3D Printer Workbench Work Proposal

Problem Statement

Designing 3D printer variants with pre-designed OSE parts and modules in FreeCAD is time-consuming and cumbersome.

Solution

Develop a FreeCAD workbench to streamline the design of 3D printer variants using pre-designed OSE parts and modules.

Proposal

1. FreeCAD macro for changing the lengths of Universal Axis objects
   • Creates a FeaturePython object or Scripted object from UniversalAxisSimple.FCStd file within repository allowing users to interact with object at a high-level and modify custom properties like Length.
   • Additional properties can be added to this object in a later phase:
     • Axis Orientation
       • X, Y, Z
     • Motor Orientation / Position
       • Left or Right
     • Belt Catcher Orientation
       • Up or down
     • Rod size
       • 8mm, 1”, 2”
2. FreeCAD workbench for assembling multiple Universal Axis objects together
   • Initialize workbench repository and codebase
   • Add 3 buttons to generate Universal Axis objects in different orientationsI:
     • 1) Universal X Axis 2) Universal Y Axis 3) Universal Z Axis
   • Need to copy and modify import part functionality in A2plus for our purposes
     • Main problem with using A2plus functionality as is:
       • Combines parts together removing the ability to manipulate individual pieces like lengths of rods
     • Prove out “assembling” existing FCStd files into a single document
3. Add Frame button to Workbench
   • Why start with frame as opposed to considering D3D Universal configurations first?
     • D3D pro configurations have more axes, are more tedious to resize, and will benefit more greatly from automation.
   • Generates frame from FCStd file in repository
   • Assume X YY ZZ configuration to start
     • Clicking Universal Y Axis button will generate 2 objects with default placements
     • Allow different configurations at a later phase (e.g. 4 Z axes for > 12” beds or 2 X axes)
   • Attach Axes to frame when clicked
   • Assume static and fixed frame size
     • Allow resizing frame at a later phase
   • Assume cubic frame shape
     • Allow rectangular shapes in a later phase
   • Determine if it makes sense to allow resizing axes individually when attached to cubic frame
4. Assess progress and determine next steps:
   • Enhance Universal Axis object with additional properties
   • Design and develop interaction between frame and axes when resizing frame
   • Explore workbench interactions when designing D3D Universal configurations (self-supporting 3 axes)

How does this proposal relate to existing work?

There was a similar effort around late 2017 to early-to-mid 2018 by Steven Kaiser and Ruslan Krenzler with the D3D Workbench and Piping Workbench.

The D3D workbench was merely a start, and it so far has a frame only, but made of PVC pipe, which is not our main branch of development. Though, it's useful for anyone wanting to build with PVC.

This proposal is for a new branch of development related to the idea of a OSE 3D Printer FreeCAD workbench starting in early 2019.