3D Printing

My latest last year's obsession. Wherein our hero pursues microfabrication initiatives creative, humorous, and humanist.

Tantillus Chassis (partial)

SmartRep (from scratch)

This is my Tantillus 3D printer, in so-called "progress".

Tantillus is a great idea, another contribution of the RepRap movement of which I'm a fervent supporter. Like all RepRap-inspired printers it aims to be completely self-replicated - yes, that is RepRap's lofty goal - and it gets pretty close.

One thing about the design that appeals to neophytes like myself is the (optional) fabricated enclosure. Unlike "chassis/strut" designs, enclosures feel more self-contained, in my opinion. Actually they have their own issues which become apparent with practical use, but that's another matter.

So does Tantillus work, as a design? Well as you can see I've gotten most of it together and the pulleys and gears work well. The problem with Tantillus is actually "Rep"-ing one: With contemporary FDM-derived techniques, printing large thick walls can be a real problem. To produce all of the wedges and planes for a Tantillus enclosure-style chassis, you will need lots of patience and skill. The fastest that I'd managed to print one of the 9 panels was 3 hours. And it was less-than perfect. Since the enclosure is also the structural chassis (where all rods and gears are mounted) that is Not a Good Thing.

I'll probably finish this Tantillus just for my collection, but I've moved on to simplified "open air" designs like (see also) SmartRep.