Original Mendel Model

/in , , /by

By Anh Nguyen

ADVANTAGES:

  • Simple to build.
  • There are a lot of information, manual and video to help building.

            http://reprap.org/wiki/Mendel_Build_Manual

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpOZ1GNZmmU

  • Big print area, smaller machine footprint
  • Light and portable
  • The price is reasonable and within budget.

 

DISADVANTAGES:

  • The frame and the joint junctions are not stable in the x-axis. The head moves in the x-axis and it is heavy à causing the frame the move in the x-axis. This can cause a problem of precise printing.
  • It is hard to maintain. Have to remove a lot of things to change one detail. The electronic circuit is on top à difficult to reach some area under.
  • Required a lot of calibration when something goes wrong or needed to change.
  • A lot of wire strain. When the base moves, it creates the strain on the wire and the wire can be broken when using a lot.
  • 2 z-axis motor. Difficult to adjust both sides for the same amount. Moreover, the standard stepper motor is built for only 2A. The 2 motors use more than 2A, which heats the stepper motor is hot and can shut down for a few milliseconds and affect the precision of printing.
  • Hanging z-axis.
  • 1/2 COST
  • $520 – $600