Alright, so I recently started work on a new printer. I managed to pick up enough 80/20 10 series (for free!) to build a super rigid frame that measures 26" x 26" x 20" (l x w x h). My intention is to have a 500mm x 500mm build area, with a z height of somewhere around 350mm. I’ve already purchased some linear guideway for my y axis - two 600mm fully supported steel profile rails. Now I’m running into trouble coming up with a solution for my x axis. My original plan was to use two 600mm linear shafts as my x axis guides, but I’ve discovered that this option will either be too flimsy (too high deflection), or will be ridiculously heavy. Later, I learned that igus makes some carbon fiber linear shafting that would be perfect, but unfortunately they refuse to give me a quote for only 1200mm worth of material. Now I’m stuck on deciding whether just to use another 600mm profile rail supported by a piece of 80/20, or to deal with heavy amounts of deflection or some serious weight.
Has anyone built a printer like this? Does anyone have any input on what might be the best solution? I could really use some help in finding a reliable fix to my problem.
Thanks in advanced!