From the first prototype to the latest machines builds, many things have and are still evolving on the FoldaRap. Other projects (like the Mondrian) inspiring each others.
Here is a little changelog of all the decisions that I consider now to be part of the coming 1.1 release of the FoldaRap :
- less tools needed (mixed M4 and M3 fasteners, now only M3 and round M4 bolt, to use the same 2.5mm hex. key)
- faster replication (reduced the printed parts thickness from 4mm to 3mm to save material/time)
- lasercut Y-carriage (was printable but in two piece or on a Mendel, and this new one is better at holding the lm6uu)
- zip-tie holded bearing (for the x-carriage and especially useful for the y-carriage)
- simpler to source extruder idler (a critical part with the hotend)
- Z-drive M6 -> M5 (less different parts and finer Z resolution)
- easier replication (simplifying the arrow shape that help to assemble the printed parts, the previous needed a perfectly calibrated machine that wasn’t all the time necessary even if better)
- from printed coupling to vinyl coupling (reducing the number of fasteners and adding some flexibility)
- back to Nema14 extruder after the PG35L (easier to source, can go faster)
- better suppliers (e.g.: cheaper and more available springs)
- thin neopren belt (can be bent over a shorter radius than polyurethan belt that are generally thicker)
- compact hotend (need to machine a heatsink but make the repappro hotend 10mm thinner)
- power supply 240W -> 120W and even 60W without heated bed
- shorter nema14 (Ldo-motors instead of zapp-automation)
- glued or zip-tied endstop (less bolts, easier to add)
- feet have an area to stick a felt pad (less resonance on a table)
- replacing acrylic plates by wood (more resistant to shattering)
- two springs extruder-idler
- integrating the leveling in the bed, was done with the insulation plate before (less parts, more robust)
Other possible things that have been tried or will be :
- aluminium smooth-rods (ok)
- Z-drive with nylon nut (ok)
- Led stripe (ok)
- cold bed + blue tape (ok, lower power consumption, less parts to assemble)
- spool holder (several things exist)
- passive cooling (ok but not that great)
- Melzi board (ok)
Things to do :
- active cooling
- more affordance (by indicating the size of bolt needed on each parts)
I wanted to list all these details because it is something that is not always shown 🙂
And you can support the FoldaRap on Goteo now very soon !
