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Development Goals

This page is a list of major designs goals behind Clock 3 and their implementation.

Ease of Sourcing

  • Use off-the-shelf components where possible:
    • 400mm linear rails and 500mm lead screws were chosen for ready availability.
    • JST-SM connectors are used for low-current connections.
    • Limit switches are Makerbot/Creality-type.
    • Heated bed is a stock Creality CR-10 bed (310mmx310mm).
    • Heater cartridge connectors are compatible with E3D V6 cartridges.
  • Minimize the number of fastener types:
    • Fasteners are M3 button head or M5 socket head cap screws.
    • Minor exceptions are all readily available and small in number.
    • Care is taken to avoid adding new fastener lengths or types unless necessary.
  • Custom-fabricated components are few and easily sourced:
    • Panels have a minimal number of holes and cuts.
    • Vector paths for laser cuts are provided.
    • Floor panels have gaps with printed cutouts for wiring passthrough. Wiring is then connected to a concealed panel mount underneath the flooring.
    • Frame relies on perpendicular braces, largely avoiding tapped ends. Blind joints or counterbored and tapped holes are completely unused.

Ease of Access, Service, and Modification

  • Designed for ease of assembly and simple cable management:
    • Parts have printed ID numbers to help identification.
    • Left- and right-handed parts are notated with a printed L or R, as well.
    • Many printed components integral zip tie anchors and cable guides.
  • Components are made to be serviceable and accessible:
    • Disassembly of most kinematic components does not require other components to be disassembled first.
    • A gantry lock design is included to keep the gantry in place and square during belt servicing.
  • Side and rear panels unscrew and take the insulation with them:
    • Components and cabling are almost entirely separated, i.e. electrical components can be unplugged from a harness.
    • Easy, direct access to electronics through two individually-removeable floor panels.
    • Side panels use drop-in tee nuts for quick removal and reattachment.

Flexibility, Safety, and Stability

  • Designed parametrically for flexible build parameters:
    • The core Fusion 360 file can be adjusted for different print tolerances.
    • Build volume can be scaled up (capability is maintained, but this is not actively developed yet).
    • Different types and depths of heated inserts can be used; likewise, adjustments can be made for different print tolerances.
    • NOTE: The pace of development occured technical debt in this area. V0.8/v0.9 (after completed documentation) will involve a significant rework of the Fusion 360 model.
  • Built in air filtration and ambient temperature control:
    • Dual fans for recirculated and vented air, fed through both activated carbon and HEPA filters.
    • Filtration system is in steady production use.
    • Use of polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam insulation allows for steady chamber temperatures with only air exhaust for cooling.
  • Documentation:
    • Full bill of materials, split into a shopping list (to be purchased) and assembly list (finished parts for assembly)
    • Component-by-component, step-by-step assembly instructions on this site.
    • Open development on github.