AbeAnd Log: Difference between revisions

From Open Source Ecology
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(495 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{RightTOC}}
{{RightTOC}}
{{Status| Some Part Editing & Research| Instructional for Nesting| Time}}
{{Status| more D3D Mini PVC assembly | quick couple | time}}
 
'''General links'''  [[Critical Path]] [[Roadmap]] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting mediawiki formatting help] [[Development Team Log]] [https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/event/cfvdskolaipjgki95aoufjf3l50?hl=en&authuser=0 OSE Hangout] [https://meet.jit.si/OpenSourceEcology OSE Jitsi Meet] '''Abe's Links'''  
'''General links'''  [[Critical Path]] [[Roadmap]] [[HR]] [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting mediawiki formatting help] [[Development Team Log]]  [[Volunteer Timesheet]] [https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/event/cfvdskolaipjgki95aoufjf3l50?hl=en&authuser=0 OSE Hangout] [https://meet.jit.si/OpenSourceEcology OSE Jitsi Meet]
 
'''Abe's Links'''  
[https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_pyTit4JelUWVJWTlRPTEs2WlE Abe's OSE Google Drive Folder]
[https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_pyTit4JelUWVJWTlRPTEs2WlE Abe's OSE Google Drive Folder]
[https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=YnBwYWdybmM2dGkxMGczZXFubm9uYTRlc2dAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ Abe's OSE Google Calendar]
[https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=YnBwYWdybmM2dGkxMGczZXFubm9uYTRlc2dAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ Abe's OSE Google Calendar]
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSkjoHA0rn97JQUQJwa2pg Abe's YouTube channel]  
[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSkjoHA0rn97JQUQJwa2pg Abe's YouTube channel]  


<html><iframe width="520" height="260" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/AbeAnderson"></iframe></html>    <html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQLr2edgs01suCh5T4pH7qDdgnkPE6obdNdFLpdTz5ZzxQCYOeDRVdtkLcr6hTFrcrx4k23-zvEmNms/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="520" height="260" align=right allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>


<html><iframe width="520" height="260" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/AbeAnderson"></iframe></html>
<div style="text-align: right;"> [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xuGsPGhbtTUaespbW9WlWgM1uy4IAv6TmEuJy8VVH-c/edit#slide=id.g543bf89674_0_0 edit] </div>
 
'Current Logs'


=Tues Nov 28, 2017=
'''Current Logs'''


Slow week. Dealing with some technical PC problems/concerns the last few days.
=Sat Oct 12, 2019=


Meeting prep.
reviewed WebGL tutorials. Trying to decide what to CAD next given the difficulties of what is immediately good enough while trying to align that with good future design goals so there to create forward momentum and reduce double work.


Reviewing Power Cube concepts.
Created new gitlab project repos.


Continuing CAD work to make PC system more modular, but meeting feedback will be helpful to clarify direction further.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/D3D-Simple-Extruder
Main goal now is redrawing frame and tank as two sub modules for parallelism and modularity.


Figuring out the six sides for the Power Cube and the tank resize. Constraints are a bit off in some ways I have to remember to make them all relative to the locked part. Also starting to wonder if the locked part should have been a complex partlike the bottom instead of a simple cube on the tank end. Six sides does simplify the build and I am adding some extended edges so there are slight corners in spots for easier welding around the tank.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/Kinematic-Mount


At 6x19.5x20in the inside of the tank can old just over 10 gal.
I've considered many possible ideas for kinematic style mounts that could be automated, but I don't think any have been viable yet. I need to look at more mechanical examples, hand draw some ideas and just try some experimental CAD. The round head bolts seem passable, but finding other generic bolts the right size may not always be easy. The shape of the plastic parts has to be complex to accommodate multiple features. A latching mechanism needs to work by moving along multiple axes and attachment of levers is not easy either.


In adding the extended weld tabs I also tried to consider weld order, but it is not an easy configuration to weld. Using some kind of magnetic holders 3D printed to assist with welding the offsets would be helpful.
=Thurs Oct 10, 2019=


[[File:Powercubeframe.fcstd]]
Meeting. I reviewed emails and doc changes. It sounds like a lot of good progress on projects, but not a lot of uploaded files yet.


=Wed Nov 22, 2017=
=Sat Oct 5, 2019=


editing PC modularity doc
more email with Chris & William. I exported and uploaded STL's for the [[Simple 3D Printer Extruder]] PLA parts.


<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRHt9cE9Tg9wSlpATct0LO0RerpdNTg5dR6_d19t3Nq0hNmH_LMCdIu9lqv940XPvFY0_vw0SHzwah8/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="480" height="299" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>
I added links diagrams to the STEAM doc and did lots of brainstorming about easy printable possibly kinematic tool mount.


edited networking discussion [[Talk:OSE Network Plan]]
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1pDEjvuqPt6b8iXULDGtRTPE8YsbaTSFLy1pe-paaOSU/edit#slide=id.g64a18b2cd3_2_0


updated wiki with links to slack etc.
Also thinking about tool changing. Hoping there is some X,Y,Z dance the machine could do with a tool to release and latch it into a mount without extra motors/servos etc. A tool mount that could do that maybe complex would it might beat having extra motors easy if it is elegant and has great MTBF. No living hinges or flimsy push-push latches. Maybe it needs metal springs. I wonder if the mount mechanisms could actuate with 2-3 axes of motion if needed.


=Tues Nov 21, 2017=
=Fri Oct 4, 2019=


Meeting.
I responded to an email from Chris about the simple extruder. More thought and reading is needed on the quick coupling concepts...
Power Design concerns for defining modularity.


<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRHt9cE9Tg9wSlpATct0LO0RerpdNTg5dR6_d19t3Nq0hNmH_LMCdIu9lqv940XPvFY0_vw0SHzwah8/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="480" height="299" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>
I updated the D3D v18.10 BOM with 3/8" nuts and resolved the comments. I selected what I thought was the most universally useful for the price. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eCYxQkOZ6GKS5zkTIKQneVsXDnhAc99Twsm2upWlFn8/edit#gid=0


Considering further breakdown of the frame so that the CAD matches real build better. I assume it is easy and cheaper to build from stock cut on the ironworker rather than CNC cut sheets. Making the tank a separate module may make it easier to weld and they can be made in parallel then welded together.
Reading more about kinematic coupling and I looked up William's extruder work from today as well. I wonder how accurate 3d printed plastic couplings could be if bolted together. That appears to work for camera mounts, but I question the repeat accuracy. I also wonder about embedding 3 nut catchers in the carriage in such a way they would be compressed and not move much post assembly. Adding the requirement of complex off the shelf metal parts like balls and grooves would likely add cost. In the long run, they could be milled, but the accuracy requirements are likely higher than what will be achieved soon.


found original file for 1240 cooler that looks editable.
=Sun Sep 29, 2019=


[[File:PC 1240 cooler.fcstd]]
Doing a little more research on kinematic coupling and tool changers.
Immediately the need is just for a quick couple, but it would be nice if it was at least partially scalable for future tool changing needs.


Created larger fairly editable version of oil cooler.
I think there are ways to make a dock that effectively catches and releases tools without extra servo or stepper motors by using the force of moving the head in/out of the dock. I also think 3D printed plastic parts might be accurate enough for most printers if the design is good enough. I'm not familiar enough with the mechanics of kinematic coupling yet.


[[File:Oil cooler.fcstd]]


=Sun Nov 19, 2017=


I've sketched and assembled most of the PC frame now and it should be easier to edit than before, but the constraint method still needs work.
=Sat Sep 28, 2019=
Now I'm thinking the frame should be drawn with the tank as a separate module so that is easier to fab. Different materials may also create a need for changes.


[[File:PC 1708 Frame module.fcstd]]
emails about added links, simple extruder, and the printer manual docs.


I also looked at the latest LT master CAD changes and PowerCube arrangement. Nice design and more bobcat like as expected.
Reviewed more STEAM Camp docs and made requests on the gdocs for the printer manual to fix the missing nuts.


Added more links and better organized some wiki pages since the previous ones I made were fairly bare. Adding one base starting wiki page for each project would help the new team get started on the wiki quicker and I see new templates using wiki code.


=Sat Nov 18, 2017=
I updated PVC assembly with 10mm nuts and adjusted the heat bed relative to them to compensate for the ~0.5mm difference of 3/8" nuts assuming that is a better fit. The JB Weld method well always cause some variation. I think the heat break on the simple extruder could be shorter yet, but plenty of feedback is needed on the simple extruder assembly before assuming anything.


I was about to sketch one side for the frame and I noticed in the photos of PC 17.08 show a construction with different strips of steel on the corners and maybe thinner sheet metal that was CNC cut as planned earlier. For future editability drawing a few sketches seems less confusing than constraining a lot of cubes for metal strips. I'd guess that 1/4" thick steel is more than strong enough. Stock strips cut to length via the ironworker are cheaper and nearly as easy to weld together as CNC cut sheet metal squares.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


Also from the PC 17.08 photos, the highest extent on the engine appears to be a cap for the vacuum return line, which is towards the back of the engine. This puts it in the middle of the power cube and it may not be in the way of the fan-cooler, but it can't stick up for stacking.
I think it would still be best to migrate the simple extruder and assembly to its own repo or something similar.
Height appears to be ~18.75" from the photo.


The PC size also has to accommodate the max size range of the Hayden 1284 cooler 17" H x 25" W on the side of the engine intake for the fanless airflow version.
=Fri Sep 27, 2019=


Given the need for engine start access and stacking for the LT the large cap on the fluid tank will require a redesign for some PC's.
I linked a few things in the STEAM Camp doc and added links to connect pages better on the wiki.


Using one main cube to feed 3 other tankless cubes eliminates the tank cap, but changes modular reusability some. I don't think a larger tank is required on the mother PC, since I assume the system is filled to capacity as needed for gravity feed.
=Thurs Sep 26, 2019=


It looks like the large cooler can fit right up to the engine in the previous 20x30" frame design, but I see 4 inches's plus of fittings on the cooler in the CAD too. Maybe 90 deg elbows would be ok.  
I've been reviewing the STEAM Camp material and thinking about critical feedback I see in some of the interviews. So I made some notes on collaboration efficiency in my general working doc.


Also, the cooler will block maintenance access on that side of the engine making air filter changes oil fill potentially difficult.
I've also been thinking about a better tool head attachment. Even for the PVC frame. It probably isn't stiff enough for heavier milling, but tool head quick attaches and even automated tool changers are important for making the D3D more of a small universal micro-factory CNC machine. One issue I can see is mounting to the U-Axis carriage currently requires mounting around it on both sides. The other open-source solutions [[kinematic coupling]] with three points and this seems ideal. Given there are already open-source designs by lulzbot, e3d, and others we should be able to adapt something without reinventing the wheel. Maybe even just pick and existing standard. The question is how best to mount it to the carriage. If it is feasible I can see reasons to add some bolt holes to the carriage if it makes it more universal it is a win.


Assembly2 WB import simplifies parts so they are not editable, which is a draw back, but a simple part can be used. I used a cube for the 20x20 tank end since that is easy to edit and reimport, but it should be an uploaded part file that everyone downloads to edit. The assembly method makes less sense in this context.
https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,622267,622362


[[File:PC 1708 Frame module.fcstd]]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinematic_coupling


=Fri Nov 17, 2017=
http://download.lulzbot.com/


continuing to look for media showing the PC to verify differences from CAD.


I found the photos of the engine in PC 17.08
[[kinematic coupling]]


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1POBvrVuBc0IDQk1SJCMl4E5QejTgJDig-6X5ziO9-0w/edit#slide=id.g247b6df4f6_0_162
[[D3D tool changers]]


In the 17.08 CAD the fan measures 2.56" thick and I can see how it would not fit over the motor by a small amount.
=Mon Sep 23, 2019=
Also the PC 17.08 CAD shows the small cooler (its labeled 1240 so not a 1268?) that is only 1" thick. The Hayden 1284 is 1.5" thick.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hayden-1284-Fluid-Cooler-TubeANd-Fin-1-Row-Copper-Alum-Natural-3-4inNPT-FeM-Thre-/331560686021?epid=227924380&hash=item4d328e91c5:g:gqcAAOSweW5VXLcF&vxp=mtr
I made comments to multiple D3D files about the lack of M10 nuts required to fit over the 8mm rods for JB welding the heat bed as shown in the printer manual.


