If you’re in search of a more accessible 3D printer design that goes beyond the traditional cubic frame and avoids a bed-slinger, options can be limited. However, Boothy Builds recently tackled this challenge by creating the Hi5 printer, which features a unique mechanism where the hotend rests between two cantilevered arms.
In this design, the hotend is equipped with bearings that allow it to glide along the metal arms, which themselves travel along linear rails. One of the most challenging aspects was designing a coupling system that would let the guides move smoothly along the arms; it needs to be rigid for accuracy but flexible enough to prevent binding. Currently, springs are used to tension the bearings, but Boothy aims to refine this with a more sophisticated solution in the future.
The printer’s print bed is supported by three independent rails, enabling it to make slight adjustments to its tilt, ensuring automatic leveling. Earlier versions utilized CNC-milled bed supports, but Boothy found that 3D-printed plastic supports offered better vibration dampening.
However, Boothy has observed that the present design subjects the X and Y belts to significant strain, which can sometimes result in slippage, leading to layer misalignment and extra noise during printing. While there are still improvements to be made, the approach appears promising.
This innovative use of cantilevered arms for the print head of the Hi5 printer positions it alongside other intriguing printer designs, as it not only showcases creativity but also suggests potential for further exploration in 3D printing technologies.