RepRap: Blog

I've decided to bite the bullet and update PIKA now. Main differences are a tripod-style Stage levelling mount, and an integral microscope pole socket. These changes alone remove 24 parts from the design, believe it or not. So it's faster to print, quicker to assemble, and needs fewer purchased components:

The other big structural change is to the Z Tower. That now has bracing on the vertical Axis Driver supports, and the Driver is now held by two vertical M3 x 50mm screws that double as stiffeners for said supports. Jon can use M3 bolts instead of screws if he wants (if you know, you know).

Another relatively minor change is the elimination of a lot of unused holes. These were rightly criticised as taking up a lot of print time and introducing potential weak spots, but I didn't know which ones were needed. Now I do.

While the Base, Frame, and Stage have all changed, the extant PIKA V0.05 Axis Drivers still fit the same structure.

From an administrative perspective, I'm now going to separate the PIKA and MAUS directories. This means a bit of file duplication, but gives me the freedom to muck around with the designs a lot more and optimise print speed, hole location, etc. 

Personal note: We have a tropical cyclone coming through on Sunday, and I have to get ready for it. I should get this update printed and start testing before then, but expect some disruption to the blog, SuperHouse livestream, and git as I batten down the hatches and deal with the inevitable power cuts &c.

# posted by vik-olliver @ 11:47 PM