Hi,
Here is a way to build a low-cost linear slide rail mechanism that can
be used to build a 3D printer. I was looking into building a cheap 3D printer
when I stumbled across a simple way to build a linear slide rail. I looked for
parts at local hardware and home improvement stores. I was able to buy
off the shelf parts and put together a frame with very little machining.
All I have had to do so far is cut some aluminum flat bar stock, cut some
round 1/4 inch metal rod, 1/4 inch threaded rod and drill some holes.
Mending plate bars come in 12-inch lengths. 1/4 inch smooth rod comes
in 36-inch lengths. By cutting two 12-inch lengths of 1/4 inch rod and
attaching one to each side of the 12-inch mending plate bar with electrical
tape and then fastening the ends of the bars/rods between large automotive
fender washers, you can create a 12-rail for about $5.00 dollars. The
grooves in patio door wheel bearings are almost a perfect fit for 1/4-inch
round rod. By using 4 patio door wheel bearings you can build a table that
can ride up and down the 12-inch linear rail with ease. The mending plate
bars have holes already drilled into them.
By using 12-inch long mending plate bars, right angle mending plate
brackets, some spacers, 1/4 inch nuts and bolts, 1/4 inch round rod, 1/4 inch
threaded rod, flange t-nuts, automotive fender washers and electrical tape, I
have been able to build a sturdy frame that can be used as a cheap platform
for CNC or 3D printing. So far the cost of the frame is about $180.00 dollars.
I still have to add the motors, electronics and 3D printing hot end, struder,
heated table and power supply.
Below are some pictures. I plan to use Basic4ppc and a PDA to interface
with a stepper motor controller to test out the slide mechanism.
Here is a way to build a low-cost linear slide rail mechanism that can
be used to build a 3D printer. I was looking into building a cheap 3D printer
when I stumbled across a simple way to build a linear slide rail. I looked for
parts at local hardware and home improvement stores. I was able to buy
off the shelf parts and put together a frame with very little machining.
All I have had to do so far is cut some aluminum flat bar stock, cut some
round 1/4 inch metal rod, 1/4 inch threaded rod and drill some holes.
Mending plate bars come in 12-inch lengths. 1/4 inch smooth rod comes
in 36-inch lengths. By cutting two 12-inch lengths of 1/4 inch rod and
attaching one to each side of the 12-inch mending plate bar with electrical
tape and then fastening the ends of the bars/rods between large automotive
fender washers, you can create a 12-rail for about $5.00 dollars. The
grooves in patio door wheel bearings are almost a perfect fit for 1/4-inch
round rod. By using 4 patio door wheel bearings you can build a table that
can ride up and down the 12-inch linear rail with ease. The mending plate
bars have holes already drilled into them.
By using 12-inch long mending plate bars, right angle mending plate
brackets, some spacers, 1/4 inch nuts and bolts, 1/4 inch round rod, 1/4 inch
threaded rod, flange t-nuts, automotive fender washers and electrical tape, I
have been able to build a sturdy frame that can be used as a cheap platform
for CNC or 3D printing. So far the cost of the frame is about $180.00 dollars.
I still have to add the motors, electronics and 3D printing hot end, struder,
heated table and power supply.
Below are some pictures. I plan to use Basic4ppc and a PDA to interface
with a stepper motor controller to test out the slide mechanism.
