Making: The Simple XL

We never really thought far enough ahead when building the Simple XL, to think that others would want to transform their Simple into an XL version. After getting quite a few emails asking how we did it,  I decided to start to put together some information on how it was done. Typically for things like this I would finish the entire post before putting it out there on the web but, I have had an many people want whatever information we have to offer on the XL. So this will be a work in progress.

Parts required for the transformation from Simple to XL:

• 8mm rods – Depending on the overall size you want to end up with will deturmine the length. (We were able to re-use some rods from the stock Simple.)

• 5/16ths threaded rod or ACME rod – Either one will work but, you will need at least 14″ of it. (Consider some of that will be used up by how it’s mounted)

• All the wood pieces for the XL – We used 5.2mm solid birch wood. You could potentially use almost any material between 5-6mm thick. These can be scaled up from the stock Simple files to a size of your liking. (Remember some pieces will have to be adapted to fit correctly.)

• Some Acrylic or Lexan – This is not a requirement but, Lexan works great as a print surface for PLA and is used to mount the Printrboard to.

• Spectra line – We were able to re-use the Spectra line from our original Simple. We are also working on a version that will use GT2 belts and pulleys. (Depending on how you cut the line for your original deturmines if you will need to get more or not.)

• Misc Cable Wrap – We used several different kinds on the Simple XL but, ultimately it is up to you on what kind of cable wrap is used.

• Fan For Extruder & Prints – This also comes down to preference. We used one to cool the extruder gears and filament before it enters the hotend as well as another for cooling prints.

• Large Zip Ties – We used standard 8″ ones and also considered using metal strap zip ties but, we eventually deturmined that metal ones would be overkill and were not required.

• Misc Nuts & Bolts – Some of the ones from the stock Simple we were able to re-use but, a large portion of new ones are needed for primarily the main structure.

• Washers – We used several different sizes and assortment packs of washers are easy to find. (In many locations on the printer washers are not required but, we used them on the main structure as we found that they help to distribute the load more evenly.)

• Wiring – More wiring will more than likely be needed especially if you decide to run your wiring along the bridge as we did. (Running the wiring along the bridge is recommended because it puts less strain on your wiring making last longer. This method also keeps all required wiring nice and neat for easier troubleshooting.)

• Stand-Offs – 4 were required for mounting our Printrboard and can be made instead of purchased.

• Aluminum tubing – This piece is used to help stabilize the smooth rods on the X-axis and is not required. (You can use plastic tubing or several other types and shapes.)

So far that’s all that’s needed for the upgrade from the Simple to the XL and a lot of what’s listed is optional. The most difficult part of the build was figuring out what parts needed to be scaled up and what needed to stay the same. Primarily the parts that need to stay the same are the holes for mounting your motors and things of that nature. If we can be of any help or you are interested in stepping up your Simple’s size to something a little more extra large, feel free to post a comment or get a hold of us via email or twitter. We will continue to update this, “Making of The Simple XL” as we go.

Posted from RepRap Squad HQ

Printrbot Nintendo Edition

Project Goal—»
The overall goal of this project named, ” Printrbot Nintendo Ed.” Is to create a Nintendo themed printrbot that fixes or solves any issues with the original Printrbot design. I am also doing this build with the majority of the parts re-used or donated. Once this printrbot is done I will print the parts for 3 more. One will be donated to a local school, one will be passed on to an avid reader and participators of this site. The third one will be donated to who ever gives the most contributions to this build or they will have the option of having other parts printed for their use.

Donations are also currently being taken for all other parts needed for the one being donated to a local school. I think that it is very important that kids get to learn how to build and operate repraps at a young age. They will learn so much from building, printing and maintaining their Printrbot. It turn the school will be printing parts for at least 3 more Printrbots. Feel free to get a hold of me for questions and possible donations. I am also available to help out builders or “newbees.” The main goal of the actual build is to, “ give my Printrbot an upgrade and wash away its downfalls. I want to build the best possible Printrbot that I can build while keeping the Nintendo theme in mind.”

***If you would like to see the entire build log click on the link posted at the top of the page***

New pictures of The Printrbot Nintendo Edition—»
These are the newest pictures of the Printrbot build. I’ve been working so hard on all our projects that I hadn’t had time to update the build log so I’m posting the new pics here before they go on the build log.

The space for my power supply and the electronics will go on the left side bay: ( Pictured Below )

New print bed cut from acrylic as well as a new larger price of glass with blue tape for PLA printing. ( Pictured Below )

My old bed on the right and my new bed is on the left, much better. ( Pictured Below )

The new full sized print bed. (Pictured above)

My new smaller and lighter muffin fan. Don’t let this little guy fool you, he’s very powerful. ( Pictured below )

Check it out this is my modded X-Axis. I used acrylic to keep the X-axis from warping as well as the mount for the idler bearing for the belt. I’ve tested this on another built Printrbot and it works great. It has a lot of benefits. ( Pictured below )

This is my new fan controller setup. My extruder fan is controlled via pronterface but I use this 4-way controller for electronics cooling. It controls my power supply cooling as well as LED lighting and bed mounted fan that cools the first few layers. The bed fan is not yet mounted. ( Pictured Below )