X5SA Printer Modification Log
Most reviews of the printer flag that it is essentially a good base, but has a number of problems out of the box. Previously I have redesigned the belt path brackets to ensure a parallel path for all belts, and while that is complete, I do need to add a better tensioning method for the reinforced belts which will allow a fine tuning of the X axis alignment. Although using blocks added to the back mounts has ensured that the x axis is fairly close to 90 degrees to the y axis.
The parts cooling flow is a problem since the duct provided with the kit does not ACTUALLY blow air onto the part under the nozzle. A number of options have been identified, and I've printed the multi nozzle option, but not convinced even that is directing air to the right place. This contributes to the messy first print of a replacement, which is currently being used after a tidy up with a file and cleaning out the nozzles with a 2.7mm drill. I think I may go back to a simpler two jet version which blows horizontally towards the extruder head, but the second print of this version is at least a little cleaner and shows less stringing, but is left with little blobs of extra material which I suspect is down to the long length of the Bowden tube, so the current print is for an option to mount the extruder drive over the framework rather than on the back right leg.
The original cooling fan mount with it's ducting is simply directing the air flow directly down and does nothing to cool the part at the extruder.
Functional part but with stringing and extra nibs of material, but nothing that could not be cleaned up.
Messy around the nozzle areas with obstructions to some of the nozzles which was cleaned out with a drill.
Print 2 using print 1 on the machine. Stringing is less, but still extra nibs of material.
Print 2 messy around the nozzle areas but less obstruction to the nozzles. While not prefect, a tidier part
So the next development is an arm which attaches to the middle of the rear rail and cants the filamnet out sensor and extruder drive above the back of the machine. This will allow the Bowden tube to be reduced from the 90+ cm that is currently needed to something closer to 20cm which has a lot of advantages when retracting and feeding. It should also make it easier when changing filament since getting at it on the back corner can be a problem. One thing I will look at when I move the main parts is the path inside the drive since getting a new filament in can be a bit hit and miss. A better guide into the Bowden tube may be appropriate, and I can probably turn a suitable part on the lathe if needs be.
Had to shuffle this over on the bed to get the print on the area I'd covered with masking tape, but what I'd missed is the problem with the pocket for the stepper motor.
The first print does not look too bad and has 'ironed' the top surface nicely, the the hole for the stepper motor is a mess!
I'm not sure just why the part is provided essentially 'up side down'. Printing the panel for the stepper motor in free air is one of the things the printer does not do well, so while I could hit this with the dremel and clean it up, the second print has been flipped over so that the panel is flat to the bed, and only the walls exist above.
The first print was projecting 14 hours, but actually finished in 12, the second one has a way to go, but is already looking a lot tidier at the motor end and is now building a clean wall. Still had a problem with the initial layer, but I'm sure it's something that can bee cleaned up easily enough.