RCJOSEB PVCore User manual

THE PVCore 3D PRINTER

12/28/2016 BY RCJOSEB PAGE 1 OF 107

THE PVCore 3D PRINTER

12/28/2016 BY RCJOSEB PAGE 2 OF 107

INTRODUCTION:

This guide covers only the physical assembly of the PVCore 3D printer. It does not cover firmware setup, etc.

A few months ago, I attended a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) fair where a makers group was

displaying two commercial grade 3D printers, a PolyPrinter and a Makerbot Replicator. The most common questions I heard

about 3D printing where:

How much does a 3D printer cost?

Is it simple to use?

Is it easy to maintain?

It was no surprise that people walked away or their attention/interest greatly diminished when the first question was

answered. The PolyPrinter starts at about $4000.00 U.S. and the Makerbot at about $3000.00 US.

I realized that the beginner 3D printer enthusiast does not need a commercial quality printer, especially in a classroom

environment where more can be learned by tinkering than using. Most low cost 3D printers on eBay are either very low quality

come without instructions or have to be heavily modified to work properly. All of these factors lead to either an unfinished 3D

printer or a big paper weight. That is when I decided to design a simple PLA only 3D printer for the beginner 3D printer

enthusiast.

The following are a few design concepts I had in mind and tried to adhere to:

Half inch PVC pipe and connectors for the frame.

oIt’s cheap and easy to cut.

oWhen designed correctly and at certain lengths, it’s sturdy.

oWide variety of connectors available.

3D printed parts for all other major components.

oMotor mounts.

oBearing mounts.

oHotend carriage.

oEtc.

Metric screws for attaching motors.

Non metric screws, washers, nuts, bolts, etc. are used everywhere else.

6mm smooth rods, bearings and GT2 belts for linear motion.

5/16 threaded rod for Z axis.

Open Source electronics and software.

PLA only with a non-heated, manually leveled print bed.

I could not have designed this printer without the assistance of my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who always gives me good

ideas and allows my creative hands to do his good works...

Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

THE PVCore 3D PRINTER

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IT’S MY PROPERTY – DON’T STEAL IT!

I own the copyright to this guide. All of the text was written by me and all of the screenshots were taken by me so I own it all.

In the past I have been burnt by people posting my guides to other sites without my permission or just plain outright stealing

the content and putting their own header info. That’s right QueensHobby, I am talking to you.

I actively search for my guides and will politely ask for them to be removed but if I feel that I am getting burnt, I will remove the

guides completely from my blog in a heartbeat and then everyone will suffer. So let’s be nice here and just link the guides back

to my blog.

The guide is for personal use only by the end user to assist in building the PVCore.

The guide cannot be posted on any site other than my blog.

The guide can only be linked directly to my blog.

Do not claim ownership of the guide in whole or in part.

I must get full credit if the guide is linked.

The STL files for the custom 3D designed parts and modified parts can be found on my Thingiverse page and are being made

available for personal use only. They may not be printed and sold for profit. Any violation found will result in the STL files being

removed.

THE PVCore 3D PRINTER

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TOOLS NEEDED:

This is not a complete list of tools that are needed but it’s a great start:

Hand/power tool to cut the PVC pipe to length.

JB Weld ClearWeld or other similar epoxy.

Hammer or rubber mallet.

Scrap cardboard.

Popsicle stick.

Phillips screwdriver

Pliers.

Super glue

Some type of polish for steel.

Waterproof/resistant high grit sandpaper.

Measuring tape or ruler.

Felt tip marker or pen.

1/8” drill bit.

Drill.

Paper towels.

5/16 wrench or socket.

3mm Hex wrench or Allen key.

Rags.

3 in 1 oil or silicone spray.

WD40.