Not much to update at this point. I have on order the last of what I require to finalize this project. Wade Extruder hardware kit, and a Hot-Bed. I also picked up a spool of PLA. I think I might first test the printer using this, as the melting temperature is lower.
I have also ordered a bunch of electrical connectors. Basically the connectors that a hobby servo uses. I picked up a few 4-pin, 3-pin, and 2-pin. They will allow me to cleanly attach the stepper motors to the electronics I have here. Also these will be great for future projects for easy attaching and removing sensors/motors/etc for other robots. When I first looked at the official crimp tool, it was +$350. Screw that! I was going to manually crimp these with a pair of pliers, but I lucky for me, I found a basic $35 crimp tool that should work.
I’ve pulled apart the main electrical box, removed the old connectors, and pulled out some of the wire I won’t be needing. Getting it all prepared to at least wire the servo motors to the controller. I’m hoping this weekend to get the controller powered up, connected to the computer, and the servo’s moving.
Mobile Box
Main Box
I’m also still researching a glue that is high temperature (+300degC) and thermally conductive. The main failure people seem to have is their Hot-End overheating, due to the sensor falling out, or not reading correctly. Some ‘Muffler Putty’ was supplied with it that will handle the high temperature without a problem, but I don’t know how well it will conduct heat from the Hot-End to the sensor, which is key if I want the temperature reading to be accurate and responsive A lot of the thermal paste used in electronics for conducting heat to a heatsink is only rated to 200degC, so that’s out. I know these compounds exist, lots of testing companies use them for mounting RTD’s, but finding some where I can actually walk into a store and buy a small vial is difficult.
Speaking of which, I’m not sure why so many people in the home brew 3D Printer community use thermistors instead of RTD’s. RTD’s are linear in their read-out, and no profiling is required. I’ve read that a lot of people have ruined their hot-end or had problems because their thermistor wasn’t profiled correctly, and RTD’s are only a few bucks.
Either way, as soon as I figure out what compound I want to use, I’ll be good to go.