θ-RD : A Core R-Theta-4-axis printer made from an Ender3V2, reversible

[ZiiB]

Exciting Journey with 4D Printing

Hello everyone! 👋

A few months ago, I was thrilled to see the first video showcasing the 4D printer. The follow-up was even more impressive! I'm eager to explore the potential of this additive manufacturing technology, especially its applications in hobby projects and spare parts remaking.

Open-Sourcing and Community Contributions

Thank you for open-sourcing the slicer! 🎉 I'm excited to see the improvements the community can bring. However, I believe there's currently too much friction for people to get on board. Since no one has a 4D printer at home, the initial investment can be a barrier.

Introducing the "θ-RD" Printer

I've decided to contribute to the project by designing a more affordable and resource-friendly 4D printer based on the initial design of the Core R-Theta printer. I've nicknamed this printer "θ-RD" (pronounced "tetar" - Tadpole, in French). It uses a second-hand Ender3V2 printer as a donor for motors, frame, power supply, and more. This printer is old and popular enough to be very affordable and usually comes with enough filament to print the parts needed for the conversion. No irreversible modifications have been made, so if someone drops out, they can get most of their money back or give away a fully functional printer to someone else!

Progress Update

Here's where I stand:

• Mechanical | 90%

• Electrical | 80%

• Firmware | 10%

TODOs

• Mechanical:

  • Design a part to hold the BLtouch
  • Write the BOM

• Electrical:

  • Waiting on connectors to finish the wiring
  • Currently using SKR 1.4 I had on spare
  • Might try to reuse the Ender3 motherboard with a BTT expander

• Firmware:

  • Tried installing RRF for the first time. I am more familiar with Klipper, but it adds the cost of a Raspberry Pi. Is Marlin an option ?
  • Printer is alive, but the axis are messed up. Fun times ahead! 🎢

Here are some pics :

I tried to be as thorough as possible on my fork, so you should get every part I validated so far, with the history.

Feel free to ask any question !
(yes my TPU part is very badly printed. Very wet but the filament cames with the printer so ...
Overall printing quality is rather poor due to fast iteration process)

[Bolado]

Nice conversion!

[Chuckles182]

Very clever to use the ender print bed! Finding a suitable print bed has been a hurdle for a lot of people.

[Bolado]

On AliExpress a 220mm PCB pcb round bed is quite cheap (15€) , it's a nice alternative as well.

[ZiiB]

Indeed, it was nice to find a way to reuse the original bed, but it is very heavy, and that mass will move quite a lot during printing. Therefore, seeing the price of an old PCB heatbed for Kossel Delta printer on Aliexpress, I would suggest to spend some money there.