Just a quick note about these important parts.   In my build instructions, I mentioned cleaning the rods to remove adhesive residue.  While this is very important, it also removes any oils from the surface (though as received mine were pretty dry).  A light coating of oil on the rods is important to smooth running and low friction.  If you look at the end of the bearing, there is a rubber seal.  If the rod is dry, this seal can stick to the rod and make a lot of friction.  I used a thin machine oil typically used to lubricate gun parts (please no comments about Americans and guns! 🙂 ).  A similar oil is that used to lubricate sewing machines, or a brand we have here called “3 in 1.”  Put some on a paper towel and run it over each rod.  That should make things nice and smooth!

In professional FDM machines a special high temperature silicone grease is used.  This is in part due to their use of a heated build chamber. I’ll be talking about lubrication of the machine in a later installment and some options for keeping the friction to a minimum.

OK, now on to the hot end construction.  Not all that bad, really, but a bit frustrating as you will see.  Based on some e-mail exchanges with Richard, your hot end parts and construction might be different.  Thus, as I was part of the first campaign, I’m sure he has incorporated many comments from early builders.  You get that benefit if you waited for the second or third batch!  If you are in that group, do share some pictures of the changes!  You can download Part 3 here: SumpodBuild3

The next installment will cover the final (hopefully) steps to complete the unit. This is primarily running wires, hooking everything up to the RAMPS board, some chassis wiring (power runs) and hot end connections.  I’ll probably devote a fifth installment to loading the RAMPS firmware and setting it up to work with this machine.  My intent is to use ReplicatorG here so a machine profile will need to be created.

And I guess if time permits, I’ll also collect some post-construction thoughts on improvements and experimental changes.  Of course, I want to get that first print out of the machine to prove it works!

This second installment of the build instructions completes the mechanical assembly of the Sumpod.  The right side panel is left off for now not only to do the assembly, but also to allow for final wiring.  Sypher, thanks for your comments on the pictures and I’ve tried to keep the backgrounds clean and include lots of closeups.

The next installment will be building the hot end.  Lots of interesting stuff there!

Sumpod Build Part 2

I decided to put the build instructions out in pieces and as .PDF files.  That way it doesn’t clutter up the blog posts and also provides for an offline copy.  The file is here: Building the SUMPOD_Part1 so enjoy!  And, do feel free to provide constructive criticism to improve the documentation.

Lots of parts!

Additive manufacturing is not only a hobby of mine, but also part of my day job as a college professor.  Recently, through a crowdfunding site called indiegogo.com, Richard Sum offered a new fused deposition modeler kit called the “SUMPOD.”  I ordered the kit in late July and it arrived in late October, just last week.  Patience is a virtue but I will admit I was getting a bit frustrated with a number of shipping dates being missed.  But the wait is over and I think you will see it was well worth it.