whiteAnt - 3D Printer and CNC Machine

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whiteAnt 3D Plastic Printer/CNC Machine

Here is your chance to build a machine that can form 3D plastic models, literally from the bottom-up. Traditionally called an FDM machine (Fused Deposition Modeling), the whiteAnt will create 3D models by "depositing" extruded plastic from a nozzle, "fusing" the plastic, layer-by-layer, starting from the bottom of the model to the top. Change the form factor of the machine, by lowering the frame, inserting a Dremel, and you have a mini-CNC milling machine.

The easiest way to get started is to buy the book!! For those that did purchase the book, the plans are here. The book guides you through the entire process of building this machine from scratch. Moreover, and the mot exciting part of this book, is that it will help you master the electronics wiring (Gen 4) and software setup (ReplicatogG) for all of these types of machines (including the makerbot). You will dog-ear the heck out of this book!

So, check out what this machine looks like, and a working demo with this video below. The machine is creating a model of Thom York that can be found on Thingyverse.com (Ting number 1218).

whiteAnt CNC/3D Printer Kit:
The current kit provides hardware, structural components, motors, and mechanical components. The electronics (Generation 4) and tool head can be purchase from MakerBot.com. The travel for each axis is: X-160mm, Y-190mm and Z-125mm.

What the kit includes:

All hardware to assemble the kit
All mechanical components (drive pulleys, bearings, lead screw, anti-backlash Nut, etc.)
4 NEMA 23 Stepping Motors (1 for the Extruder and 1 motor for each axis)
Structural components
Rails

whiteAnt Electronics Bundle: $345.00
The electronic bundle includes one Main board, four (4) stepping motor drivers, three (3) end stops (with cabling from end stop to main board) and one (1) extruder controller. Below are the electronics that can be purchased separately.

3D Printer Main Board:
This board plugs into the Arduino Mega 2560 and provides connections to the stepping motor drivers, end stops, RS-485, a ribbon connector for other functions, and a simple 12 volt terminal.

Arduino Mega 2560:
This board becoms the brain of the 3D Printer and serves as the main interface to the computer.

2.5 Amp Stepping Motor Driver:
This stepping motor driver plugs conveniently into the 3D Printer main board. No cables from the main board to this board is necessary.

End Stop (Limit Switch):
This switch and little debounce circuit is, at minimum, mounted at one end of each axis to provide a home location for the machine.

What you'll need from Makerbot.com:

Toolhead components (MK6):

MK6 Aluminum Thermal core (if using power resistors, use MK5 Thermal Core)
Type K Thermocouple
MK6 Cartridge Heater (optional if not using MK5 Power Resistors)
MK5 Thermal Barrier Tube
MK6 .6mm Teflon Coated Nozzle
MK5 PTFE CoreTube
MK5 Power Resistors (optional if not using MK6 Cartridge Heater)
Anti-sieze Compound
Kapton Tape
Ceramic Insulation Tape

Assembly Instructions (for kit):
The following videos are provided as the guides to assemble the whiteAnt 3D Printer. The book can be used as an alternative to these videos for the purposes to assemble the kit; however, these videos pertain only to the kit and not to a scratch built machine. The book is the only guide to scratch build this machine.

1. Z-axis Motor Mount:

2. Dremel Mounts (for CNC):

3. Extruder Hinge:

4. Z-axis:

5. Z-axis:

6. Z/Y Plate Assembly:

7. X-axis:

8. X-axis:

9. X-axis:

10. Y-Axis:

11. Hot End (Gen 4):

12. Gen 4 Electronics:

13. Gen 4 Electronics:

14. Gen 4 Electronics:

15. Gen 4 Electronics:

16. Gen 4 Power Supply:

17. Limit Switches:

18. Software:

19. Software:

Update on whiteAnt Electronics Development

Here is a sneak peek at the upcoming electronics for the whiteAnt. The electronics will be easy to assembly and connect with the whiteAnt. The layout and form factor was changed from the existing makerbot electronics so the bulk would be able to fit within the back of the whiteAnt and mostly hidden from view. Those that like the look of electronics can reverse this and apply the electornic to the other side of the back.

The first image to the left shows all of the electornics, including the Arduino in the center of the image. The four stepping motor drivers are at the top right and exhibit a completely different form factor, allowing them to directly connect to the main board. The extruder controller, at the bottom, is designed to fit on the z-axis assembly with the connections for the toolhead at the bottom and the remaining connections (to the main board) at the top.

The second photo shows the main board serving as a shield, which has very little difference to the Makerbot main board. The obvious changes with the main board is to the way the drivers are directly connected (as is shown on the third photo, below). The most visible differenceis the removal of the atx power connector and replaced by a small terminal for 12, or 24 volt supply.

The third photo shows the main board connected to the four stgepping motor drivers. No cables are needed for the main board to the drivers. The stepping motors connect to the ends of each board.