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A Window to the Soul

A project log for Low Cost, Open Source, LCD based SLA 3D Printer

An open, superior, low cost alternative to FDM 3D printing that takes advantage of high res LCD technology and modern curable resins.

dylan-reynoldsDylan Reynolds 04/30/2017 at 18:590 Comments

The upper platform will be responsible for housing the all important LCD display and guiding the build platform to the heavens.

The LCD display and stepper motor are fastened to the bottom of the upper platform from underneath.

The uprights are glued into the upper platform creating the support structure for the guide shafts and ACME threaded shaft once the guide shaft location plate has been screwed into place. The ACME threaded shaft is fastened to the stepper motor via interference fit and is radially located in the guide shaft location plate with a flanged ball bearing.

A cover is attached to the rear in order to stop light pollution in the build cabinet whilst the machine is in operation.

I am a bit concerned that the 8mm guide shafts are a bit flimsy for this build. Particularly when printing a large object. In future iterations I would like to move to either 12mm guide rods or, preferably, a guide rail with bearing block. For cost reasons and initial experimentation I think this will be okay though. A ball screw would also be nice, but that is very costly.

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