#Monolith Zero

I'm also getting pretty close to a working printer. It needs a toolhead and all of the electronics that I have already tested. At this point, I think I'll wait for my SLM parts to arrive…

Coming up with a nicely integrated, removable hinge design has proven to be one of the most challenging parts (at least for me) in this development phase…

In this episode, I made good progress on the XY gantry and the stepper mounts. The bed was also installed, but I don't like how tall these silicone spacers are. Although I've already put the gantry plates in place, but the screws weren't tightened because I wanted to see the alignment with the stepper shafts first…

Aside from the alignment and the Z-endstop, the Z-motion is almost done at this point. Before installing the 5mm thick bed holder, I realized that it would be such a QoL improvement if I made enough clearance for the MGN7H carriages to get past the plate. So, I modified the plate using a file and updated the CAD accordingly…

Monolith Zero Development build log 4 progress: F695s glued in, Gantry plates, Z-rails with bumpers, Feet

I got a little carried away with the M0 build today, so the thermal performance posts will have to wait until tomorrow. Yes, I'll probably split it into two, because it's a lot of data and explanation…

Progress: Completely disassembled the old IS test setup. Designed new Y-rail and blind joint jigs. Drilled the new blind joint holes using the updated jig. Partially assembled the frame and checked the fitment of the bottom panel…

Today, I post-processed the sheet metal parts for both printers. As I've said before, they're mostly 3mm alu plates with a couple of 5mm exceptions…

I designed an updated part for the old toolhead to support the U-groove idler. I can do direct flow rate comparisons using the milled copper block that I have.

I've spent the entire day finishing the sheet metal parts for both of my printers. It should be good enough now for a fully functional "all-metal" prototype…