The most recent CAD is PC 17.08 and a separate file for the frame.
Looking at other printer BOM's...
Existing extents of frame are 19.75" H x 30.5" D x 20" L 1/4" plate


Looking back through the old versions there isn't one with editable frame sides, which would have been fixed based on CNC needs.
=Sun Sep 22, 2019=
So a redraw of the frame is required. I think the most editable method is to sketch an editable frame side Assembly2 WB import lock then clone and constrain everything else around it.


=Wed Nov 15, 2017=
I responded to an email from Marcin about the Simple Extruder assembly and STEAM camps.


started reviewing PC 17.10 docs and differences for the larger mother power cube for LT.
uploaded photo of the simple extruder assembly.


Getting a functional, but no larger than needed size seems important. If other optional accessories like a battery must be added they could likely be put elsewhere without too much wiring.
Working out more PVC assembly details with the heat bed mounting (JB Welded nuts). I recently changed most of my Freecad installs over to the app image packages and just had to reinstall the fastener WB for some reason.


[[Power Cube v17.10]]
Another relevant side topic I researched recently is battery packs. We have a retired nomadic friend that visits the farm in winter who is science-oriented and recently shared a video of a battery pack build and said he would like to try a build this winter. His goal is to design a small solar and battery pack system for periodic portable cooking because the cost is now low enough it might save him money over gas tanks. I'm skeptical of it, but I learned quite a bit from him before about such topics so I will document anything that comes of it. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iUEES6Pqmc6Fz3nmrmUMhBxXQI_egm7yCMXfZ0wrr-0/edit#slide=id.p


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gg5l9eZAW3vxVTbBJ1jeFEkaoduI0V_awBoHpomQ598/edit#slide=id.g1861bf60d5_0_6
The printer manual appears to reference and BOM that does not include large enough nuts to go over the 8mm rods. It looks like it needs to be 4 x M10 nuts. Further investigation is needed.


https://youtu.be/8VCFOcvne4w
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LRL6PQtWm0LT6j6YNjLNjDAdbKkd3TmO8_aOBdfskhI/edit#slide=id.g41779cb437_4_98


[[File:PC1708 Master.fcstd]]
=Sun Sep 1, 2019=


[[File:PC 1708 Frame module.fcstd]]
edited meeting doc again and added reevaluation of meetings to the agenda to see if we can get more attendees at a different time if needed. The meetings tend to be more broad brainstorming that veers off focus some, but individual progress reports are useful for the big picture. I think we need to create more jitsi meets as needed in case of overlapping meetings. https://meet.jit.si/OSE_Dev_Team_Meeting


=Tues Nov 14, 2017=
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RvglDNOgP5idzJ0ZvKq1EktuatM23rJ4pMLI5degjYo/edit#slide=id.g1861bf60d5_0_6


re-edited the 2x2 cab frame with new constraints and 45deg braces instead of the plates.
I'm trying to adjust the filament path angle more, but having trouble rotating or attaching the sketch to a datum plane correctly.


File:LT cab2x2 module.fcstd
I added the nema 17 motor mounting bracket. I think the simple extruder should be moved and restructured under it's own gitlab project, but the gitlab site is glitching at the moment.


meeting prep.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware


Getting an idea of how to estimate LT lift capabilities.
=Sat Aug 31, 2019=


=Sat Nov 11, 2017=
I made repeated small changes to the simple extruder parts to find ideal alignment of the plastic parts, bolt holes and filament path. At first I expected to leave the bolt points alone, but after fixing the symmetry in the filament path and experimenting with the angle/spring tension it was clear the bolt point on the tension arm didn't look right. It is a concern to experiment with the bolt points because of post-print shrinkage. General experimentation done on the original may effectively need to be redone since the CAD is redrawn from measurements anyway. I made notes on a possible mod to the spring design, but making it more compact looks like it has tight tolerances and will require a lot of experimentation with prints so that is something for later.


Separated the LT 2x2 cab frame module into its oen file so work can  be made more independent of continued changes to Lifetrac. When I saved it separate it also allowed me to edit the sketch to the plate I was previously unable to. However, some other constraints had to be deleted related to the base frame. Also, after editing the other constraints now seem to solve wrong to some extent.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


[[File:LT cab2x2 module.fcstd]]




=Wed Nov 8, 2017=
=Tues Aug 27, 2019=


There was a lot of discussion about internet and wireless related to the shopaid and remote communications in the last meeting so I've been searching around about MultiWAN options and local ISP's. It sounds like it hasn't been considered much since 2014. Benjamin did a lot of work then on the LAN routing, QoS, and wireless, but I do not see details as to exactly what was done with the routers. Considering OSE's need for good communications it is worth checking for better ISP options periodically. The current upload speed per DSL line looks to be 500Kbps, which is too slow for streaming live video and if shared with other users quickly depleted even for screen sharing. If no new reasonable ISP options are available then the current system of trying to manage the DSL lines for specific use during workshops may need refined.
made adjustments to simple extruder including the plastic parts. I'm trying not to change most of the original metrics since they appear to be accurate caliper measurements, but somethings seem way off around the filament path. So I'm centering some holes symmetrically and I added measurements in spreadsheets based on the NEMA17 standard.


http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Network_Plan_2014
I added a "spring" for more visuals. I think I can use datum plants and lines to help find the right positions for the filament holes. I increased thickness of the spring base bracket as well. It would be nice to countersink a standard hex socket M3 instead of the countersunk head style screw. It also seems the bolt in the spring could be eliminated, but that may require some prints to refine the fit due to shrinkage etc. I'm also thinking some of the CAD needs to be bigger due to measurements of the original PLA due to shrinkage. Changing the angle of the bearing bracket only made it look worse.
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Internet,_Phone,_Domains,_Server
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Shopaid


updated LT cab with some bracing.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder
[[File:LT master cad.fcstd]]


I ran into an issue trying to edit the sketch of the plate with clones. I can't edit it as I hoped. Maybe something about the constraints or clones is blocking it.
=Mon Aug 26, 2019=


Listened to meeting again to catch better audio and review discussion.
I keep finding more slight alignment issues. Looking back at the recent photos there appear to be a known issues. Most of these details will never be that perfect when cut by hand and there must be enough slop in the PLA parts they bolt up anyway, but it is nice to get the CAD close to check all the measurements. The filament path definitely looks like some updates would help feed.


Found a slack channel link, but it is no longer active. I also downloaded a linux app since I saw that mentioned in Oliver's log.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


https://join.slack.com/t/osedevorg/shared_invite/enQtMjUxNjkxNjgyNjQ2LWUxMmFkNTMwZWNlNGFkYTNmMzYwNjRmOWUzYjNlYWQ1MTlhMjk4NmQ2MGRlMTg2MmIxZjIwYTdlYWEzYTI0N2Q
=Sat Aug 24, 2019=


=Tues Nov 7, 2017=
Reworking at the simple extruder mounting bracket assembly. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


Adding some parts to improve the strength of 2x2 cab option. Changing the layout of the tubing may also be an improvement. It also needs to be shortened to match the frame and not the previous cab.
The current simple mounting bracketing style is similar to the e3d bracket. In photos the original looks like a black metal angle bracket. The new printed version that looks possibly warped a little. So, something in between would be better. Also, because it mounts between the base block and the motor there may be thermal issues. This seems likely given the melted appearance of the spring bracket in photos. To prevent possible warping and given the need to push the temps up for materials other than PLA some insulating material like PTFE adhesive tape may help. PTFE tape appears to be used on the threads in the original photos already. I suppose a longer heat break could help as well, but it already looks to long in the current CAD. For flex filament I was assuming a custom Al milled design would be difficult, but for testing, I wonder if just using a longer heat break threaded up through the base block and ground on a wheel to shape would be good enough.


meeting preparation.
=Tues Aug 6, 2019=


[[File:LT master cad.fcstd]]
created cad with spreadsheet for nema motors with some mounting details for adding to the simple extruder assembly.


shortened cab frame of 2x2 tubing option and added a reinforcement plate to top front. back of cab also needs some kind of cross support underneath welded to the base frame.
I only entered data in the spreadsheet for nema 17, but it could probably be designed with more automated selection options depending on how much more hidden complexity is available in the freecad spreadsheet WB.


I separated the reinforcement plate from the 2x2 cab frame, but now I am thinking that 45deg angled tubing pieces might be better on the front. Plates on the sides won't occlude critical vision so much and may be stronger, but 45's might be enough. Also to strengthen the front from impacts the 2x2 vertical tubes could be doubled up.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


=Mon Nov 6, 2017=
=Sun Jul 28, 2019=


To follow Roberto's method of constraining parts for editability I created 2x2x56in cube imported it into LT master CAD using Assembly2 WB then locked it in position. Then created, cloned and constrained other parts of cab frame relative to first. I also named most constraints for ease of editing. I think naming them all clearly would be best and doing the assembly by cloning and constraining one part at a time is a better workflow otherwise the constraints get confusing even as you work.
tested simple extruder assembly and adjusted simple extruder metal part dimensions.


I can see how the 2x2 cab frame definitely will need a lot more reinforcement parts to strengthen it to the 4x4 equivalent. In fact, some parts could be 4in stock instead of 2x2 if they are not in the way or bolt points are more desirable than welding. Additional angular cross beams may be effective, but steel plate cut with curves may be stronger. The front and sides and likely hit points for large trees etc. so strengthening those points is a priority.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


[[File:LT master cad.fcstd]]
=Fri Jul 26, 2019=


=Sun Nov 5, 2017=
I think I resolved the freecad error with the nozzle file. I may understand it partly. <pre>The error message is: Object can only be in a single GeoFeatureGroup</pre> I rebuilt the pads from the sketches, but first had to remove the body and part containers and re-add everything in the right order and place. I tried detaching the hex sketch and reattaching it, which kept giving the same error primarily because I kept clicking the wrong function. I was mistakenly clicking the negative loft button instead of additive. I explored the new additive and subtractive functions before with interesting results but frequently forget.


I've been watching the recent YT videos to review the MT build and changes and looking at the LT cab and preparing to design a cab using the 2x2in tube option. I'm attempting to follow the method Roberto used to constrain the frame by importing the first part and locking it using Assembly2 WB.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder/nozzle.FCStd


=Wed Jul 24, 2019=


=Fri Nov 3, 2017=
I went to finish the nozzle and the file is somewhat corrupted. Using the compound function may have caused the problem. That workflow did not look good so I tried to delete it to do a fusion instead and that is when problems started. The part design WB then detected issues and started suggesting migration to the new part WB. I tried auto migration and other ways. One fix suggests separate part bodies for each pad. Maybe that is a more correct workflow in some cases, but I think using different functions from other WB's including the loft changes the tip or creates a separate feature without a body by default causing confusion. I may also have attempted moving different features to the body or part containers at different times by dragging them that caused issues as well. I need to understand the suggested workflow for bodies and part containers better. I may need to delete the pads and recreate them by reattaching the sketches. Or it may be faster to try redoing it in a different order.


I've had a few more noticeable issues that seem to be potential OS related (Ubuntu 16.04 LTS). Seeing the new OSE Linux ISO I am tempted to do a fresh install.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder/nozzle-glitch.FCStd


Reviewing LT requirements. The tang option gives more slight felexibility for positioning the arms with gaps between the verticals and cab.
I also looked at and experimented with the heat bed size, the printable area and how it is defined in Marlin.
I've been meaning to review supply costs from http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Suppliers etc. to get a better idea of what materials costs are. Much of the time stronger structures can be built by shaping smaller cheaper materials. It makes more work, but given the educational workshop model labor requirements are less of an issue for OSE than the material costs. With enough creative reinforcement 2x2 tubing should be good for the cab, but a combination could be used as well. Operator field of vision is a important consideration as well.  


