Description:
The main frame structure, built from laser-cut galvanized 3mm steel, is extremely strong and simple to assemble, and eliminates the need for several printed parts due to the use of steel parts instead of threaded rods for the "Y" subframe (as in the original Prusa i3 and many of its variants).
The frame history you can find here: http://reprap.org/wiki/P3Steel
Kit includes:
- Prusa i3 3mm Steel Laser cut (aka Leonardo) 2.5 frame
- Bolts and Nuts to assemble the frame
Optional stainless steel rods:
- 2x - 8mmx385mm smooth rods
- 2x - 8mmx350mm smooth rods
- 2x - 8mmx330mm smooth rods
- 2x - M5x300mm threaded rods
Optional Protein parts, printed in ABS plastic: http://reprap.org/wiki/P3Steel_Proteins
- Gregs wade extruder plastic parts for Prusa i3 3mm Steel Laser cut frame.
- 3x Endstop holders
- X-Axis motor end
- X-Axis idler end
- X-Axis carriage
- Y-Axis belt holder
- Y-Axis Idler end
- 1x Hoobed Bolt
Steel as a building material has several advantages over e.g. aluminum
- Steel is one of the least expensive building materials available - structural steel is 10 times cheaper than aluminum.
- Laser cutting steel is easier and cheaper than cutting aluminum.
- Steel is stronger than aluminum.
Disatvantages
- Steel is 3 times heavier than aluminum, although this could be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage, in the sense that a heavier frame does not tend to vibrate as much as a lighter frame. Also, if we consider the total weight of the printer, the difference between an aluminum frame and a comparable steel frame is not that much (around 2.5kg extra).
- Structural (carbon) steel requires painting or galvanizing for protection against corrosion. Stainless steel, of course, does not require painting.
The P3Steel design is for 3mm thick steel and with lots of carvings to reduce weight. All square holes and tabs have special rounded corners for accommodating corresponding parts and give a very good fit between parts. The design has slots for M3 nuts in the places where the screws fit so no threading is required.
Improvements over the standard Prusa i3
- Stronger frame due to the use of structural steel.
- Solves the frame flexing thanks to its reinforcement squares.
- Simplifies the construction, eliminating the complex subframe of threaded rods in the Y-axis.
- Once assembled, everything is in place, no adjustments needed.
- Eliminates the need for several printed parts.
- The steel mounts for motors and rods are much stronger than their plastic counterparts.
- The only two threaded rods needed are the ones for the Z-axis (5mm).
- Uses shorter smooth rods lowering the build costs.
- Once assembled, it forms a compact, solid structural unit that can be transported as a block.
If you need any other parts to include in this kit, just add note when you complete the purchase.