection on the slave controller (the wire with no stripe) and the + power input screw connection on the master controller is 0 ohms.

Measure the resistance between the two screws on the power connector of the slave. This may start low and then rise. (This is the capacitors in the circuit charging up with the tiny current from the meter.) It should level out at a few hundred ohms.

Measure the resistance between the two screws on the bed power connector of the slave. This should be about 3 ohms.

Measure the resistance between the two screws on the hot-end heater resistor connector of the slave. This should be about 3 ohms.

Check the heated bed temperature sensor connector of the slave. The resistance should be about 10 kilohms. This is not just the resistance of the sensor. Other parts of the circuit on the controller board are in parallel with it.

Check the hot-end temperature sensor connector of the slave. The resistance should be about 10 kilohms. This is not just the resistance of the sensor. Other parts of the circuit on the controller board are in parallel with it.

Step 3 - Test that everything is working

RepRapPro Slicer