=Tues Oct 31, 2017=
I also added some info to [[Analysis of PLM Software Conflict Resolution]]. Generally improving the collaboration software abilities seems important, but with few contributors, it remains a lower priority. However, this is somewhat a paradox since ease of use would encourage more users to engage in prototype development.


Meeting discussed MT changes to be documented and re-edited in CAD. Also clarified various points on LT design constraints. Existing frame design should be good. cab needs to be narrowed to create a small gap between verticals, arms, and cab frame. Likely need to use 2x2 tubing for more space, but reinforce with bracing. Maybe 2x2 cab frame could be reinforced with curved plates cut on torch table.
=Tue Jul 23, 2019=


=Mon Oct 30, 2017=
added simple extruder files to https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


Figuring out some FreeCAD errors and file issues I created while editing the QA adapter.
I'm guessing the dimensions from the photos & using spreadsheets so these can be changed easily later.
I nearly had the QA adapters done last night, but then likely due to the way I coped and edited file parts started disappearing when compounded and FreeCAD crashed.


Meeting with Roberto about errors and file workflow.
I got most of the spreadsheets & CAD done for the metal parts of the simple extruder. The sheet values are approximate on a few things, but I tweaked them to look close.


Very informative instruction and discussion with Roberto on FreeCAD. I recorded much of it with vokoscreen, unfortunately, my mic audio is garbled and Roberto's very faint. I'm unsure what audio settings are best in vokoscreen. From of his tips I can improve workflow and eventually script some more instructionals.
The spreadsheets and values are surprisingly easy to edit. I wasn't really able to break them. If you move alias cells it clears them in the sheet, but not in the CAD values, so it is fairly easy to fix. It is time-consuming with all the data entry but looks worth it in the long run.


I finished editing the wider QA option for the LT following his suggestions.
=Sat Jul 20, 2019=


[[File:Bobcat QA v3.fcstd]]
I see the continuing work on the OSE Simple Extruder. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fWUX8ynAdqcn6Fvs6 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17BLyvyk1EbrMOhkCfeSwByAq86SemSLX
https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/William_Neal_Log#Thursday_June_27


Trying to add this to the bucket I just realized I did some math for the extension wrong somehow. So I will get more practice re-editing that.
While there is a lot of flexibility in the PVC and clamp design one of the less exact remaining details is the mounting if the extruder and its position relative to the bed. A mod of the E3D bracket should work fine, but a better quicker modular system would be useful. I'm curious to see what open solutions lulzbot uses.


I did not add a support cross bar on this version. It can be considered tomorrow.
Lulzbot has cat guards, which must be open source. This seems similar to an "enclosure". Reprap forums suggested while it may be legal for many to build enclosures individually it should not be discussed due to the yet unexpired patents.


=Sun Oct 29, 2017=
In order to run Printers indoors or outdoors, animal guards would be useful. https://ohai.lulzbot.com/project/cat_guard/accessories/


rechecking & refining math & changes on QA. I may have confused measures over the 45" to 42" difference in width. Also realized I needed to look through more file versions of the existing QA because the off the shelf plates are narrower than what was o n the MT anyway.
Moved the extruder mount underneath the carriage this gets it much close to the bed. The Simple extruder might be close to long enough. However, I'm uncertain about wiring and cable chain logistics.


[[File:Bobcat QA v3.fcstd]]
=Fri Jul 19, 2019=


figured out the male QA tab width from diagrams. It also looks more like the photos.
added more comments on soil mixer brainstorming.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RJg3LyG_jI_gmUwBFuwNjbAMVUmuYUo7uQVjLDV9Qiw/edit#slide=id.g5dc8542d49_11_96


I also did a quick measure and it looks like the 36" cylinders will fit vertically from the horizontal frame. They still only have a stroke of ~10" and much less movement and stress in that position. With the current arm config it looks like the top end woudl fit about half way up. If the bottom end is several inches back from the verticals the motion is minimal and nearly vertical in the raised position depending on starting angle. If boxing in the bottom of the arm only a small hole would be needed.


<html>
adding plastic 3D printed parts section to BOM and sections in wiki/part gallery to note printing tests and recommended parameters. Tested print settings could also be individually listed in STL file pages.
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQLr2edgs01suCh5T4pH7qDdgnkPE6obdNdFLpdTz5ZzxQCYOeDRVdtkLcr6hTFrcrx4k23-zvEmNms/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="960" height="569" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lgtDWFMfNn7fEidPdlap_8PqSDXJFyM_AKvdjq6KSWs/edit#gid=0


I kept trying to think of any easy way to make a universal adapter for a wider ALT width, but I finally realized the male QA side doesn't have to be adjustable at all. With enough added cross bracing I think adding extensions to the male QA plates might be strong enough even at 60". To get 57" for clearance past the outer frame it only requires a 7.5" extension plate plus 2" overlap for a good weld to a 2x2x13" spacer bar.
=Thurs Jul 18, 2019=


Now I see another option to keep the arm lift cylinders mounted vertically the verticals could move behind the existing cab with the 45's on the sides trimmed to allow the arms to sit over the outside frame. The male QA would require only minor extension.
reviewed more CEB soil mixer info and returned Aidan's email.


=Sat Oct 28, 2017=
=Wed Jul 17, 2019=


Continuing looking at arm width, QA mount points, arm shape and cylinder mounts points.
got email from Aiden yesterday whom I missed in the jitsi meet. Added some scribblings to the soil mixer doc. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RJg3LyG_jI_gmUwBFuwNjbAMVUmuYUo7uQVjLDV9Qiw/edit#slide=id.g5dc8542d49_4_0


I was looking at potential arm shape. Obviously, the large arms have to be made from two sections. I was considering an S curve shape or a symmetrical elliptical curve shape that might be efficient to cut. Cutting curves by hand would be difficult even with symmetrical shapes and some geometry tricks though.
It is a little hard to visualize in 3d so far. The height logistics of loading design over a press as well as the feeding and exiting of materials seems difficult. Rotating it 45 deg is a half solution. Maybe a more complex drawer design would be worth considering. I can imagine the drawer system will need cleaning due to cement. I think the cement access will need a cover to keep water out in case that is sprayed into the soil hopper as well.


A more curved shape for the arms may lower the angle for attaching the front curl cylinders as well.
I like the metered/dosing concept for 1 block at a time. I think that will reduce the need for raw horsepower frequently seen on big batch mixers. A good hammermill is important to since soil types vary. With test SCEB's here I think many of the poorer higher cement content ones have chips, slight crumbliness, weakness due to poor mixing. If the clay is moist it clumps and can't mix well with sand. Here the soil is mostly silt, sand, rocks, & sandstone often on top of a hard moist clay layer 18" down or so. Even if there is enough material in some areas on location digging the right amounts and thorough mixing are a challenge. In fact, in some cases I can see it needs to be dug, then dried some then milled so it powders and mixes better.


Looking at the BCQA the outer most holes for the male pins will give another 6.5" and the current MT female plate is only 42" where the BCQA standard diagrams show 45" max. So that gives a total of ~8" the arms can be moved out from the MT width. It looks like the male QA plates can work in that config. The pin attach plates on the male plates will have to be on the outer edge so the geometry will be close. The only problem is then the arms line up with the vertical supports. So maybe half the ~8", which will put the male pins close to the inner edge of the wider slot.
=Tues Jul 9, 2019=


[[File:LT master cad.fcstd]]
cleaned up meeting doc for next week. Reviewing D3D BOM's trying to decide which parts & features to drop or add.


I was thinking the vertical supports couldn't be moved in because of the tensioner and motor plates, but actually, then the motor bolt plane lines up with the the outside of the tensioner. The 45deg braces would have to be welded to the sides of the verticals, but I don't see any interference with anything else. I am concerned about arm alignment with the max QA plate width or at least taking into consideration the 1" pin attach plates.
=Sun Jul 7, 2019=


Examined geometry and measurements better. There is overlap between verticals and arms if trying to push the width to 42". The Pin attachment plates being 1/2" also pushes the LT arms in a bit more. The pin attachment plates don't have to be the same though. The verticals have to stay put. The arms being on the inside of the verticals gives 32"'s of space for the operator.
Continued reviewing workshop info and the D3D CNC Mill CAD, which is impressive.


Updated LT master CAD so arms are correct width, lift cylinders are in position and curl cylinders are aligned with arms. Space for cab is 32" wide.
I see improvements all around in the workshop media. The hard part seems to be getting critical feedback from workshop participants, especially less technical people for which more feedback is needed to refine the educational media. I think the technical peoples perspective is generally it's nice to review the detailed engineering info and it is great for the average person to learn lots of STEM. But, what is most useful from the less technical persons perspective?


Working on QA. Moved QA mount plates to the edge. Need to move pin assembly ~4.6in out and finding specs for the new hole.
At first, I was thinking a lot of the info is also geared towards more visual learners and maybe other styles need to be covered as well, but I also see the OSE Design Manuals have outlined lists even though they are in slides, so there is room to consider more of both. Obviously, the hands-on shop parts are probably everyone's favorites, but since the lectures are likely precursors to specific shop work getting everyone up to speed is helpful to the swarm effect. As usual to refine all that practically requires a whole other team.


I don't see a file for a separate female plate, but it may be in an old file version. Referencing
Also getting part counts into https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lgtDWFMfNn7fEidPdlap_8PqSDXJFyM_AKvdjq6KSWs/edit#gid=0


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15g_Bm7r5jm8YzJb0kfjyAI4Now42G09fgGZuqId1CnE/edit#slide=id.g27bf2a97b9_0_2


network error confused my file versioning on upload, but I think I got the male QA plate modified for LT width.
=Fri Jul 5, 2019=


[[File:Bobcat QA v3.fcstd]]
I listened to some videos from the workshop and glanced over the 2" U-Axis doc, but still, don't have a clear picture of many concepts. I'm surprised at the size of the CNC Mill if I'm understanding correctly it may have about a 2' working area/volume? I figured for a precise mill for small metal parts that several inches would be sufficient.


=Fri Oct 27, 2017=
A question: Given that much of the OSE workflow tends to bias towards visual learning styles how might the guided learning style in workshops be done to enable those of other learning styles to better understand existing visual documentation tools and apps?


Finding links to cylinder info for LT.
Individuals can choose different tasks that suit their style, but we need people to learn freecad from whatever approach suits them. There were other requests for more vocabulary definitions and a glossary was a suggested solution that would be ideal. There are also existing wiki's and docs for apps like freecad, for which more links could be provided and reviewed in the lectures.
The old BOM doesn't list 36" Cyls, but I'm estimating the stroke from old diagrams and whats available from surplus center.
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Bent_Loader_Arms#Hydraulics


http://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydraulics/Hydraulic-Cylinders/Double-Acting-Hydraulic-Cylinders/?page_no=1&fq=ATR_HydraulicCylinderRetractedLengthRange:36\%22\+\-\+47.9\%22&fq=ATR_HydraulicCylinderBoreRange:3\%22\+\-\+3.9\%22&fq=ATR_DAHC_RodEndPinSize:1\%22&fq=ATR_DAHC_BaseEndPinSize:1\%22&fq=ATR_Rod_Dia:1.5\%22&page_length=9999
Updated my working doc (top right) with a pros/cons list of using another spreadsheet to speed swarm work of part spec collection prior to CAD drawings.
I think it might be faster in ways, but I'm uncertain about the overall flow and hangups. Current methods in design sprints and workshops are to lookup the links in the BOM and find specs for parts you pick. There is some double work looking up interfacing parts specs even in a workshop where individuals can directly communicate it requires more time and interruptions. This should leave more time for needed for discussion of clearances/tolerances and understanding interactions between parts.


Surplus center lists 36" Cyls with strokes as low as 30", which seems like a lot, especially for any angular stresses.
=Thurs Jul 4, 2019=


It looks like 30" is excessive if thats the stroke. In fact, if the cylinder could be raised up to 80deg the max extension is only ~47" and the cyl nearly hits the top shaft. Obviously, it can't go that far since the arms would be behind the vertical supports.
away from my Linux workstation still without a good laptop, but I've reviewed some of the active steam camp materials. Interesting to see the development and discussion as usual.
I'm trying to understand the details for the [[2" Universal Axis]]. It looks like they need a number of changes to be ready for printing.


