3 x Z-Axis - Idea vs Engineering reality

jay_s_uk

@Garfield what do you mean about the E3D tool changer being 'terminated'?

Garfield

They decided not to go to market - cost constraints or something - I read it in one of their blogs but I'm struggling to find it now.

jay_s_uk

@Garfield they definitely sell it.
It's still closed to people on the original interest list but I think in the next month or so they should have all the back orders complete

Garfield

Looks like I may be wrong on this one - found the blog post and it relates to the 'Big Box' ...

But I still don't see anywhere to buy the toolchanger on their site. All that I can find is an opportunity to join the queue, the last update where it was indicated to be 'going into production' was April last year.

Whilst I was interested I never joined the queue and I'm glad that I didn't. I may reconsider if it ever finally appears.

dc42

@Garfield said in 3 x Z-Axis - Idea vs Engineering reality:

Looks like I may be wrong on this one - found the blog post and it relates to the 'Big Box' ...

But I still don't see anywhere to buy the toolchanger on their site. All that I can find is an opportunity to join the queue, the last update where it was indicated to be 'going into production' was April last year.

Whilst I was interested I never joined the queue and I'm glad that I didn't. I may reconsider if it ever finally appears.

They are getting close to the end of the queue now, so I expect the kit will go on general sale soon. Bear in mind that it is not intended to be a complete printer, more a platform for experimenting with tools.

Danal

@Garfield Also take a look at the Jubilee. E3D tool kinematic compatible. Uses a 3 motor kinematic bed. The designer is a graduate student who's studied 'constraint' in machine design... there are many, many, subtle features on this machine...

And, yes, I've built one. So ask any questions.

Garfield

"more a platform for experimenting with tools."

That's exactly what I was planning - to experiment with tools but my needs for a large format printer exceeded my patience to wait - I have projects parked waiting on a larger print area. When I got into printing it was a means to an end, it was just a tool that has ultimately morphed into other unanticipated interests. I'm actually not interested in multicolor 3D printing - I've no need for it as I don't make ornaments or toys.

My need is forr light CNC, PCB creation and 3D parts / components - to do this all in one package would be utopia but I'll be building a dedicated CNC this year now, I may re-look at the E3D machine again but it won't be this year now.

Garfield

@Danal : That Jubilee is a nice machine - not sure I like the belts above the frame, I'd be interested to see how cable management is handled

(I'm still struggling with it - it would be nice to supply comms and power to the hot end / tool head and have the brains drive it i.e. no rats nest requiring humungous cable chains or supports)

I do wish that I'd gone down the total DIY route instead of basing on somebody else's kit of parts - I need to consider whether I'm too heavily invested to scrap and start again ...

Danal

@Garfield said in 3 x Z-Axis - Idea vs Engineering reality:

supply comms and power to the hot end / tool head

I.E. tool board. Which is where this discussion started

Danal

Cable management for tools.