Electronics for roll-your-own printer

[Benonymous]

Hi All.

I'm looking for a solution for controlling a 3D printer and extruder. From what I've seen, there are two schools of thought. One solution is to have say a 4 axis stepper controller run externally by a PC which feeds the controller G-Code. The other solution appears to be having an on-board microprocessor, like Arduino, and basically plugging a USB memory device into it with the model on it and hitting a "print" button.

For my machine I'd be OK with the PC controlling a 4 axis driver board and I'm aware of the plug-ins for Mach 3 that provide for extruder control.

As far as the other solution goes, with the on-board micro, I find it very appealing if it's not going to cost a bomb. What is the current hotness in this side of things?

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[BAMCNC.COM]

Arduino control with SDRamps is popular, You may want to head over to reprap forums and get more insight.

[cozmicray]

I have built an Ordbot Hadron
The RAMPS1.4 electronics package on an arduino does it all
drives axes motors, extruder motor, Extruder heater, bed heater

see
http://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4

The Azteeg X3 printer controller does much the same

see
http://reprap.org/wiki/Azteeg_X3

Hi All.

I'm looking for a solution for controlling a 3D printer and extruder. From what I've seen, there are two schools of thought. One solution is to have say a 4 axis stepper controller run externally by a PC which feeds the controller G-Code. The other solution appears to be having an on-board microprocessor, like Arduino, and basically plugging a USB memory device into it with the model on it and hitting a "print" button.

For my machine I'd be OK with the PC controlling a 4 axis driver board and I'm aware of the plug-ins for Mach 3 that provide for extruder control.

As far as the other solution goes, with the on-board micro, I find it very appealing if it's not going to cost a bomb. What is the current hotness in this side of things?

[Benonymous]

Thanks for the replies chaps, I'll go and pore over the links

[Benonymous]

I found this site whilst researching. I definitely want to get pre-assembled stuff. They seem like decent prices no?

GADGETS 3D

[cozmicray]

I started with Gadgets3D
Then got stuff from these guys

Reprap Electronics items in reprapdiscount store on eBay!

Depending on your printer configuration
you will need
Arduino ATMega 2560
RAMPS1.4 board with 4 or 5 stepper driver board
Endstop switches
Extruder and hot end
Bed heater
wiring

What is your mechanical configuration?
I have built an Ordbot Hadron

The Quantum ORD bot at Buildlog.Net Blog

High-Torque Stepper Motor, Stepper Motor, Driver, Stepper Motor kit, DC Servo Motor, DC Servo Motor kit, Stepper Motor Power Supply, CNC Router, Spindle, and other Components. Automation Technology Inc

A solidoodle is good all ready built.
Solidoodle | Affordable, Easy-to-Use 3D Printers

I found this site whilst researching. I definitely want to get pre-assembled stuff. They seem like decent prices no?

GADGETS 3D

[Benonymous]

hi cozmicray. My Mechanical layout will be a basic 3 axis motion with a fourth axis for the extruder. I might use the spare (5th) axis for an additional drive on the bed depending on how the mechanism works out rigidity-wise. The ORD Bot looks like a good chassis but I'm planning something on a larger scale.

That's a good eBay store, just what I'm after, thanks for the tip!