I do not see an easy way to lower the frame end of the arm cylinders without major frame mods, so moving the cylinder (arm) ends up a little higher into the arm corner will give it a better lift angle.
I added a spreadsheet to [[File:2axismotorpiece.fcstd]] because I think Williams [[FreeCAD Workflow]] seems ideal for sharing consistent data values across many similar parts quickly.


I've made a mess of the LT master CAD file while making reference points, so time to clean it up...
Maybe a gdoc sheet would be good too. It could be sectioned with values shared across parts and changed in real-time. It should be easy to copy/paste those cells to freecad sheets then there is less data entry for each person and values remain consistent. It should also reduce typos. When values are uncertain it is also easy to copy lists of needed dimensions to keep dev's on the right track and remind people what data is still missing.


=Thurs Oct 26, 2017=
=Mon Jul 1, 2019=


Started looking at the cylinder movement and placement by copying in the bucket and cyls from the MT and the geometry sketches.
I finished cutting up the PVC sch 40 pipe a while back for the D3D PVC Mini. I'm traveling for a few days but hope to figure out how to collaborate more during the workshop.


=Wed Oct 25, 2017=
For the D3D PVC Mini I need to do more precise CAD of the simple extruder for which some CAD is not yet done. I think I can approximate a placeholder good enough.


trying adjustments for LT arms.
I also need to further research the sources from existing BOM's. Jon reported issues for D3D Ohio parts and I'd like to avoid those.


[[LifeTrac v17.10]]
I'm not far from ordering parts, but some of the little details are going to be important to verify first.


The cab looks longer than necessary so bringing of the front frame in still leaves ~3' of space for the operator, but the 23" between the arms is a little cramped. I'm not sure how the controls were positioned in previous designs, but at the left and right sides for front ingress/egress of operator seems easiest. However, that will leave little clearance for the operator to get in and between controls and arms. Also having the controls mounted in a single front central mount might be easier for routing and operation.
I'm glad to hear the STEAM Camp chose to do the Torch Table project. I think the priority order is Torch Table, CNC Router, Metal Printer. Because the Table has been in waiting for a while and well accelerate other projects significantly. The CNC Router is next because it can take lower precision parts and make them higher precision via subtractive work. The metal printer is relatively unknown and creates small low precision parts initially. Empirical testing is needed to find the hangups for the metal printer, but the use cases are more long term.


=Tues Oct 24, 2017=


meeting prep https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1htGGiWT50fBsH5IVMpGX3EiDpm8vVe4CYL0xSyKBZvc/edit#slide=id.g1861bf60d5_0_6
=Tues Jun 18, 2019=


Checking existing measurements on LT arm width, clearances, and spaces around the cab.
Busier than expected with farm guests lately, but I am continuing on the D3D PVC Mini. I've cut sch 40 3/4" PVC to ~10.66" for testing. I already observe at such short lengths it is quite rigid. At 2ft it has noticeable flex under force, but infills could reduce that significantly. Vibration is harder to judge, but when supported well at both ends peices don't visibly vibrate much.


Considering what may have to change to accommodate standard bobcat QA.
=Fri Jun 7, 2019=


Bobcat Quick Attach https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15g_Bm7r5jm8YzJb0kfjyAI4Now42G09fgGZuqId1CnE/edit#slide=id.g27beddbe8f_0_4
added a bed holder to the assembly. It still needs a different design because of the offsets with the frame. To keep the bed holder length short it would be better to move the Z axis inside, but it also doesn't look like that will fit with the clamp.


MC female plate width extent is 42". Extent of outer holding pin holes 35.89".
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware


LT current arm outside width 57.5". Inside of arm wdith 49.5". Outside of cab frame ~40". Inside width of vertical frame arm supports 40.097"
=Tues Jun 4, 2019=


current LT_quick_attach female plate is 58" wide.
Busy with farm guests so likely to miss the meeting.  


It looks like the only easy way to create direct compatibility is to bring the LT arms in a lot to the same width as the MT. They will have to come in line with the cab frame, which the current arm design interferes with.
Next steps trying to get good enough measurements of the simple extruder to create an assembly to help determine which way is best to orient the extruder on the X-axis.


Otherwise, it might be a nice feature to keep the arms wider on the LT and build a universal adapter frame. I think that would require a different design of the male QA mount though. It would need to accept vertical pins. Maybe additional boxes on the sides would allow for both, but to reduce waste a universal design would be ideal. First thoughts, it may require an extra layer with horizontal bars with holes for multiple widths. It may also require 90 deg pin adapters. If the pin mounts on the arms are best left horizontal. Such a universal adapter frame would need to be large enough for 1" pins and add extra weight though.
=Sat Jun 1, 2019=


Just from looking at the MT CAD that toothbar looks time-consuming to build. I think cutting a sheet in half with a tooth pattern such that you make two bars might be faster and almost as effective. Not sure how fast a human could cut that obviously for CNC that would be easy. Maybe cutting it out of thinner material then bolting both pieces to the bucket would work ok too.
attempted FEM in FreeCAD on rods some trouble at first, but finally succeeded on the tube as well. I'm uncertain how easy it would be to add complexity and multiple part assemblies and materials. It seems to only work well in simplicity, but part of that is technical experience as well. At first I was concerned with following tutorials closer and in the same order, but I think the errors were fixed by resets of freecad and finer mesh when needed. Attempting a realistic large scale 4ft gantry of the Universal axis may not be worth the time. I'm uncertain yet if it can model the compression and stiffness concepts.


=Mon Oct 23, 2017=
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/FEM


Created page [[LifeTrac_17.10]] also looking for page on versioning, but search and google not turning it up yet. Lots of old pages on documentation standards, taxonomy, nomenclature, versioning, etc.
Hard to decide where to agregate links to the new stuff.


I did some wiki editing and exploration tried to understand the categorization system again and created the subcategory [[:Category: Nomenclature and Taxonomy]] for the naming convention pages. I'm not sure I understand all the formatting options yet or the best way to label pages. Most pages probably should not be categorized. Subpages are an option, but deep nesting would eventually be an issue.
=Tues May 28, 2019=


Also attempting to edit the track unit CAD and constrain intermediate linking to the existing parts in a repeatable and flexible manner, but I suspect it will not work as needed.
Added more notes.


I saw a recommendation on the freecad forum I try the 0.17 built-in nesting methods I was assuming would not be compatible. With the torch table not yet operating smoothly I'm making this a low priority until all tractor details are done, but I am curious to see if it is more improved recently than I thought.
Working on CAD assembly. moving X axis alignment. Further grouping and labeling all parts and axis' as similar to exiting OSE D3D machines as possible.


Edited track unit adding second interlinked track unit.


[[File:Trackunit.FCStd]]
=Mon May 27, 2019=


I think I have an idea for interlinking the two different track links separately from previous reading on path arrays. Two copies of the sketch can be made with two different track unit compound path arrays. Then the path arrays might be adjustable to alignment.
Reviewing simple extruder and researching many other CNC/3D printer related ideas. Notes and documentation in Working Doc above.


=Sun Oct 22, 2017=
=Sun May, 26, 2019=
watched a few videos on YT including speed review of meeting again while reviewing current work and docs on micro tractor and more. Looking for subcomponents to examine for likely modifications I noticed many CAD files aren't linked on the wiki pages for the tractor, so I started cleaning some of that up and linked some pages.


Reviewed quick attach geometry and design.
Lots of printer research, YT videos, reprap.org, and OSE are all helpful. I can see 24V is a tempting mod given most of the electronics are designed to run at even higher voltages, but starting with a small printer I doubt there are many power or performance issues. I have not found any better info about PVC with cement in small pipes so I am skeptical but hopeful. Even #2 (1/4") rebar won't fit in 3/4" sch 40 PVC. I'm getting 20ft of sch 40 PVC because it comes in 10ft sticks and the extra I can use for testing. Hoping to see some operational data on [[D3D Ohio v18.02]] soon too. I've been thinking about the mounting of all components & wiring. It would be nice if a single box for the components can be made slim, distribute mass & add bracing to the structure as well. It is hard to add angle braces without blocking access to the bed.  


Looking through concept doc for remaining changes. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ol6Mlq69kRfD8afiKQYVdXoNsmVhsEz_IFpmVYH5vHY/edit#slide=id.g2724b1ec29_3_0
I'm also reviewing the simple extruder, which is indeed simple. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PRpAmQNzDs5laibZo86weuMaEYJLBIvFwt3KOx8DPn8/edit#slide=id.g51b7c7f1c2_0_4
I'm uncertain of mounting options. It doesn't look like I can just use existing parts. My first thought was the hot end should be mounted towards the Z axis so the bed rails can be as short as possible, but there is the clamp to clear. I'm curious about bed size, mass, & Z motion. Is it reasonable to imagine an 8" print area with only 1 Z?


Continued looking at current design and any potential issues or misalignments.
I added groups/folders to the CAD assembly for easier axis motion. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


Current track link design is more accurate looking but does not contain the intermediate links, which technically makes the track unit space wrong. I'ver tried to think of a new lower labor method for making track units, but the previous/existing track method looks sturdy for such a small simple track.
fascinating thread on composite frames PVC is mentioned. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,578597,579248
And without the torch table working any additional track work is probably easier to be done the old way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77195alVAC4


[[File:Trackunit.FCStd]]
=Fri May 24, 2019=


edited track unit and uploaded then realized I now need to re-assemble the links so the intermediate links go on the inside as shown in video, which gives more space for ease of welding.
searched for more info on cement in PVC and I found some interesting links, but nothing similar. Listening/watching many 3d printer build videos, reviewing BOM's and looking at part options and prices.


=Sat Oct 21, 2017=
started mod of extruder motor mount. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/extruder%20motor%20mount.FCStd


Back from a longer trip than I expected. Catching up on tractor CAD. I see the Torch Table has some software motor control issues. I will shift more to finishing CAD details on the tracks since I was getting close on that anyway.
=Thurs May 23, 2019=


Updated tracks in master CAD to fit around idlers better. Not perfect, but the track appears to ride on the idlers now.
Reviewing lots of 3d printer info lately and it seems RAMPS has a lot of potential upgrades or issues to fix depending on how you look at it. It looks like RAMPS is still used mostly because it is somewhat robust or at least cheap to burn out. I suspect I'm going to want Trinamic drivers just because of the noise factor since I've set up the printer space next to my desk. TMC2130's are apparently all around more efficient too. It looks like it is better to run them at 24V though, which would require even more customizing. I don't see many variations in the RAMPS with quality components & heat sinks etc. there is the cheap and the expensive.


[[File:MT master cad.fcstd]]
Adapting a quick attach looks complex without more experience and a working 3d printer to test PLA parts with. Adapting the titan bracket looks easy to start, but it is different. It is thinner than the previous mk8 style bracket and may not offer enough clamping force or strength if it gets warm? So, I'll try merging the old and new together in CAD.


[[File:Track CS.fcstd]]
=Tues May 21, 2019=


=Sun Oct 15, 2017=


Downloaded September or October? OSE version of Marlin. Reading up on it on their website. Inkscape Gcode tools extension also says there is an update availvable, but I'd hate to get into new version issues.


The green thing settings for plasma might be similar to gas torch, but I don't know enough details about Gcode Marlin toolchain yet.
thinking about the alignment part and axis length. I don't think it needs much space to work. Also considering extruder attachment methods.


More SVGNest testing. I thought I was getting close using inkscape to open DXF's and save to SVG. First, I thought I was selecting the bin and it ran, but it was the pad and parts were split into circles. Then I found Inkscape is to buggy to even copy and paste the 4x8 sheet bin to the parts file. I had to use import. The graphics look like they should work and I followed instructions to convert to paths and join nodes, which appeared mostly unnecessary converting from DXF. Maybe that is a problem, but they look ok unlike exporting to SVG directly using 0.16 with missing holes or 0.17 with polygons instead of circles and arcs.
meeting prep.
 
