banana_joe_18
New member
Summary
I'm thinking on building a Voron-like CoreXY printer with a focus on modularity, cost-effectiveness, and future upgradability to a full Voron. The goal is to maintain high print quality while initially using V-wheels instead of linear rails to reduce cost. Additionally, I plan to integrate a basic tool-changing system that can be expanded over time. I also aim to use as many spare parts from my inventory as possible to keep costs low.
Would love to hear thoughts from the Voron community! Let me know if you have insights or recommendations for this hybrid approach.
Can anyone help me with feasibility and advice on the custom tool changer?
(This probably won't happen tomorrow, so I'm just looking for advice)
I'm thinking on building a Voron-like CoreXY printer with a focus on modularity, cost-effectiveness, and future upgradability to a full Voron. The goal is to maintain high print quality while initially using V-wheels instead of linear rails to reduce cost. Additionally, I plan to integrate a basic tool-changing system that can be expanded over time. I also aim to use as many spare parts from my inventory as possible to keep costs low.
Planned Features (Very Early Stage Concept)
- CoreXY Motion System using an aluminum extrusion frame, designed to be Voron-compatible for a future upgrade to linear rails.
- Belted Z-axis instead of leadscrews to maintain Voron-style motion without linear rails.
- Tool-Changing Systemwith:
- 2 initial tool docks with manual swaps, expandable in the future.
- A cleaning/calibration station for nozzle wiping and Z-offset calibration.
- RFID-based tool identification with micro switches for tool presence detection.
- Tool hanger swaps only the hotend and its fan, not the entire toolhead, making additional hotends cheaper and more modular.
- Print Volume: 300x300x300mm, with space to expand to 350mm³ in the future.
- Frame Size: 600mm x 500mm (max) to accommodate future upgrades.
- Electronics: Using a Voron Starter Kit or Pace metaling it and utilizing as many spare parts as possible to reduce costs.
- Hotend and Extruder: Planning to use a modular toolhead system, where the hotend is interchangeable and separate from the probe tool.
- Budget Range: Aiming to keep Step 1 under $800-1,000, with room for future upgrades.
- Also, I don't look for a fast as possible printer, just relatively fast with capability to print different materials without hassle
Why This Approach?
- Lower Cost to Start: Linear rails are expensive; V-wheels reduce upfront cost while keeping the design upgrade-friendly.
- Future-Proofing: The frame, motion system, and electronics are mostly Voron-compatible, allowing a seamless transition to full Voron specs later.
- Modular Tool-Changer Integration: Instead of committing to a fixed extruder setup, this system will allow easy expansion with more docks and hotends in the future.
Open Questions
- Belted Z-Axis Configuration: Optimizing the belt path for reliability.
- Tool Docking System: Exploring the best balance between magnetic, kinematic, or mechanical coupling.
- Firmware & Tool Detection: Klipper integration for tool presence checking, RFID identification, and automatic Z-offset calibration.
Looking for Feedback On:
- Feasibility of V-Wheels as a starting point before upgrading to linear rails.
- Tool docking mechanisms—best practices for secure engagement and disconnection.
- RFID-based tool identification—has anyone experimented with it in Klipper?
- Belted Z-axis stability—how to avoid belt stretching or drift over time.
- I don't have experience with CAN, so I would like to keep it umbilical if thers not a huge downside to it.
Would love to hear thoughts from the Voron community! Let me know if you have insights or recommendations for this hybrid approach.
Can anyone help me with feasibility and advice on the custom tool changer?
(This probably won't happen tomorrow, so I'm just looking for advice)
