Alright – its a long time since the last Stablebot update! Since I’ll be presenting on the stablebot, at VERRF, I want to do a writeup on what it is and what it’s not!
Without further ado - What is the Stablebot Core?
The Stablebot Core intends to be a scalable motion platform that utilizes E3D’s toolchanging specifications to use tools.
Primary uses are :3D Printing with Light milling (in the form of ASMBL), Coloring, Pick and place, and pretty much anything else that only has light side loading on the toolhead!
Key Features:
- E3D and Jubilee TC head compatible (requires adjustment for both)
- Scalable – Pick a Size, it can probably be made with the one-size-fits-all joint pieces.
- Only variables are Length of Extrusion, lead screws, linear rail, and the square bed cut size, the rest of the components are identical regardless of total volume
- Strong
- Solid Joints using Laser-cut Aluminum or Steel Pieces
- All components for the frame+motion system are made of metal – Maximum rigidity!
- Open-Source
- Will release formulas for component sizing for a certain bed size
- No Proprietary Hardware – Can use Duet, Marlin, Klipper, Or Smoothie! - Configs will be available for Klipper+Duet
- .DXF’s/.STL’s for printed+laser-cut parts
- CoreXY motion
- 9mm Belts
- Linear rails (MGN12) on all movement axes
- Live-Leveling with triple-z axis motors using kinematic mounts
- Supports Any-size tools using easily-movable tool posts on modular 2020 rail
- Kinematically-coupled MIC6
- Bed AC heater
- Enclosable – All components are inside 2020 Frame – make your own panels!
- On-Platform Automated Tool Alignment
- Uses A USB camera and TAMV to align tools automatically, meaning that tool swaps can be done quickly and efficiently!
- Smart (or dumb!)
- One of the beautiful things about open-source is that I currently plan to support klipper and Duet configurations, but there’s absoulutely no reason a user can’t opt for their firmware+board of choice. All that will need to be done is to have the wiring converted over and a config created, based off my current settings.
- ATX Power supply
- Need more 5v power? Custom 24V ATX supply gives plenty for high-power 5v components such as Raspberry pi, neopixels, and so much more!!!
- Touch-Screen Control!
- Primary controller paths are both complimented by Raspberry Pi’s – Use any-size HDMI-based touchscreen, and mount anywhere you like!
What is the Stablebot Core Not?:
- Ready for release
- Perfect
- A mill
- Extreme-Temp ready
When I started on this project, I definitely didn’t think I’d run into the issues I did, but I’m also happy that I didn’t run into the issues I thought I would!
Things I think I’m done with:
- Motion System – the mechanics are working great! Speeds of 150mm/s+ are plenty printable, the machine is rigid. There are more improvements to be made for damping to increase acceleration and jerk.
- Wiring – With extra-large machines, its especially hard to support the heavy wires and to keep them out of other tools.
- Tool posts – my design for toolposts is a touch fidgety to get the height correct – There is some improvements I have designed, but will need to print and remove old to assemble new
- Move motors outside of build volume – I will need to do some additional custom cuts to the upper 2040 rail to allow belts to pass through, but this will create space for 2 additional Hemera Tools
- Fine-Tune Lead-screw Height – Currently are slightly too tall especially on the rear of the machine, taking valuable tool space.
Things I have yet to try:
- ASMBL – I have the tool completely made, but have been focusing on other options
- Machine Vision
- Pick&Place
- Bowden Tools - Currently have Hemera+Slice(clone) tools with direct drive options.
- Full Enclosure – Can make panels from plastic for extra heat – put a fan to use the bed heater