=Sat Oct 14, 2017=
 
Looking for torch table software tool chain info. I see a spreadsheet that is dated older, but references a switch to arduino reprap style software. I expect it is similar to other D3D machines. The torch table software details may not be refined yet so I went back to the microtractor part details and updated the track parts so the position of the track and asociated parts can be refined.
 
[[File:Trackunit.FCStd]]
 
I am now tracing the track path around the components in the master cad to refine its shape.
Rotating the track unit compound relative to the sketch plane seemed to get the track pads aligned out correctly. This can be confusing, but the freecad documentation does explain this. Further forum searches and reading suggests changing the center or origin point of the part may make a difference. Making the sketch line segments more detailed and aligned around the sprocket just right should give a good track eventually.
 
updated track CS with reference parts from the master CAD. Close at least the position relative to the idlers is ok. Adjusting the position of the track unit compound relative to origin should make it rotate tangent to the sketch and fit the sprocket better. Now at least the distance needed to clear the arms can be checked.
 
[[File:Track CS.fcstd]]
 
I just remembered I need to reset the track link spacing to 0.8" for the 3/4" sprocket.
 
=Fri Oct 13, 2017=
 
Installed FreeCAD 0.17 and tested the SVG Export. FreeCAD 0.17 managed to export the SVG more completely except the curves and circles are now lines and polygons. I think I read there was setting to change, but I can't find it now.
 
Exported DXF's and copied parts together into a single file for track unit torch test. LibreCAD is buggy even at basic copy and paste. Actions repeatedly crashed unexpectedly or simply failed to work with consistency.
 
[[File:Track unit test.dxf]]
 
Opened DXF's in Inkscape attempted to setup G-code. I'm not exactly sure what settings should be for CNC torch table. More research needed.
 
[[File:Track unit test.svg]]
 
It also appears it is not generating G-code because the lines need to be converted to paths.
 
=Tues Oct 10, 2017=
 
Made a video showing the inconsistencies in SVG output.
 
https://youtu.be/uHi3vLb_nOU
 
I also posted a query to the freecad forum.
 
https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=24831
 
Meeting clarified re-use of previous drive sprocket with 3/4" plate and possible design solutions for the track tension.
 
The box around the upright tubing method using 1" bolt is simple. Need to consider the position of bolt hole relative to frame tube holes. It'd be nice to design in an easy method to apply leverage to the box against the frame to add tension while tightening the bolt with an impact driver and so one person can do so safely.
 
Track units need 3/4"+ spacing between links. So the new track unit file needs re-adjusted.
 
 
DXF to G-Code in Inkscape
 
https://www.norwegiancreations.com/2015/08/an-intro-to-g-code-and-how-to-generate-it-using-inkscape/
 
I also see http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/DXF_to_G-code_Conversion_Tutorial
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jYKMAjzK3A
 
I also assume I need to brush up on LibreCAD for editing the DXF's.
 
 
Got a response on freecad forums suggesting 0.17 will work better then I realized I also failed to read all the way through the thread and there are more instructions on using Inkscape to fix the SVG's. Looks like a few more steps, but it should be worth it.
 
=Mon Oct 9, 2017=
 
After having worked with and looked at the SVG's generated by Freecad and a comment I see on jack.works I don't see how this will work directly from FreeCAD drawing SVG's. The SVG's are made of broken independent line segments and not continuous shapes and they need to be for the software to work. So evaluating the software that generates the SVG's in FreeCAD may lead to a solution long term. Other conversion routes like DXF to SVG using another app OpenSCAD or any other open source tools. Given this is a valuable open source project may be more interest can be found for recoding FreeCAD for compatibility.
 
SVGNest also appears to have a number of bugs and issues with types of lines. The question is whether further development can fix these easily or they can be worked around with minimal user effort
https://qcad.org/rsforum/viewtopic.php?t=4334
 
There is recent ongoing work on a nester in FreeCAD, but it is alpha software and still missing needed capabilities.
 
https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?t=23484
 
I also found some other test SVG files on freecad forums when I uploaded to svgnest they appeared incorrect probably due to arcs and splines.
 
Thought I might be doing something wrong with the freecad SVG export since others on the forums suggest svgnest. So I followed instructions to use 2dview first then export to flattened SVG. This appears much better and would probably work except that it left out the holes in middle of the part. The 2dView shows the part correct, but not in the SVG. I'll try some more parts just to see how buggy it is.
 
I exported a 2DView of a 4'x8' sheet and the PTO motor mount which appears correct, so I created a layout of copies in a single file. The scale did appear ok. When trying to select the bin in svgnest however it still selects seperate segments of the bin and every other part instead of the whole rectangle for the bin. I assume this means the parts are not made of continuous lines such that is can identify them as a single component. I am saving the file as a plain SVG instead of the inkscape format in case this causes any issues.
 
=Sun Oct 8, 2017=
 
With reworking the track units from the basic sketches up I found some of the details were different for previous builds or files were just unfinished. I'm trying to make the CAD accurate enough that with metadata it is effective for more of the documentation.
 
There is a variety of different documentation and examples of track discussion so there are a few small things I am unsure of.
 
https://youtu.be/y8efko1RZaY
 
I see previously washers were welded on rods and drilled for cotter pins, but I think I recall a discussion in a meeting recently suggesting bolts worked better, but cost more depending on size and grade obviously. The current CAD looks like a rod with washers on both ends. What design is planned to use for this build?
 
Also since 1/2" plate is being used compared to 3/4" before the gap between the links has to be narrower to minimize the roller play. I am guessing this could make certain welding methods harder. I set it about ~0.6" in the current CAD. Obviously, this affects pin length as well. I'm assuming there should be at least an 1/8" of play in the pin.
 
I'm moving on to solving the nesting today so I can evaluate that and report a strategy for the next meeting. There appear to be many parts and assemblies made from 1/2" sheets. There must be DXF's for many of these from previous builds so I will search for those for testing. The first step is defining a clear process and making a how-to video.
 
http://svgnest.com/
 
Considering there are so many assemblies to break down and convert the best method may be sprints so work can be divided in parallel. Experimentation with all the parts in one nesting may help determine certain patterns. Obviously, multiple sheets are required, but given the mix of geometries, it is not safe to assume ideal part mixtures for packing order. Rounding off more corners on parts may increase packing given all the circular parts. Some small parts could be nested inside other waste parts, but that requires hand optimization of DXF/SVG and order of operations through gcode or however the torch table code chain works.
 
Looking at svgnest further it has options for part in part and concave search likely needed for parts like the sprocket. 3/16" spacing =~ 13 pixels assuming the software exports based on 72dpi. Inkscape appears to easily import and save between SVG/DXF. Batch capability would be great. I see some other extensions as well
 
http://www.bigbluesaw.com/saw/big-blue-saw-blog/general-updates/big-blue-saws-dxf-export-for-inkscape.html
 
https://www.bobcookdev.com/inkscape/inkscape-dxf.html
 
http://tim.cexx.org/?p=590
 
hmm at the above link it says Inkscape uses 1/90 of an inch and mentions other potential bugs, but this is from 2009...
 
According to documentation, the flattened SVG file option should create a viable SVG using the raw CAM setting, but all I get is overly complex and garbled output.
 
https://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Draft_SVG#Preferences
 
https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?t=6396
 
It almost looks as if DXF-->SVG-->(1)SVG-->DXF will be necessary. This is way to complex and time consuming perhaps there is a way to create some python scripts or macros to fix this and batch process files. A more complex code project might be to adapt existing code libs to make svgnest into dxfnest.
 
I sent an email about all this. Also see [[User talk:AbeAnderson]]
 
I'm looking at modifying the isoview macro for SVG output. This seems excessive and adds more steps, but the FreeCAD SVG export is not creating useable files.
 
http://opensourceecology.org/w/images/b/b8/Iso_view.FCMacro
 
There are some existing tools to combine, merge, stack SVG's into one file.
 
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/14562136/merging-multiple-svg-files-into-one
 
This one works by merging and placing space between them.
 
https://github.com/astraw/svg_stack
 
I used the drawing WB to manually export SVG's of the track chain link ok, but it still requires editing out all the FreeCAD stuff then making 88 copies of the link in inkscape. I am assuming scaling of 1.0 will correlate the size correctly relative to 90ppi in Inkscape. Further reading of https://github.com/Jack000/SVGnest clarifies some functions. I'm thinking the easiest way to create a 4'x8' bin for the steel sheet is to draw and export it as an SVG as well. Then all the other SVG's at same scale can be copied in.
 
I'd like to think we can bypass that extraneous FreeCAD code and just write each part to a plain SVG, but the built-in class functions may make that more code work than ideal.
 
DXF files are dimensionless so as I recall you can set the scale in LibreCAD. So now I am thinking as long as the scales are the same for the orthographic projection in drawing bench (maybe 0.1) parts can be copied in to the  4'x8' bin file for upload.
 
Problems with scale, exporting everything at 0.1 did not help apparently. Also still have some inconsistencies or confusion in part diameters. I created a test file anyway. It doesn't seem to work I think because when I try to select the bin it only selects a side of the box. So something about the XML is off.
 
=Fri Oct 6, 2017=
 
Issues with existing components of the track are making it hard to edit so I am going back through the parts and constraining and editing them to more recent standards. For small simple parts like this, I think a fully editable assembly would be nice if I can figure out an ideal working chain.
 
[[File:TrackChainLink.FCStd]]
 
added notch to track link. Also noticing the existing track unit example files are drawn with parts of various incorrect measurements like 3/4" thick rollers. Not sure what the actual specs are that have been used in the past other than logically basing it all around 1/2" plate. Probably better not to have so much slop in the rollers, but spacing the track links close to 1/2" may make them hard to weld to the track pad.
 
re-assembling track unit with fully editable parts constrained symmetrically for ease of future editing. spacing on the links is ~0.6"
 
[[File:Trackunit.FCStd]]
 
next steps are the 3/4" bolts needed to replace old pin design and 1/2" thick rollers. Unsure if roller specs need to be adjusted +/- 0.05" for bolts. Sounds safe to assume torch kerf will be enough.
 
=Tues Oct 4, 2017=
 
Researching track design further and attempting to notch the tracks without redrawing entirely, but some glitches or misalignment in the original design seem to be making that difficult. I see the pin size is also likely incorrect since the roller ID is 0.75", which seems more reasonable if as large high-grade bolts are rather expensive. I see information that the bolt size for 1" is excessive. It would be ideal to reduce sizes as much as possible to reduce waste in nesting. For nesting, there may be scraps that could have smaller parts cut out first, but this would require hand optimization of the nesting since the software is unaware what is scrap.
 
=Mon Oct 2, 2017=
 
 
Created PTO motor mount plate sketch absed of PTO motor polanar to frame. sketch still needs work.
 
[[File:PTO Motor Mount plate.fcstd]]
 
1hr
 
=Sat Sep30, 2017=
 
looking at PTO motors again smallest one I see still looks a little big, but I assume will work fine if flow is lower.
 
http://www.surpluscenter.com/Brands/Dynamic/4-95-cu-in-PTO-Drive-Motor-9-7368-80.axd
 
I should be able to quickly modify the previous hydraulic motor from the PC1708 into a PTO.
 
Researched PTO Motor and redrew CAD using previous hydraulic motor from PC17.08 as starting point. Didn't seem to save much time maybe a little. Editing flow is often confusing and/or buggy. I found no CAD or detailed diagrams so measures are rough.
 
PTO Motor [[File:PTO Hydraulic Motor.fcstd]]
 
Also needs mount to back of tractor based on rough pattern. considering torque  I'm guessing 2 large high grade bolts are sufficient for shear forces.
 
=Fri Sep 29, 2017=
 
edited and uploaded 3 bolt hole clamp to half then made compound.


clamp halves are difficult to make a complete compound from. Parts copied or merged disappear. The method that worked this time was making half compound then copying in the pocket (one part needs to be rotated 180deg) then make a final compound from the two. simpified compounds seem to have too little information to copy or merge without bugs.
Looking at the old Mk8 Style extruder motor holder for potential modifications.


