Sheffield Maker Day

On the 9th of November a Maker Day took place at Sheffield Hallam University. I went along with the Sheffield Hackers and Makers user group.
I brought along my Pursa
Mendel but I also ran the Sheffield Hardware Hackers and Makers Mendel 90. Although my purse Mendel is not yet complete (but close to being though!) I still brought it along to show to people.

The Mendel 90 was being driven by a Raspberry Pi. The Pi had print run installed on it, this way I had full control over the printer just as I would if I was using a desk top computer. The printer was printing a small android fridge magnet test pice. The slicer settings still needed setting up on the Pi but I still ran a G code file on it.

The Mendel 90 being driven by a Raspberry Pi

The collection of 3D printers the group had on display

The Printer Printing

The Raspberry Pi

Working at Pimoroni

In July I spent a week doing work experience at Pimoroni. In this week I learnt many things like laser cutting, using a pick and place machine and much more.

I found the week that I spent there to be very useful and interesting, as well as learning many new skills. Throughout my time being there I felt very welcome and would like to thank all of the staff there for their help and endless encouragement. On top of this at the end of the week I was very kindly given a bag with Raspberry Pi products/accessories in it. Complete with a Raspberry Pi and a Pi Bow with my name engraved on it alongside a prototype of the Pi Glow.

I can't say thanks enough to Paul and everyone at pimoroni for looking after me and teaching me so much during my week placement. You guys are the best, Thankyou!

Extruder assembled

With the hot end assembled, I have used the notes of of the reprap site. This as seen in the top picture shows the set up of it. With the cables being crimped of. I also used a bit of solder to reinforce it

It's been a long time...

It has been a while since I last posted... Since this time I have been very busy working on my machine. I have tided up all of the wiring, and sorted out a power source. Also I have replaced the normal M3 bolts on the bottom of the bed for nylon lockable nuts. This means that the bolts will not loosen easily. As previously I found that when transporting my machine the nuts can easily loosen themselves off the bottom of the bed. I have also added X4 stepper motor drivers to the machine.

Assembling the X axis

Parts for the X axis

The Finnish product

The X axis where the next thing to be assembled. Once one of the ends had gone on with a little force, the filament feeder was added, then the over side to the assembly. Along with one side of the pulley.

Assembling the filament feeder

The filament feeder kit was assembled together with all of the parts

 The Finished product!

At first i had trouble finding instructions on how to assemble this part but eventually I figured out how to assemble it myself.

 The Y axis smooth rod mounts where then all align so that the print bed would align properly











The print surface slid on straight away!