I have a Prusa i3 3D printer that I purchased from Hong Kong a few years ago. It was a DIY kit costing around 280.- USD at the time. The printer was good value, but I ran into several problems with it’s control system. The one I use is based on Arduino, but with re-designed electronics so you get an all-in-one system that is based on Atmega2560.
Moving on I wanted to re-write the firmware package, but I also want to upgrade my printer with more advanced features than my current hardware will allow.
- Scalability to add more control IO to expand the printer’s capabilities.
- Proper firmware package that is well designed, easy to maintain and not riddled with real-time issues.
- Ethernet wired and wireless.
- Proper printer queue solutions.
- I want to target CNC machinery in general, not only 3D printers.
Using the current Prusa i3 as a starting point I need the following:
- 5 axis on standard RAMPS or equal.
- 3 end-stop switches.
- 2 temperature sensors.
- 2 heaters.
- 1 fan.
- USB serial solution.
I want to build this on top of my current system with Hat’s and RS-X modules, so it’s more an issue of what do I need to add on electronics. Also keep in mind that I still have my 6 legged robot in mind as I create modules.
The major benefit of this system is that we enable people to build and experiment themselves on plug & play level rather than creating Yet Another 3D Printer Control System.