Folgertech Kit

Source of Kit

• See [1]

Build Instructionss from Folgertech

These contain details, but procedures are inefficient and not in the same order as should happen in a swarm XM build. These are modified for the OSE case, though individual details are still relevant.

• Folgertech's Google Drive - [2]

Build Pictures

See Folgertech Prusa i3 OSE Google Drive].

Build Review

• See copious data points in the spreadsheet at Data Collection

Improvements

Resolved

1. Automatic bed leveling. See Research_On_Inductive_Proximity_Sensors and Tobbens_Adding_Inductive_Proximity_Sensor_Log.
2. Y-carriage bearing holders with 1mm more space for bearings. See File:3xmetali3standoff2 1mmExtraAlongLinBearing.stl.

Wish List

1. SD support - [3] and [4]
2. Bluetooth support - [5] and [6]
3. Anti-backlash nut case and belt tensioner - [7]
4. Cable chain, endstop improvements, etc. - [8] and [9]
5. Libre sensor and fan brackets for Folgertech Prusa found here. Our copy of the same files: File:Induction Sensor Fan Bracket for Folgertech Prusa.zip. Also see elkayem's solution on thingiverse. Print in heat resistant material (not PLA).
6. X-carriage with space for 1mm longer linear bearings and easier and more straight belt mounting

Other Instructionals

• Reddit thread on building FPi3 - [10]
• Github Community Folgertech Prusa i3 documentation - [11]. No alignment procedure mentioned.
• Extensive list on Folgertech Prusa i3 2020 resources - [12]
• Build videos - [13]
• Wikia page - [14]
• The Folgertech Drive source itself is updated - [15]

Software/Firmware

• Firmware - Marlin, uploaded via Arduino IDE interface. Firmware is used to only communicate with software, to interpret g-code as related to the geometry of the 3D Printer - for example delta vs. right angle configuration.
• Software - on host computer - Repetier. Calls upon Slic3r for slicing strategy. Appears to control various 3D Printer parameters.

• What settings are adjusted in the firmware, and what settings are adjusted in the software?

• Note that firmware may have to be updated based on the specifics of the 3D printer. So for example, we may not be able to use the same Marlin as Prusa i3 Marlin - so we download one version already set for ours - Folgertech 2020 Prusa i3 Marlin. (it turned out that most of the motors were reversed in this firmware compared to original build from the Folgertech instructional, and the x endstop had to be changed from its position of MIN to MAX as in the Improvements section above.)
• Marlin is one option for firmware. Others are Repetier Firmware, RepRap Firmware, Teacup, Franklin.

Reprap Wiki Page on Gcode

Maps how gcode is implemented in different firmwares. - http://reprap.org/wiki/Gcode For something on how firmwares' implementation of gcode could be improved regarding modularity concepts, see Gcode_Modularity.

Links

• XM Prusa i3 Procedure
• Tobbens_Folgertech_Kit_Unboxing_Log