RepRap: Blog

I fixed the Y axis backlash, and put a temporary brace on the Z axis. Good move, must build a proper one. The brace eliminated probe wobble, though the touchdown point on the slide when the probe makes contact is still larger than I want it to be. That one is going to need some study, but the next major phase is going to be building with UV resin and for that the probe doesn't actually have to touch the build surface. I'm going to enlarge the hole in the XY Table under the build surface, because the aluminium foil contact plate can be used to shield the resin from the under-slung UV light.

I've tested out the latest Nichrome 80 probe, and I think an 8mm tip is too long. I put a dollop of hot glue on the shaft to help stop it wibbling around, but the slide is still dragging the point about. Again, future plan is not to hit the slide. Bear in mind that the probe isn't just touching a slick glass surface here, but trying to plough through about 5μm of solidified Sharpie as well. It has reasons to be behaving badly.

Good to see that the probe works well with the aluminium foil touch plate, and that the tip survived being accidentally over-driven into the slide surface by 50μm. I haven't tested it yet, but the surface of the 316 stainless steel probe is much rougher. That might actually help when it comes to transferring UV resin.

Finally, I've been talking to Eddie about doing the video, checking the AV equipment available. Sorting out the order of things, workspace, editing software, the logistics of file transfer etc. We have a plan. All considered, the first step is for me to come up with at least an approximation of the assembly instructions. I've done assembly manuals before, and there's a process to doing it right. The bad news is I don't think I can get it all down before the 16th, which is when the trip to Everything Open begins. I'll release printable STLs of what I have before I go, whether the instructions are ready or not.

# posted by vik-olliver @ 7:56 AM