More Pix

I took a few more pix and video of my machine in action. I was able to get a few more prints off the machine when it broke again.

My machine fell victim to UV resin-dissolving ABS-eater again. 

The 'before' pic

Some of the aftermath

I rebuilt the Z-Axis Build-Arm.

I used some 5mm aluminum plating I had laying around to re-build the z-axis build arm. I added some 5mm bolts with double nuts on the bottom to help adjust the build plate to parallel with the vat. Wingnuts tighten down the top.

Gender-bending required.

 I'm adding some basic serial control of the projector through an open serial port. I purchased a small F-F gender bender and started some programming. Instead of simply hard-coding some commands to control my projector, I took a more universal approach that allows the user to create new commands, give it a name, and assign a hex string to send to the projector.

The relocated power panel.

 I moved the power panel from the back of the machine to the side panel. I plan on adding another small panel for connection to the USB hub connected to the usb/serial connector to the serial port of the projector. I also have the Arduino connected to another port on the USB hub.

Goldberg Sphere. 50 micron accuracy Z, 100 micron X/Y, Dimensions are 15x15x15mm

I had a few more good prints out of my machine before it died again. I am very proud of the resolution attainable.

The rear bearing holder piece broke. I was sloppy with my dripping resin.

I really need to take more care and caution in dealing with chemicals. I've damaged several ABS printed parts to UV Resin. I printed another rear bracket. I just may soak it in UV resin and cure it to create a meta-material part.

The weird part about these parts dissolving is that they simply crumble into pieces. I've treated many ABS parts with acetone vapor, and parts simply 'Melt' a bit like cheese or butter, to smooth and harden parts. This UV Resin must be destroying the long CH bonds from the polymer molecules in the ABS. I think if I want to try a chemical UV bath and curing session for an ABS part, I should do it quickly before the ABS has a chance to break down.

 I'm already ordering parts for the next version of the printer. I'm going to name this version the "Mark I". The 'Mark II' version will have a much smaller projector that I recently ordered http://www.aaxatech.com/products/p2jr_pico_projector.html . My plan is to make a z-axis with a single linear rail and simplified build plate/vat design.

I also ordered a peristaltic pump. My plan is to have a simple forward/reverse switch connected to the pump to control the flow of resin in/out of the vat. 

We'll see what the next iteration of the machine will hold. For now, I'm going to fix my machine, keep printing, and improve my "Creation Workshop".