[[File:Idler Clamp 3 Bolt.fcstd]]
=Mon May 20, 2019=


added clamps to master CAD
changed x axis and added to assembly. needs more alignment.


[[File:MT master cad.fcstd]]
=Sun May 19, 2019=


also tried to add left motor mount and motor, but parts continue to disappear in FreeCAD.
found the angular misalignment of the carriages and constrained them further. I started to add the extruder, but the 3.5MB size is a bit much and I don't see any easy way to reduce it. I think the X axis needs customizing to length first anyway.


https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


=Sep 28, 2017=
=Thurs May 16, 2019=


changed clamp design and fit two on micro trac loader arm shaft.
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc numerous updates and simplifications of axis' parts. Much smaller files in some cases, but with enough features to position parts in assemblies accurately. Testing of newer freecad versions.


=Sep 25, 2017=
Testing A2P WB and it works much better than A2 WB just because there are no long hangups, but I do think I've run into some other issues. It is much faster and simialr enough it is easy to use though.


uploaded file of larger track for wide microtrac version. Size may need further adjustment due to track path settings. the small microtrac tracks already appear too small relative to idlers. [File:MT track1.fcstd]
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/assembly%20plus.FCStd


Going through small items on tractors.
X axis appears to be unlevel from the side I think some of the clamps may be at slightly different levels due to constraint picking.


=Sep 23, 2017=
=Tues May 14, 2019=


updated PC 17.08 and MC CAD with holes and bolts. Surprisingly difficult to get everything well aligned and positionally correct.
reviewing [[File:Xy bracket.fcstd]] and [[File:D3Dfinalassemblyv1902.fcstd]] recent changes to consider part use overlap or versioning.


added contact info to sheet.
=Sat May 11, 2019=


2hrs
more re-assembly of D3D with new XY bracket.


=Sep 22, 2017=
Note for the changes to [[File:Xy bracket.fcstd]] I reworked the part off measurements and in doing so thought I'd see if just drawing half of it and mirroring would be faster. In hindsight I doubt this helped much. Checking & copying measurements or sketches from other parts takes about as much time and there may be reasons to break the symmetry. Also, the mirror function being in the part WB makes the workflow seem a little confusing. The newness of the body & part structures and how it shows in the tree are primarily what made it seem odd.


trying to check some the small things off the list on the MC CAD.
I'm still thinking about slots versus holes and I'm curious if it can be used to offset the bed (with another part) up to reach the nozzle from the overhead X axis.


I ended up not making adjustments to shorten the motor mount plate because it appears to lower the sprocket to much, but I am not sure that is the right size either.
Something weird is going on. Every time I try to adjust the length of the rods in the axis' the length between the top and bottom Z clamps measures slightly shorter as if the frame is adjusting smaller as well for some reason!!? Oh, missing constraints allowing movement of clamp.


I've been attempting to add the holes to the PC to mount through tubing holes on the frame. Unfortunately, FreeCAD keeps behaving in strange and unexpected ways and finally crashed. I had to go back to the earlier version as I can not pocket holes through the compound for some reason. I nearly had the holes aligned before it crashed. I keep thinking I'll get used to it, but it is never as fast and simple as it should be.
resolved axis length. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


=Sep 19, 2017=
If the XY Bracket gets slots the X axis ends can be made flush with the back of the brackets. It is only 0.2" off one way from that now. With slots lining up the position correctly is the only major potential point of error in the assembly I can see now.


meeting prep
=Fri May 10, 2019=


checking last weeks meeting notes. adding editing Q&C to this weeks.
Writing return email to Marcin. Looking at X-Y axis alignment on D3D Mini PVC. The X-Y angle bracket isn't quite symmetric, but the holes line up with the larger U-Axis parts, but not the holes in the short idler. I'm wondering if a slotted XY bracket would help make mounting various designs easier. Keeping to the universal parts is still a challenge given various sizes of frames and axis length possibilities.


speed watched other half of freecad programming 101
The bed height to the extruder nozzle needs to be solved as well. Bolting some existing parts together should work as in similar designs, but I don't see what is easiest yet. For some aspects it looks like changing rod length and/or mount points would still be easier.


=Sep 17, 2017=
https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/D3D%20Mini%20PVC%20Full%20Assembly.fcstd


edited and uploaded motor mount plate to extend height. It took longer than it should have because there was not an sketch editable version of the plate with the motor mount holes so I traced it and Fully constrained the sketch. I also see the motor mount holes can't be right so I am constraining it to the motor to find the correct hole pattern next.
I'm trying to understand the XY bracket misalignment more thoroughly to decide what is the more future proof universally compatible part to change. Making slots seems more future proof except that it creates the possibility of slip and error in physical assembly. I see the v19.0x use the half-carriage, but that doesn't make sense for this design and simplicity would be nice all around. I see the XY bracket sketches aren't constrained and look off, but they appear to constrain and align well in assembly. The asymmetry is only the first issue to fix. The length for this printer is different from the original use, which is why I'm considering slots. If more holes are added it will work for only the current build designs, but slots will give flexibility for future size variations.


[[File:MT motormountplate.fcstd]]
=Sat May 4, 2019=


added mounting plate to MC master CAD. Had bugs and issues again taking longer than it should. The plate looks closer but still needs adjustment. Maybe .25 to .5" shorter. Should also triple check hole distances and sizes for all bolts even though they look ok now. I attempted to replicate the right side to left, but keep encountering bugs. The motor compound needs rework first anyway.
reworking D3D Mini PVC full assembly https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


[[File:MT master cad.fcstd]]


3 hrs
=Fri May 3, 2019=


=Sep 16, 2017=
catching up on FreeCAD status. https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=35546
FreeCAD 0.18 is technically officially released to source code at least. 0.18 includes mostly backend updates like python 3 support and other good long term under the hood fixes. So effectively skipping 0.17 may be fairly easy.


adjusted tracks further and added 9 inch tracks compound to tractor master cad. Track still not perfect if accurate representation is desired, but close enough for now since other adjustments around the track still need to be made.
I see the issue I noticed before with a FreeCAD version not fully loading is 0.18.1, which is the current official stable version. FreeCAD Daily 0.18 loads ok. 0.17 is running from an app image I think. I see many new interesting workbenches I haven't tried before in the add-on manager.  


Also logging entries into wiki for easier accessibility until concerns with new web interface are resolved.
Reworking the D3D Mini PVC with more separate parts like the carriages on the axis' also makes the assembly more complex. I see that the freecad assembly forum thread suggests for most simple assembly needs the part and body containers relative and absolute positioning is good enough.


1hr
=Tues Apr 30, 2019=


improving CAD for the full assembly of https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


=Old Logs=
=Fri Apr 26, 2019=


==2017==
Almost done with the 3D Printer shelf I think, but I'm more busy with spring planting etc.


*[[AbeAnd Logs August]]
I found some interesting 3D printed garden seeding tools and companion planting patterns. I've been hoping to find simple tools and ways to automate more complex seeding patterns. There are many plastic seed tools I've seen that might be 3d printable, but accuracy is probably important for small seed tools. Maybe adjustable tools could be designed as well. If the print quality is low precisely drilling holes ends up being needed anyway.
*[[AbeAnd Logs July]]
*[[AbeAnd Logs June]]
*[[AbeAnd Logs May]]
*[[AbeAnd Logs April]]
*[[AbeAnd Logs March]]
*[[AbeAnd Logs February]]


==2016==
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:23466
*[[AbeAnd Logs 2016]]
http://organic.kysu.edu/CompanionSpacing.shtml


[[Category:Logs]]
Besides having shelf done for a printing workspace I need to RTM, develop and go through checklists for what 3D Printer parts I need to order f

Latest revision as of 02:45, 13 October 2019


HintLightbulb.png Status - Done: more D3D Mini PVC assembly To Do: quick couple Blocks: time

General links Critical Path Roadmap mediawiki formatting help Development Team Log OSE Hangout OSE Jitsi Meet Abe's Links Abe's OSE Google Drive Folder Abe's OSE Google Calendar Abe's YouTube channel

edit

Current Logs

Sat Oct 12, 2019

reviewed WebGL tutorials. Trying to decide what to CAD next given the difficulties of what is immediately good enough while trying to align that with good future design goals so there to create forward momentum and reduce double work.

Created new gitlab project repos.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/D3D-Simple-Extruder

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/Kinematic-Mount

I've considered many possible ideas for kinematic style mounts that could be automated, but I don't think any have been viable yet. I need to look at more mechanical examples, hand draw some ideas and just try some experimental CAD. The round head bolts seem passable, but finding other generic bolts the right size may not always be easy. The shape of the plastic parts has to be complex to accommodate multiple features. A latching mechanism needs to work by moving along multiple axes and attachment of levers is not easy either.

Thurs Oct 10, 2019

Meeting. I reviewed emails and doc changes. It sounds like a lot of good progress on projects, but not a lot of uploaded files yet.

Sat Oct 5, 2019

more email with Chris & William. I exported and uploaded STL's for the Simple 3D Printer Extruder PLA parts.

I added links diagrams to the STEAM doc and did lots of brainstorming about easy printable possibly kinematic tool mount.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1pDEjvuqPt6b8iXULDGtRTPE8YsbaTSFLy1pe-paaOSU/edit#slide=id.g64a18b2cd3_2_0

Also thinking about tool changing. Hoping there is some X,Y,Z dance the machine could do with a tool to release and latch it into a mount without extra motors/servos etc. A tool mount that could do that maybe complex would it might beat having extra motors easy if it is elegant and has great MTBF. No living hinges or flimsy push-push latches. Maybe it needs metal springs. I wonder if the mount mechanisms could actuate with 2-3 axes of motion if needed.

Fri Oct 4, 2019

I responded to an email from Chris about the simple extruder. More thought and reading is needed on the quick coupling concepts...

I updated the D3D v18.10 BOM with 3/8" nuts and resolved the comments. I selected what I thought was the most universally useful for the price. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eCYxQkOZ6GKS5zkTIKQneVsXDnhAc99Twsm2upWlFn8/edit#gid=0

Reading more about kinematic coupling and I looked up William's extruder work from today as well. I wonder how accurate 3d printed plastic couplings could be if bolted together. That appears to work for camera mounts, but I question the repeat accuracy. I also wonder about embedding 3 nut catchers in the carriage in such a way they would be compressed and not move much post assembly. Adding the requirement of complex off the shelf metal parts like balls and grooves would likely add cost. In the long run, they could be milled, but the accuracy requirements are likely higher than what will be achieved soon.

Sun Sep 29, 2019

Doing a little more research on kinematic coupling and tool changers. Immediately the need is just for a quick couple, but it would be nice if it was at least partially scalable for future tool changing needs.

I think there are ways to make a dock that effectively catches and releases tools without extra servo or stepper motors by using the force of moving the head in/out of the dock. I also think 3D printed plastic parts might be accurate enough for most printers if the design is good enough. I'm not familiar enough with the mechanics of kinematic coupling yet.


Sat Sep 28, 2019

emails about added links, simple extruder, and the printer manual docs.

Reviewed more STEAM Camp docs and made requests on the gdocs for the printer manual to fix the missing nuts.

Added more links and better organized some wiki pages since the previous ones I made were fairly bare. Adding one base starting wiki page for each project would help the new team get started on the wiki quicker and I see new templates using wiki code.

I updated PVC assembly with 10mm nuts and adjusted the heat bed relative to them to compensate for the ~0.5mm difference of 3/8" nuts assuming that is a better fit. The JB Weld method well always cause some variation. I think the heat break on the simple extruder could be shorter yet, but plenty of feedback is needed on the simple extruder assembly before assuming anything.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc

I think it would still be best to migrate the simple extruder and assembly to its own repo or something similar.

Fri Sep 27, 2019

I linked a few things in the STEAM Camp doc and added links to connect pages better on the wiki.

Thurs Sep 26, 2019

I've been reviewing the STEAM Camp material and thinking about critical feedback I see in some of the interviews. So I made some notes on collaboration efficiency in my general working doc.

