Deltafinity 3D Printer Inspired by the Infini-Z: EARLY WORK IN PROGRESS
This project was inspired by the concept of an inifite Z-axis, recently introduced, video here:
After days of brainstorming with the concept that a delta printer could possibly work well for this. Delta printers have the potential to be extremely simplified in operation. One drawback for an "infinite" option was the existing limitations of either a belt or lead screw for vertical movement.
The solution was to increase the size of the Infini-Z's "pinion" in this rack and pinion setup, then make the rack curve around far enough where the pinion cannot fall out.
To be clear this printer does not print itself vertically but prints either more segments or another printer to go along with those segments.
The movement then was made possible by putting a Nema motor above each leg of the delta printer. In this prototype instance, using a Nema 11 motor due to size and weight.
In order to fully minimize the amout of hardware required, there is a 3D printed case surrounding the motor that holds it in place without screws.
The other benefits of this are the parts list would be extremely small
3 NEMA 11 (or similar) motors
Lightweight Extruder and hot end
CAN bus or other adapter to go to mainboard
Mainboard
Small power supply
Bed leveling or Limit Switch setup
Bed surface (Glass for example)
Extremely rough first test of the rack and pinion system (Warning: LOUD!). This clearly demonstrates it can work but will need a lot of cleaning up for precision and noise reduction.
Possible setup of printing option for all printed components. Extensions can also be printed with a type of slot system to continue the build volume vertically. The carriage, rods and Nema 11 containers can all be printed together with supports for the Nemas.
UPDATE November 1 2023: After further research, decided to experiment with hinged frame pieces to expand the printer width-wise in addition to being able to adjust height by printing more segments. Demo photos below include a 6" glass plate (152mm) however a 6.5" (166mm) or slightly larger is the proper fit for this frame.
Potential issues that will need to be researched so far:
Print quality
Noise
Speed
Vertical rigidity - Solution: Create a top "cap" piece that can be placed above each time it's raised with new segments.
