Sometimes when using the ReplicatorG control panel I accidentally hit Z- instead of Z+ to adjust the stage height. As you might imagine, this causes problems. At best, I end up with the Z stage out of whack. At worst, the hot and extruding print head slams into the build platform or model and knocks the Z stage out of whack.
Two possible upgrades would be:
- A simple bubble level for the build platform and/or Z stage to make it easy to verify the surface is level. I would imagine bubble levels are relatively cheap.
- A bracket that fits around the lower section of the Z axis rods, which would prevent the Z stage from descending below a particular level. It could be as simple as a little plastic nub that is bolted to the inside of the ‘bot that prevents the stage from being lowered. Four of them would probably work fine. OR, you could put an extra nut on each Z axis below the nut that supports the Z stage. Someone could then design a little plastic widget that would fit on top of that extra nut and have a prong that sticks up – preventing the Z axis from lowering further.
For #2 : What about….End Stop ;-)
For the #1, don’t think bubble level will help to be level based on the head printer…
If you Makerbot stand un a unlevel surface and you make the Z stage level, you will end with a nozzle in the build plate…
Nick
Great ideas. As for the bubble level, I bought some at dealextreme (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.32978) for this exact same reason. The “rubber shoe” it comes with can be stripped away easily. You can see it action here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28172221@N08/4383980695/in/set-72157623375295929/
It works great for leveling my Z-stage. Needless to say you need to make sure your whole CupCake is level as well :)
I have them – but removed them. They were bulky and I couldn’t get them to work right. My suggestion can be installed quickly with four nuts and a bit of plastic. They would be (theoretically) easily adjustable and cheap upgrade.
I’d suggest levels for the Z platform and build platform. In any case, they need not be level – just equally unlevel, right?
Nice setup! I was looking at circular and vial levels. Overall, the circular variety from cameras/tripod accessories is probably the way to go.
As I mentioned to Nick, the entire CupCake need not be level – just equally unlevel.