This page is where we are collecting the things that are driving our printer design. it also link out to other pages devoted to specific design topics that we want to cover in more depth.

Design Constraints

Design constraints are things that we are imposed on us by external entities (like physics, budget, power), or that we impose on ourselves for some reason. It's a good idea to try to recognize constraints and document them so that others that want to modify our design can understand why we did what we did.

"Constraints" are usually thought of as negative forces (restrictions), but they can also be positive (capabilities). For example, one of our self-imposed constraints is that we have access to all the equipment at BARN - 3D printers, Laser cutter, machine shop, etc. This means that the cost to us for a complex machined part can be low and therefore a good choice for our design.

Self-imposed Constraints

• Built at BARN
  • Free access to lots of high quality manufacturing tools
  • Volunteer labor
• Permanently located at BARN
  • It does not need to be light enough to ship somewhere
  • It needs to fit into the ETA studio
• Not designed to be a commercial product
  • It does not need to be profitable to sell
• CoreXY belt design
  • This seems to be what most DIY builders are doing these days
• Minimum part size is 350mm x350mm x 350mm
  • "big enough to print a storm trooper helmet"
• Capable of supporting an E3D/Jubilee tool-changer
  • We might not have the budget for it on the build, but we will design so it can be added in the future.

External Constraints

• Overall budget is $1800