First print!

[xobes]

I tried to print https://github.com/jyjblrd/Radial_Non_Planar_Slicer/blob/main/output_models/propeller_unwrapped.gcode thinking that since it was in the "output_models" folder that it was the proper gcode to drive the 4-axis printer... nope, that resulted in a little blob of plastic. Upon opening the file, I saw x, y, z coordinates, not x,b,c,z coordinates, so I switched things around to print as a polar printer...

I present to you my first print(s):

I'm not sure why it's so crappy**. I'm also not sure how I was supposed to print using the B axis, as the polar version just keeps the nozzle aimed down the whole time.

** the propellers themselves seem to want to grow from all over the place radially depending on the layer. It's hot garbage.

[jyjblrd]

Oops, that gcode is gibberish i need to remove it from the repo. I'll upload a proper gcode file for you to test tonight, or you can try work through the steps of slicing something yourself.

You're right, a correct gcode file will only have CXZB axes in it.

You're increadibly close to getting a proper print out of it!

[xobes]

Yeah, before I tried to slice anything I was looking to repeat something you'd done.

[Phizy99]

@xobes Hey Andy, this is really cool! It’s awesome to see your first prints with the printer. Even with the challenges, it’s impressive that you got it up and running!

I’m currently working on building my own 4-axis printer and was wondering—do you happen to have a full list of the components you bought for yours? If so, would you be willing to share the links? It would save me a ton of time figuring out the best parts to use.

Looking forward to seeing more of your progress!

[xobes]

Yeah, when I started it on this journey I wanted the same thing. But I'm an effort to reduce the number of screw sizes in total, I made a wide swath of changes and lost count along the way.

I also think that some enchantments could be made to allow for more readily aligning the extruder nozzle with the center of the C-axis.

I don't have a good picture of it but I found some really long nozzles that I think work better than the original spec.

Additionally, I added a slipring and wired up a heated bed... Haven't tested that yet.

So, updated parts list for my fork is on the TODO list.

[Chuckles182]

I made a little tool that I hope will make it easier to align the center of the bed and the nozzle. If anybody wants it I’ll post it to printables. I think I put in enough parameters to adjust it to any size bed.

[mickemajstro]

Now mine is working with the hotbed and everything, what settings is good for use to this printer in Cura? speeds and everything.

[mickemajstro]

VID20250322155534.mp4

Now mine is working, only thing is I need 300% on the extruder. Now tweeking.

[Anarchiste-mouton]

@xobes how did you solve twisted wires issue for the bed heater ?

[xobes]

With Slip ring.
FreeCAD model here:
https://github.com/xobes/4-Axis-Polar-3D-Printer/tree/7076b911ca78be095dd2264200b64bcae576035b/freecad_files

Picture during assembly here:

[the-Geeson]

Hi Xobes,
what amps rating for that slipring?? I was looking at getting a 4 wired one with a 10amp rating (https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005003469962786.html)

[xobes]

I got a 6 wire, 10A/wire and used two wires for each side of the heater. Way overkill since the power draw isn't even high enough to warrant that, but it did the trick.

[Chuckles182]

@xobes What kind of longer nozzle did you end up using? Could you provide a link? Thanks

[xobes]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806792852801.html

[jyjblrd]

If you haven't seen, I've created a generic slicer for this printer (S4 Slicer) which can be used to create non-planar toolpaths for any model. Much like this printer, it is not a "plug-and-play" package and will require a bit of tinkering, but if you've come this far it shouldn't be that much of a challenge haha. And it'll be a nice payoff for completing your builds.

[Chuckles182]

That upside down benchy is awesome! How did you account for the benchy having to be on a little stand? I think it’d be cool to use this printer for the fusion 360 generative models that are very organic looking. Got me motivated to get back to getting my printer printing!

[jyjblrd]

The stand is necessary to give the extruder space to rotate "under" the benchy. I didn't account for the stand in any way, the z axis just homes on top of it so it thinks the top of the stand is z=0. If you want to print overhangs greater than 90 degrees, you will need the new extruder mount design that puts the endstop on the other side. However this is only necessary if you want to print very very steep overhangs like the upside benchy. Most sane designs wont need this.