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counterweight for r1 series

Discussion in 'Mods and Upgrades' started by Sean Carson, Mar 30, 2017.

  1. Sean Carson

    Sean Carson Member

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    When mesh leveling on my R1+, the left side lifts up much easier than the right, due to the difference in mass. It's been throwing me off. I created a counterweight which seems to be helping a bit. Someone suggested I post it in this thread. (EDIT: post relocated. Thanks admin!)

    I set my printer up to control each Z-rod independently and wired it to see each switch on the x-axis separately. With this counterweight, the unit can now properly compensate for any difference in z-rod height.

    http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2213625
     
    #1 Sean Carson, Mar 30, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2017
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  2. Robert55

    Robert55 Member

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    Sean Carson, that would be me that asked. And yes, I have noticed a significant improvement in my first layer with the counterweight after I ran the Mesh again. Thank you, Sir, for a job well done, and an elegant solution to the problem. Got 75 cents??? ;)
     
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  3. Ed Ferguson

    Ed Ferguson Active Member

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    Sean & Robert -

    Will the counterweight alone on a stock R1+ have any benefit? Or is the independent Z axis and switch mods needed as well?
     
  4. Geof

    Geof Volunteer Moderator
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    I'll chime in as an r1+ user. In my experience a counterweight isn't needed if the z switches/mounts are set correctly and the x is level. Mine is a very early R1+ And it has no counterweights ....runs daily
     
  5. Robert55

    Robert55 Member

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    Mine is a R1 with the factory lead screw upgrade to R1+. I would say the counterweight would make an improvement across the board. It's like balancing a see-saw. It's not just setting up the mesh... It's also an inertia thing every time the X axis changes direction. The first thing you will notice is the improvement in the first layer. Now carry that through the entire print.

    Sent from my LGLS996 using Tapatalk
     
  6. Geof

    Geof Volunteer Moderator
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    Hmmm not sure I buy it, glad it's helping but not sold :D
     
  7. Robert55

    Robert55 Member

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    It's not like it took a lot of effort... Lol. We should probably move this to another thread.

    Sent from my LGLS996 using Tapatalk
     
    #7 Robert55, Mar 31, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 31, 2017
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  8. Sean Carson

    Sean Carson Member

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    While I designed this for use with the mesh leveling and independent X-axis switches, the issue it addresses predates those modifications. This counterweight should improve first layers and make dialing in perfect leveling for surfaces like buildtak easier. Even if you manually level the x-axis, this should still help.

    Some people are not having such troubles with their machines, though. While they may not need it, it certainly won't hurt anything. It's easily installed and removed. It slips over the top of the threaded bolt, slides down onto the bracket, and just slips on. No glue, screws, anything. Just don't flip your printer upside down without taking out the pennies first.
     
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  9. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    I think this is a pretty good upgrade. I might do it myself but first I am going to switch to a smaller stepper motor. If you X-Axis does not chatter and slides pretty smooth there is no need for a 42 mm NEMA-17 stepper motor (I am using oil impregnated sintered bronze bearings on my X and Y axes). So I won't need as much weight as this mod can supply.

    @Sean Carson is there a possibility of you adding a STEP or IGES file to your Thingiverse item for anyone that wants to modify the counterweight themselves?
     
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  10. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Exactly. Like an oiler it is insurance in the worst case and an improvement in the best case :)
     
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  11. Ed Ferguson

    Ed Ferguson Active Member

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    Thanks for the clarifications. Even though I'm getting consistently good first layers, I'm going to try it. It seems like a no-brainer to balance the axis given the design of the Robo.
     
  12. Curtis Wolfe

    Curtis Wolfe Active Member

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    Two of them right? One on both sides?
     
  13. Ed Ferguson

    Ed Ferguson Active Member

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    Left side only. You want to offset the weight of the stepper motor on the right.
     
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  14. Curtis Wolfe

    Curtis Wolfe Active Member

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    Ah Ha! I get it. Thanks!
     
  15. Curtis Wolfe

    Curtis Wolfe Active Member

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    Does the color matter? Because I have all kinds now. LOL
     
  16. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Going to try it

    Counterweight.jpg
     
  17. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    If you print it the correct way no supports needed due to the way the top part is beveled.
    Excellent work.
     
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  18. Curtis Wolfe

    Curtis Wolfe Active Member

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    This makes total sense. I can't believe nobody has thought of this sooner.
     
  19. Curtis Wolfe

    Curtis Wolfe Active Member

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    When can we expect the new firmware release Mark?
     
  20. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    One of those problems that is more of a venial sin than anything else :)
    The autoleveling "works" the way it is, but this should improve it.
    The way it is stock, one side of the bed will tend to be depending on one of the Z switches to trigger and not both... This should balance it better so that both Z switches are being effective across more of the bed (rather than only one).
     
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