I've also been thinking about a better tool head attachment. Even for the PVC frame. It probably isn't stiff enough for heavier milling, but tool head quick attaches and even automated tool changers are important for making the D3D more of a small universal micro-factory CNC machine. One issue I can see is mounting to the U-Axis carriage currently requires mounting around it on both sides. The other open-source solutions kinematic coupling with three points and this seems ideal. Given there are already open-source designs by lulzbot, e3d, and others we should be able to adapt something without reinventing the wheel. Maybe even just pick and existing standard. The question is how best to mount it to the carriage. If it is feasible I can see reasons to add some bolt holes to the carriage if it makes it more universal it is a win.

https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,622267,622362

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinematic_coupling

http://download.lulzbot.com/


kinematic coupling

D3D tool changers

Mon Sep 23, 2019

I made comments to multiple D3D files about the lack of M10 nuts required to fit over the 8mm rods for JB welding the heat bed as shown in the printer manual.

Looking at other printer BOM's...

Sun Sep 22, 2019

I responded to an email from Marcin about the Simple Extruder assembly and STEAM camps.

uploaded photo of the simple extruder assembly.

Working out more PVC assembly details with the heat bed mounting (JB Welded nuts). I recently changed most of my Freecad installs over to the app image packages and just had to reinstall the fastener WB for some reason.

Another relevant side topic I researched recently is battery packs. We have a retired nomadic friend that visits the farm in winter who is science-oriented and recently shared a video of a battery pack build and said he would like to try a build this winter. His goal is to design a small solar and battery pack system for periodic portable cooking because the cost is now low enough it might save him money over gas tanks. I'm skeptical of it, but I learned quite a bit from him before about such topics so I will document anything that comes of it. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iUEES6Pqmc6Fz3nmrmUMhBxXQI_egm7yCMXfZ0wrr-0/edit#slide=id.p

The printer manual appears to reference and BOM that does not include large enough nuts to go over the 8mm rods. It looks like it needs to be 4 x M10 nuts. Further investigation is needed.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LRL6PQtWm0LT6j6YNjLNjDAdbKkd3TmO8_aOBdfskhI/edit#slide=id.g41779cb437_4_98

Sun Sep 1, 2019

edited meeting doc again and added reevaluation of meetings to the agenda to see if we can get more attendees at a different time if needed. The meetings tend to be more broad brainstorming that veers off focus some, but individual progress reports are useful for the big picture. I think we need to create more jitsi meets as needed in case of overlapping meetings. https://meet.jit.si/OSE_Dev_Team_Meeting 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RvglDNOgP5idzJ0ZvKq1EktuatM23rJ4pMLI5degjYo/edit#slide=id.g1861bf60d5_0_6

I'm trying to adjust the filament path angle more, but having trouble rotating or attaching the sketch to a datum plane correctly.

I added the nema 17 motor mounting bracket. I think the simple extruder should be moved and restructured under it's own gitlab project, but the gitlab site is glitching at the moment.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware

Sat Aug 31, 2019

I made repeated small changes to the simple extruder parts to find ideal alignment of the plastic parts, bolt holes and filament path. At first I expected to leave the bolt points alone, but after fixing the symmetry in the filament path and experimenting with the angle/spring tension it was clear the bolt point on the tension arm didn't look right. It is a concern to experiment with the bolt points because of post-print shrinkage. General experimentation done on the original may effectively need to be redone since the CAD is redrawn from measurements anyway. I made notes on a possible mod to the spring design, but making it more compact looks like it has tight tolerances and will require a lot of experimentation with prints so that is something for later.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder


Tues Aug 27, 2019

made adjustments to simple extruder including the plastic parts. I'm trying not to change most of the original metrics since they appear to be accurate caliper measurements, but somethings seem way off around the filament path. So I'm centering some holes symmetrically and I added measurements in spreadsheets based on the NEMA17 standard.

I added a "spring" for more visuals. I think I can use datum plants and lines to help find the right positions for the filament holes. I increased thickness of the spring base bracket as well. It would be nice to countersink a standard hex socket M3 instead of the countersunk head style screw. It also seems the bolt in the spring could be eliminated, but that may require some prints to refine the fit due to shrinkage etc. I'm also thinking some of the CAD needs to be bigger due to measurements of the original PLA due to shrinkage. Changing the angle of the bearing bracket only made it look worse.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder

Mon Aug 26, 2019

I keep finding more slight alignment issues. Looking back at the recent photos there appear to be a known issues. Most of these details will never be that perfect when cut by hand and there must be enough slop in the PLA parts they bolt up anyway, but it is nice to get the CAD close to check all the measurements. The filament path definitely looks like some updates would help feed.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder

Sat Aug 24, 2019

Reworking at the simple extruder mounting bracket assembly. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder

The current simple mounting bracketing style is similar to the e3d bracket. In photos the original looks like a black metal angle bracket. The new printed version that looks possibly warped a little. So, something in between would be better. Also, because it mounts between the base block and the motor there may be thermal issues. This seems likely given the melted appearance of the spring bracket in photos. To prevent possible warping and given the need to push the temps up for materials other than PLA some insulating material like PTFE adhesive tape may help. PTFE tape appears to be used on the threads in the original photos already. I suppose a longer heat break could help as well, but it already looks to long in the current CAD. For flex filament I was assuming a custom Al milled design would be difficult, but for testing, I wonder if just using a longer heat break threaded up through the base block and ground on a wheel to shape would be good enough.

Tues Aug 6, 2019

created cad with spreadsheet for nema motors with some mounting details for adding to the simple extruder assembly.

I only entered data in the spreadsheet for nema 17, but it could probably be designed with more automated selection options depending on how much more hidden complexity is available in the freecad spreadsheet WB.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder

Sun Jul 28, 2019

tested simple extruder assembly and adjusted simple extruder metal part dimensions.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder

Fri Jul 26, 2019

I think I resolved the freecad error with the nozzle file. I may understand it partly. 

The error message is: Object can only be in a single GeoFeatureGroup

I rebuilt the pads from the sketches, but first had to remove the body and part containers and re-add everything in the right order and place. I tried detaching the hex sketch and reattaching it, which kept giving the same error primarily because I kept clicking the wrong function. I was mistakenly clicking the negative loft button instead of additive. I explored the new additive and subtractive functions before with interesting results but frequently forget.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder/nozzle.FCStd

Wed Jul 24, 2019

I went to finish the nozzle and the file is somewhat corrupted. Using the compound function may have caused the problem. That workflow did not look good so I tried to delete it to do a fusion instead and that is when problems started. The part design WB then detected issues and started suggesting migration to the new part WB. I tried auto migration and other ways. One fix suggests separate part bodies for each pad. Maybe that is a more correct workflow in some cases, but I think using different functions from other WB's including the loft changes the tip or creates a separate feature without a body by default causing confusion. I may also have attempted moving different features to the body or part containers at different times by dragging them that caused issues as well. I need to understand the suggested workflow for bodies and part containers better. I may need to delete the pads and recreate them by reattaching the sketches. Or it may be faster to try redoing it in a different order.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder/nozzle-glitch.FCStd

I also looked at and experimented with the heat bed size, the printable area and how it is defined in Marlin.

I also added some info to Analysis of PLM Software Conflict Resolution. Generally improving the collaboration software abilities seems important, but with few contributors, it remains a lower priority. However, this is somewhat a paradox since ease of use would encourage more users to engage in prototype development.

Tue Jul 23, 2019

added simple extruder files to https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/Simple%20Extruder

I'm guessing the dimensions from the photos & using spreadsheets so these can be changed easily later.

I got most of the spreadsheets & CAD done for the metal parts of the simple extruder. The sheet values are approximate on a few things, but I tweaked them to look close.

The spreadsheets and values are surprisingly easy to edit. I wasn't really able to break them. If you move alias cells it clears them in the sheet, but not in the CAD values, so it is fairly easy to fix. It is time-consuming with all the data entry but looks worth it in the long run.

Sat Jul 20, 2019

I see the continuing work on the OSE Simple Extruder. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fWUX8ynAdqcn6Fvs6 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17BLyvyk1EbrMOhkCfeSwByAq86SemSLX https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/William_Neal_Log#Thursday_June_27

While there is a lot of flexibility in the PVC and clamp design one of the less exact remaining details is the mounting if the extruder and its position relative to the bed. A mod of the E3D bracket should work fine, but a better quicker modular system would be useful. I'm curious to see what open solutions lulzbot uses.

Lulzbot has cat guards, which must be open source. This seems similar to an "enclosure". Reprap forums suggested while it may be legal for many to build enclosures individually it should not be discussed due to the yet unexpired patents.

In order to run Printers indoors or outdoors, animal guards would be useful. https://ohai.lulzbot.com/project/cat_guard/accessories/

Moved the extruder mount underneath the carriage this gets it much close to the bed. The Simple extruder might be close to long enough. However, I'm uncertain about wiring and cable chain logistics.

Fri Jul 19, 2019

added more comments on soil mixer brainstorming. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RJg3LyG_jI_gmUwBFuwNjbAMVUmuYUo7uQVjLDV9Qiw/edit#slide=id.g5dc8542d49_11_96


adding plastic 3D printed parts section to BOM and sections in wiki/part gallery to note printing tests and recommended parameters. Tested print settings could also be individually listed in STL file pages. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lgtDWFMfNn7fEidPdlap_8PqSDXJFyM_AKvdjq6KSWs/edit#gid=0

Thurs Jul 18, 2019

reviewed more CEB soil mixer info and returned Aidan's email.

Wed Jul 17, 2019

got email from Aiden yesterday whom I missed in the jitsi meet. Added some scribblings to the soil mixer doc. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RJg3LyG_jI_gmUwBFuwNjbAMVUmuYUo7uQVjLDV9Qiw/edit#slide=id.g5dc8542d49_4_0

It is a little hard to visualize in 3d so far. The height logistics of loading design over a press as well as the feeding and exiting of materials seems difficult. Rotating it 45 deg is a half solution. Maybe a more complex drawer design would be worth considering. I can imagine the drawer system will need cleaning due to cement. I think the cement access will need a cover to keep water out in case that is sprayed into the soil hopper as well.

I like the metered/dosing concept for 1 block at a time. I think that will reduce the need for raw horsepower frequently seen on big batch mixers. A good hammermill is important to since soil types vary. With test SCEB's here I think many of the poorer higher cement content ones have chips, slight crumbliness, weakness due to poor mixing. If the clay is moist it clumps and can't mix well with sand. Here the soil is mostly silt, sand, rocks, & sandstone often on top of a hard moist clay layer 18" down or so. Even if there is enough material in some areas on location digging the right amounts and thorough mixing are a challenge. In fact, in some cases I can see it needs to be dug, then dried some then milled so it powders and mixes better.

Tues Jul 9, 2019

cleaned up meeting doc for next week. Reviewing D3D BOM's trying to decide which parts & features to drop or add.

Sun Jul 7, 2019

Continued reviewing workshop info and the D3D CNC Mill CAD, which is impressive.

I see improvements all around in the workshop media. The hard part seems to be getting critical feedback from workshop participants, especially less technical people for which more feedback is needed to refine the educational media. I think the technical peoples perspective is generally it's nice to review the detailed engineering info and it is great for the average person to learn lots of STEM. But, what is most useful from the less technical persons perspective?

At first, I was thinking a lot of the info is also geared towards more visual learners and maybe other styles need to be covered as well, but I also see the OSE Design Manuals have outlined lists even though they are in slides, so there is room to consider more of both. Obviously, the hands-on shop parts are probably everyone's favorites, but since the lectures are likely precursors to specific shop work getting everyone up to speed is helpful to the swarm effect. As usual to refine all that practically requires a whole other team.

Also getting part counts into https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lgtDWFMfNn7fEidPdlap_8PqSDXJFyM_AKvdjq6KSWs/edit#gid=0


Fri Jul 5, 2019

I listened to some videos from the workshop and glanced over the 2" U-Axis doc, but still, don't have a clear picture of many concepts. I'm surprised at the size of the CNC Mill if I'm understanding correctly it may have about a 2' working area/volume? I figured for a precise mill for small metal parts that several inches would be sufficient.

