Someone recently posted on the MakerBot operators group that there were some minor steps missing on the MakerBot Batch 10 instructions. Just so you know the three things that person pointed out were fixed almost immediately. You’re NEVER going to get that kind of service from IKEA.
In any case, this gave me the idea of perusing the Batch 10 instructions to see how they differ from my Batch 9 ‘bot. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Different build order. The Batch 9 ‘bot instructions show the body being built first, then the XY stage, then the plastruder. Batch 10 shows the XY stage, then body, then plastruder. I think you could probably build the Batch 9 ‘bot in the Batch 10 order without a problem.
- Different Y stage caps. Batch 10 ‘bots appear to be using an Y stage cap that has more room for the pulley that rides on the Y stage. My guess is that this will probably buy you a few precious millimeters of print space. (The pictures say X stage end caps… but it looks like the Y stage to me.)
- Different Y stage pulley. Unlike my batch 9 bot, these instructions show assembly with a manufactured toothed idler pulley. I have no idea what benefit is conferred by having teeth on that pulley. Perhaps it is less prone to slipping on the belt? Perhaps it makes it easier to tension the Y pulley without disassembling the Y stage?
- Different X axis pulley. This manufactured toothed idler pulley looks similar to the one on the Y stage.
Why the toothed idler pulleys?