Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
3X Speed and reliability with custom rack and pinion linear actuators for my large format 3D printer.
Files, Parts, and Info: drdflo.com/LF3DP.html
Large Format Printer Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ9ac-f1U5V-FCBdhjv56bcvn9yc6JSfY
D-Flo's Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/dr.d-flo
New MDPE10 Extruder: massivedimension.com/products/mdpe10-massive-dimension-direct-print-particle-extruder
📷 Follow Dr. D-Flo on the Gram: instagram.com/dr.dflo
Having printed with hundreds of kilograms of pellets, I've experienced both the incredible potential and the limitations of my DIY Large Format 3D Printer. Further, the acquisition of a new pellet extruder, with a volumetric flow rate five times greater than its predecessor, necessitated immediate upgrades to essential parts of my printing process, including the actuators for improved speed and reliability.
In this video, I detail the process of designing and machining custom carriages to integrate rack and pinion linear motion systems for the X and Y axes (speed!) and ball screw actuators for the Z axis (reliable). I also discuss the workings of the rack and pinion system, its components, and share insights on optimizing this type of linear motion setup for peak performance
Table of Contents:
00:00 - Introduction
00:56 - Relocating Printer
02:00 - Print Speed
06:56 - Z-Axis Ball Screws
13:49 - Ball Screw Actuator Assembly
15:08 - Upgrading the Gantry
16:32 - Rack and Pinion (R&P)
17:09 - R&P Components
21:14 - R&P Tensioning
23:48 - Mounting Gear Racks
24:50 - R&P Testing
28:54 - R&P Actuators Assembly
37:46 - Floating Printhead
40:53 - Machining Carriage Plate
#3DPrinting #LargeFormatPrinting #rackandpinion
3X Speed and reliability with custom rack and pinion linear actuators for my large format 3D printer.
Files, Parts, and Info: drdflo.com/LF3DP.html
Large Format Printer Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ9ac-f1U5V-FCBdhjv56bcvn9yc6JSfY
D-Flo's Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/dr.d-flo
New MDPE10 Extruder: massivedimension.com/products/mdpe10-massive-dimension-direct-print-particle-extruder
📷 Follow Dr. D-Flo on the Gram: instagram.com/dr.dflo
Having printed with hundreds of kilograms of pellets, I've experienced both the incredible potential and the limitations of my DIY Large Format 3D Printer. Further, the acquisition of a new pellet extruder, with a volumetric flow rate five times greater than its predecessor, necessitated immediate upgrades to essential parts of my printing process, including the actuators for improved speed and reliability.
In this video, I detail the process of designing and machining custom carriages to integrate rack and pinion linear motion systems for the X and Y axes (speed!) and ball screw actuators for the Z axis (reliable). I also discuss the workings of the rack and pinion system, its components, and share insights on optimizing this type of linear motion setup for peak performance
Table of Contents:
00:00 - Introduction
00:56 - Relocating Printer
02:00 - Print Speed
06:56 - Z-Axis Ball Screws
13:49 - Ball Screw Actuator Assembly
15:08 - Upgrading the Gantry
16:32 - Rack and Pinion (R&P)
17:09 - R&P Components
21:14 - R&P Tensioning
23:48 - Mounting Gear Racks
24:50 - R&P Testing
28:54 - R&P Actuators Assembly
37:46 - Floating Printhead
40:53 - Machining Carriage Plate
#3DPrinting #LargeFormatPrinting #rackandpinion
