5 axis 3D printer project intro, external stepper driver test.

[@T0tenkampf]

interesting idea, subscribed

[@Firas95k]

Awesome work, got a question about the software you gonna use for slicing with 5axis

[@engineerunleashed]

Thank you! Regarding slicing for 5-axis, that’s probably going to be the most challenging part. I’ve seen other similar projects and they are using some custom stuff in SolidWorks (which I’ve never used yet). I am more familiar with Fusion 360 so another option would be to see if there is a chance of re-purposing the 5 axis features the CAM software provides for CNC machines. As a last resort, I am going to create some custom code to slice some sample models, I am indeed a software engineer, but to build a slicer from the ground up will be a hectic task for one single guy. I hope I can get my hands into some existing open source slicer and that they are not prohibitively complex.

[@berth2647]

@@engineerunleashed just my 2 cents........What if i just use my normal slicer for the x y z ( normal G-code) make a smart program that figures out wich servo or servos does the job to come there ... combine the new G-Code

[@victorlison3067]

What heat bed do you use?

[@engineerunleashed]

Initially I will use a really small print base instead of a heat bed, maybe an aluminium platform not bigger than 50mm by 50mm, that I can heat up with one or two heater cartridge like the ones we use to heat up the nozzle. If I use a traditional heat bed I will have a limitation when I turn the bed 90 degrees to either side, I have more chances to make the printing head collide with the bed. In spite of that, I should also consider making that interchangeable for a normal 220mm by 220mm for printing in traditional ways.

[@berth2647]

Great video ...what specs. do you expect from your machine ?

[@engineerunleashed]

Hey there! Thanks for asking. Honestly, I'm not totally sure about the final specs yet. It is going to be fast, I'll install big motors and a high-flow Mosquito hotend. As for the build volume, I haven't done the calculations just yet. My primary focus at the moment is figuring out how to slice the models properly in 5 axis - that's the real headache right now. Once the printer's up and running and the gcode's sorted, I'll start optimising and I will be more certain about the specs!