Month: July 2016

Makelangelo News

Makelangelo 7.6.5 software update

2016-07-19 Dan

Get the files

[products skus=’FIRM-0001, SOFT-0001′]

multipass example

Added converter Multipass. You can adjust the angle and the number of passes.

Added converter Wander. You choose the number of lines, but not where they randomly travel.

machine size calculations

Added belt and servo wire length calculation to settings > machine panel. This will make it easier to order large-scale machines from Marginally Clever.

limit test

Added generator Limit Test. The gcode will travel around the outside edge of the paper and then return to home. This is very useful if you are running from an SD card.

preview electronics on makelangelo

Added visual of control box and stepper wires:

boxxy style

Improved Boxxy style (added infill):

new connect button

Simplified connect list & rescan to connect/disconnect button:

Also

  • Added ANSI, US, and Arch paper sizes
  • Improved DXF multilayer support, improved change tool message
  • Force log to bottom of file unless caret moved; shortened gui log for faster updates
  • Several bugfixes

Home position and calibration

Please print this calibration PDF, unscaled, on letter or A4 paper. Place it at the top center of your machine. the pen holder then lines up with the picture on the paper to get perfect calibration every time. This works extra good when you already have paper on the machine and you want to restart or continue a drawing using the “start at” feature.

firmware update

Please download and update to the latest firmware.

News

Jigsolve: Nozzle work

2016-07-07 Dan

The point of the robot is to let the internet finish a jigsaw puzzle. All problems trickle down from there. Starting at the frame was great fun, but maybe not the best place to begin. The nozzle head has gone through three redesigns and I suspect it will take three to five more before I get it right. It will affect the X carriage and gantry, which may affect the Y carriages, which may affect the corner mounts.

Anyways! Here’s the hollow shaft NEMA17 stepper motor I ordered.

Here’s the 3D printed adapter that will hold the vacuum hose on the back of the stepper.

I’ve sprayed the outside with white primer paint in the hope that it will seal microscopic holes in the print and maintain a good air-tight seal. I believe I need a thin layer of rubber between the plastic and the metal body of the stepper for a good seal. I tried a thin bead of hot glue, but testing shows the suction isn’t enough to lift a bottle cap.

Also the tonal pitch of the pump rises significantly when I put my finger over the pump inlet. It changes much less when I do the same at the silicone nozzle on the stepper, or on the stepper directly. I conclude there is an air gap in the 3D printed adapter and that this gap is on my hit list.