A question: Given that much of the OSE workflow tends to bias towards visual learning styles how might the guided learning style in workshops be done to enable those of other learning styles to better understand existing visual documentation tools and apps?

Individuals can choose different tasks that suit their style, but we need people to learn freecad from whatever approach suits them. There were other requests for more vocabulary definitions and a glossary was a suggested solution that would be ideal. There are also existing wiki's and docs for apps like freecad, for which more links could be provided and reviewed in the lectures.

Updated my working doc (top right) with a pros/cons list of using another spreadsheet to speed swarm work of part spec collection prior to CAD drawings. I think it might be faster in ways, but I'm uncertain about the overall flow and hangups. Current methods in design sprints and workshops are to lookup the links in the BOM and find specs for parts you pick. There is some double work looking up interfacing parts specs even in a workshop where individuals can directly communicate it requires more time and interruptions. This should leave more time for needed for discussion of clearances/tolerances and understanding interactions between parts.

Thurs Jul 4, 2019

away from my Linux workstation still without a good laptop, but I've reviewed some of the active steam camp materials. Interesting to see the development and discussion as usual. I'm trying to understand the details for the 2" Universal Axis. It looks like they need a number of changes to be ready for printing.

I added a spreadsheet to File:2axismotorpiece.fcstd because I think Williams FreeCAD Workflow seems ideal for sharing consistent data values across many similar parts quickly.

Maybe a gdoc sheet would be good too. It could be sectioned with values shared across parts and changed in real-time. It should be easy to copy/paste those cells to freecad sheets then there is less data entry for each person and values remain consistent. It should also reduce typos. When values are uncertain it is also easy to copy lists of needed dimensions to keep dev's on the right track and remind people what data is still missing.

Mon Jul 1, 2019

I finished cutting up the PVC sch 40 pipe a while back for the D3D PVC Mini. I'm traveling for a few days but hope to figure out how to collaborate more during the workshop.

For the D3D PVC Mini I need to do more precise CAD of the simple extruder for which some CAD is not yet done. I think I can approximate a placeholder good enough.

I also need to further research the sources from existing BOM's. Jon reported issues for D3D Ohio parts and I'd like to avoid those.

I'm not far from ordering parts, but some of the little details are going to be important to verify first.

I'm glad to hear the STEAM Camp chose to do the Torch Table project. I think the priority order is Torch Table, CNC Router, Metal Printer. Because the Table has been in waiting for a while and well accelerate other projects significantly. The CNC Router is next because it can take lower precision parts and make them higher precision via subtractive work. The metal printer is relatively unknown and creates small low precision parts initially. Empirical testing is needed to find the hangups for the metal printer, but the use cases are more long term.


Tues Jun 18, 2019

Busier than expected with farm guests lately, but I am continuing on the D3D PVC Mini. I've cut sch 40 3/4" PVC to ~10.66" for testing. I already observe at such short lengths it is quite rigid. At 2ft it has noticeable flex under force, but infills could reduce that significantly. Vibration is harder to judge, but when supported well at both ends peices don't visibly vibrate much.

Fri Jun 7, 2019

added a bed holder to the assembly. It still needs a different design because of the offsets with the frame. To keep the bed holder length short it would be better to move the Z axis inside, but it also doesn't look like that will fit with the clamp.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware

Tues Jun 4, 2019

Busy with farm guests so likely to miss the meeting.

Next steps trying to get good enough measurements of the simple extruder to create an assembly to help determine which way is best to orient the extruder on the X-axis.

Sat Jun 1, 2019

attempted FEM in FreeCAD on rods some trouble at first, but finally succeeded on the tube as well. I'm uncertain how easy it would be to add complexity and multiple part assemblies and materials. It seems to only work well in simplicity, but part of that is technical experience as well. At first I was concerned with following tutorials closer and in the same order, but I think the errors were fixed by resets of freecad and finer mesh when needed. Attempting a realistic large scale 4ft gantry of the Universal axis may not be worth the time. I'm uncertain yet if it can model the compression and stiffness concepts.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/tree/master/Hardware/FEM


Tues May 28, 2019

Added more notes.

Working on CAD assembly. moving X axis alignment. Further grouping and labeling all parts and axis' as similar to exiting OSE D3D machines as possible.


Mon May 27, 2019

Reviewing simple extruder and researching many other CNC/3D printer related ideas. Notes and documentation in Working Doc above.

Sun May, 26, 2019

Lots of printer research, YT videos, reprap.org, and OSE are all helpful. I can see 24V is a tempting mod given most of the electronics are designed to run at even higher voltages, but starting with a small printer I doubt there are many power or performance issues. I have not found any better info about PVC with cement in small pipes so I am skeptical but hopeful. Even #2 (1/4") rebar won't fit in 3/4" sch 40 PVC. I'm getting 20ft of sch 40 PVC because it comes in 10ft sticks and the extra I can use for testing. Hoping to see some operational data on D3D Ohio v18.02 soon too. I've been thinking about the mounting of all components & wiring. It would be nice if a single box for the components can be made slim, distribute mass & add bracing to the structure as well. It is hard to add angle braces without blocking access to the bed.

I'm also reviewing the simple extruder, which is indeed simple. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PRpAmQNzDs5laibZo86weuMaEYJLBIvFwt3KOx8DPn8/edit#slide=id.g51b7c7f1c2_0_4 I'm uncertain of mounting options. It doesn't look like I can just use existing parts. My first thought was the hot end should be mounted towards the Z axis so the bed rails can be as short as possible, but there is the clamp to clear. I'm curious about bed size, mass, & Z motion. Is it reasonable to imagine an 8" print area with only 1 Z?

I added groups/folders to the CAD assembly for easier axis motion. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc

fascinating thread on composite frames PVC is mentioned. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,578597,579248

Fri May 24, 2019

searched for more info on cement in PVC and I found some interesting links, but nothing similar. Listening/watching many 3d printer build videos, reviewing BOM's and looking at part options and prices.

started mod of extruder motor mount. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/extruder%20motor%20mount.FCStd

Thurs May 23, 2019

Reviewing lots of 3d printer info lately and it seems RAMPS has a lot of potential upgrades or issues to fix depending on how you look at it. It looks like RAMPS is still used mostly because it is somewhat robust or at least cheap to burn out. I suspect I'm going to want Trinamic drivers just because of the noise factor since I've set up the printer space next to my desk. TMC2130's are apparently all around more efficient too. It looks like it is better to run them at 24V though, which would require even more customizing. I don't see many variations in the RAMPS with quality components & heat sinks etc. there is the cheap and the expensive.

Adapting a quick attach looks complex without more experience and a working 3d printer to test PLA parts with. Adapting the titan bracket looks easy to start, but it is different. It is thinner than the previous mk8 style bracket and may not offer enough clamping force or strength if it gets warm? So, I'll try merging the old and new together in CAD.

Tues May 21, 2019

thinking about the alignment part and axis length. I don't think it needs much space to work. Also considering extruder attachment methods.

meeting prep.

Looking at the old Mk8 Style extruder motor holder for potential modifications.

Mon May 20, 2019

changed x axis and added to assembly. needs more alignment.

Sun May 19, 2019

found the angular misalignment of the carriages and constrained them further. I started to add the extruder, but the 3.5MB size is a bit much and I don't see any easy way to reduce it. I think the X axis needs customizing to length first anyway.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc

Thurs May 16, 2019

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc numerous updates and simplifications of axis' parts. Much smaller files in some cases, but with enough features to position parts in assemblies accurately. Testing of newer freecad versions.

Testing A2P WB and it works much better than A2 WB just because there are no long hangups, but I do think I've run into some other issues. It is much faster and simialr enough it is easy to use though.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/assembly%20plus.FCStd

X axis appears to be unlevel from the side I think some of the clamps may be at slightly different levels due to constraint picking.

Tues May 14, 2019

reviewing File:Xy bracket.fcstd and File:D3Dfinalassemblyv1902.fcstd recent changes to consider part use overlap or versioning.

Sat May 11, 2019

more re-assembly of D3D with new XY bracket.

Note for the changes to File:Xy bracket.fcstd I reworked the part off measurements and in doing so thought I'd see if just drawing half of it and mirroring would be faster. In hindsight I doubt this helped much. Checking & copying measurements or sketches from other parts takes about as much time and there may be reasons to break the symmetry. Also, the mirror function being in the part WB makes the workflow seem a little confusing. The newness of the body & part structures and how it shows in the tree are primarily what made it seem odd.

I'm still thinking about slots versus holes and I'm curious if it can be used to offset the bed (with another part) up to reach the nozzle from the overhead X axis.

Something weird is going on. Every time I try to adjust the length of the rods in the axis' the length between the top and bottom Z clamps measures slightly shorter as if the frame is adjusting smaller as well for some reason!!? Oh, missing constraints allowing movement of clamp.

resolved axis length. https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc

If the XY Bracket gets slots the X axis ends can be made flush with the back of the brackets. It is only 0.2" off one way from that now. With slots lining up the position correctly is the only major potential point of error in the assembly I can see now.

Fri May 10, 2019

Writing return email to Marcin. Looking at X-Y axis alignment on D3D Mini PVC. The X-Y angle bracket isn't quite symmetric, but the holes line up with the larger U-Axis parts, but not the holes in the short idler. I'm wondering if a slotted XY bracket would help make mounting various designs easier. Keeping to the universal parts is still a challenge given various sizes of frames and axis length possibilities.

The bed height to the extruder nozzle needs to be solved as well. Bolting some existing parts together should work as in similar designs, but I don't see what is easiest yet. For some aspects it looks like changing rod length and/or mount points would still be easier.

https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc/blob/master/Hardware/D3D%20Mini%20PVC%20Full%20Assembly.fcstd

I'm trying to understand the XY bracket misalignment more thoroughly to decide what is the more future proof universally compatible part to change. Making slots seems more future proof except that it creates the possibility of slip and error in physical assembly. I see the v19.0x use the half-carriage, but that doesn't make sense for this design and simplicity would be nice all around. I see the XY bracket sketches aren't constrained and look off, but they appear to constrain and align well in assembly. The asymmetry is only the first issue to fix. The length for this printer is different from the original use, which is why I'm considering slots. If more holes are added it will work for only the current build designs, but slots will give flexibility for future size variations.

Sat May 4, 2019

reworking D3D Mini PVC full assembly https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc


Fri May 3, 2019

catching up on FreeCAD status. https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=35546 FreeCAD 0.18 is technically officially released to source code at least. 0.18 includes mostly backend updates like python 3 support and other good long term under the hood fixes. So effectively skipping 0.17 may be fairly easy.

I see the issue I noticed before with a FreeCAD version not fully loading is 0.18.1, which is the current official stable version. FreeCAD Daily 0.18 loads ok. 0.17 is running from an app image I think. I see many new interesting workbenches I haven't tried before in the add-on manager.

Reworking the D3D Mini PVC with more separate parts like the carriages on the axis' also makes the assembly more complex. I see that the freecad assembly forum thread suggests for most simple assembly needs the part and body containers relative and absolute positioning is good enough.

Tues Apr 30, 2019

improving CAD for the full assembly of https://gitlab.com/Abe_Anderson/d3d-mini-pvc

Fri Apr 26, 2019

Almost done with the 3D Printer shelf I think, but I'm more busy with spring planting etc.

I found some interesting 3D printed garden seeding tools and companion planting patterns. I've been hoping to find simple tools and ways to automate more complex seeding patterns. There are many plastic seed tools I've seen that might be 3d printable, but accuracy is probably important for small seed tools. Maybe adjustable tools could be designed as well. If the print quality is low precisely drilling holes ends up being needed anyway.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:23466 http://organic.kysu.edu/CompanionSpacing.shtml

Besides having shelf done for a printing workspace I need to RTM, develop and go through checklists for what 3D Printer parts I need to order f

Retrieved from "https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=AbeAnd_Log&oldid=201114"