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Topic starter
2020-04-30 2:45 pm
Hi all,
I was wondering how difficult it would be to modify the x-axis of the Ender 3 (or, for that matter, any printer), with some extruded aluminum T-slot.
I'd like to at least double the print capabilities along that axis. I've pondered the longer bed and framework thinking I could replace the existing 20x20 top rail with a 20x40 for rigidity and make sure cabling would have extra travel measures.
Is there something important I am missing?
Spyder reacted
2020-04-30 7:19 pm
Hi @truckmen,
I did do this on my Printrbot Simple wood years back. I extended the Z and X-axis with longer rods and belt. I moved the limit switch for the X home and the Z was the same. I did nothing else that I remember. You should be able to do the same for the Ender and I know others have done it I'm sure.
2020-04-30 9:23 pm
Just out of curiosity, where did you see a 20x40 print bed for sale ?
I just looked, and that seems a bit of an odd size. I saw 20x30, and 30x30, 40x40, 40x50 and 50x50, but, I can't seem to find a 20x40
Not saying that nobody makes it, but in my quick search of the usual suspects, I didn't see that size. On the other hand, I only looked for a HEATED print bed cuz it makes my life so much easier
Topic starter
2020-05-01 7:46 am
Topic starter
2020-05-01 7:54 am
Hello; sorry for the confusion but please allow me to clarify; I am referring to the top rail that now is a 20x20 extrusion. If I can double the x-axis, I think I would need to at least double the vertical dimension of that rail by replacing it with a 20x40. Same for the lower frame pieces.
Now for the bed; I think I could successfully double that by making one from scratch and possibly installing 2 heating elements under it. While I am at it, I would get a glass plate for the bed. Mine has a warp with a dip in the center currently.
When I get back home in a few days, I'll look at the pri ter again. I am on the road trucking for 6 days a week and can only spend a day a week at home so progress is slow.
Ralph
Topic starter
2020-05-01 7:57 am
Just read the later posts after having replied. If I can do this upgrade, I'll share some pics and results here.
By the way, this all came about to support my desire to build a 1/100th scale replica of the Saturn V, it's associated mobile launcher (MLP) and launch umbilical tower(LUT). There are sections of all three components that I'd like to try and print without a seam.
Ralph
This post was modified 5 years ago by truckmen
Topic starter
2020-05-01 8:02 am
Just read the later posts after having replied. If I can do this upgrade, I'll share some pics and results here.
By the way, this all came about to support my desire to build a 1/100th scale replica of the Saturn V, it's associated mobile launcher (MLP) and launch umbilical tower(LUT). There are sections of all three components that I'd like to try and print without a seam.
Ralph
2020-05-01 2:26 pm
Now for the bed; I think I could successfully double that by making one from scratch and possibly installing 2 heating elements under it.
What a coincidence
While looking around for the wrong part for you, I found something interesting on installing multiple heating elements under an oversized bed
truckmen reacted
Topic starter
2020-05-01 3:26 pm
Wow! Fantastic video. Now if I can only understand Ivan a bit better. Ha ha.
I've seen some of his rocketry-relayed videos before. If I am not mistaken, he's located in Spain. I'll hit him up for details. Thanks again Spyder, for finding and passing that great information on.
Ralph