Welcome to the Chimera iXY Project!

By Alex Gordon | Published July 21st, 2025 | Last updated Janurary 12th, 2025
This project is released under the GPLv3 license.

0.0 Preamble

Chimera iXY is a DIY 3D printer with the primary goal of upcycling older Reprap-style FDM printers into a modern equivalent at a low cost. The top three design priorities from highest to lowest are reliablity, quality and speed.

This page is optimized for desktop viewing. This involves information about the latest revision, Chimera iXY v2.0.

Although the majority of the parts were made myself, a number of them involve models already created, measured and tested. Please check out the credits in Section 10.0 - Appendix for all the originally created models.

0.5 Changelog

Major Revision v2.0

The documentation and images are fully updated. Documentation overhaul and complete addition and details about all invidivual components, as well as the BOM.

Software Changes: Hardware Changes: Mechanical Changes:

Major Revision v1.5

The documentation and images are partially updated, but all the files have been updated and added. Below is a list of all changed files:


Other Additions and Changes

1.0 Introduction

This document covers the detailed documentation of my DIY CoreXY build from two broken 3D printers, named ‘Chimera iXY’. The primary objective of this document is to keep track of everything as the printer was being built.

Chimera iXY
Fig 1.0 - Chimera iXY Rev 2.0

2.0 Background

This project started when I received a broken Mingda Magician X (Version 1). The mainboard and X-carriage daughterboard had shorted out due to a cheaply designed 20-pin ribbon cable. This printer remained as the ‘modern half’ of this build considering it used alot of standard parts seen today (v-slot extrusions, 625 bearings, 42BYGH family of steppers, etc.).

Mingda Magician X
Fig 2.0-1 - Mingda Magician X (Released in 2021)

The second 3D printer used for this was the Flsun i3 2017. It was a very finicky machine that frequently ran into ‘ghost’ thermal runaway errors. I wanted to make it into something better, thus this printer became the ‘older’ part of this build.

Flsun i3
Fig 2.0-2 - Modified Flsun i3 C (Released in 2017)

3.0 Design

The following components and subsystems were incorporated into Chimera iXY:

Flsun i3 2017 Mingda Magician X
Stepper motors (E0, Z axis)Stepper motors (α, β axis)
2020 Aluminum extrusions24V 15A Powersupply
V6 HotendBolts: M3-M6
Roller BearingsLeadscrews + Collars
Toothless Idler PulleysToothed Idler Pulleys
Stepper Leadscrew ColletHeated Bed
Mainboard MKS Gen L v1.030mm axial fan
Reprap Discount Controller4010 blower fan
Bolts: M3-M6625 bearings
Nuts: M3-M624V 60W heater cartridge
8mm Linear Rods (Not rails)8mm Linear Rod Bearings
GT2 6mm BeltsCables (Stepper, Display, etc.)
PTFE Bowden TubeBowden Extruder Assembly
PTFE CouplingsNTC 100k thermistor

* All fans from the Flsun i3 were not used since I moved from a 12V to a 24V system.
** Refer to BOM for additional required parts.

In addition, any parts not listed here have been purchased and is referenced in the BOM.

The table below shows the minimum specification requirements set at the beginning of this project, and have now been updated with experimental results:

Property Value
Physical Specifications
Physical Dimensions (Rigid) 510 x 426 x 565 mm
Physical Dimensions (Flexible) 550 x 506 x 565 mm
Primary Chassis MaterialAluminum, Steel
Bracket MaterialPET-G
Print Dimensions230 x 230 x 230mm
Movable Dimensions230 x 260 x 230mm
Mechanical Specifications
Gantry KinematicsLinear Rail 300mm (X), Linear Rod 8x410mm (Y)
Heatbed KinematicsT8 Leadscrew, 4 8x331mm linear rods
LevelingSN08 Induction Probe, Bilinear bed mesh
MotionGT2 Belts & Idlers
Z MotorsNEMA 17 40, 42SHDC4023Z-23B
XY MotorsNEMA 17 40, 42BYGH439-B-20D
E MotorNEMA 17 22, 42BYGH2303-B-22DP
Extruder SystemE3D V6 Volcano (all-metal heatbreak) & Titan Extruder
Electrical Specifications
Mainboard MKS Robin Nano v3.1, Gen L vX.X and Tinybee compatible
Interface MKS TS35 v2.0 480x320px LCD, MainsailOS via Wifi
Klipper SBC Raspberry Pi Zero 2W
Camera Miniton Beaglecam v1.0
Secondary MCU Mellow ADXL345 RP2040
Maximum PowerZL-260-24, 24V 15A
Peripheral PowerHilitand GYVRM-K240505, 5V 5A
DriversTMC2209
Cooling2x120mm axial for MCU and PSU
Print Specifications
Max Toolhead Speed800mm/s
Max Toolhead Acceleration~32700mm/s^2
Max Hotend Flow~50mm/s^3
Optimal Quality Print Speed200-450mm/s
Cooling3010 Axial for hotend, 2x4010 Blower for part cooling
Nozzle Diameter0.4mm, support for 0.2-1.2mm
Slicer usedSuperslicer, Prusaslicer
Filaments supportedPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA-CF, PC, PEEK
Max Temperatures350C hotend (dependent on nozzle), 125C bed

4.0 Bill of Materials

The following is a complete list of the primary components required for the Chimera iXY build. Note that exact materials sourced from the 'INITIAL PARTS' section are the components I've had for a long time and as a result are not included in the cost of this.

Component Description Qty Cost Source
Initial Parts
FlSun i3 (C) 2017 3D Printer 1 === Amazon
Mingda Magician X v1 3D Printer 1 === Amazon
Miniton Beaglecam v1 Monitoring IP Camera 1 === Miniton
Twotrees PEI 230x230mm Build Plate 1 === Amazon
Electrical System
Mainboard MKS Robin Nano v3.1 (RIP MKS Gen L v1.0) & MKS TS35 v2.0 1 $49.99 Amazon
Power Supply ZL-360-24 Generic 4 === Amazon
TMC2209 UART X-Y Axis 2 $8.18 Aliexpress
TMC2209 Standalone Z-E Axis 2 $6.59 Aliexpress
1M Heater Heating Tube + Thermistor (3Pcs) 24V 40W & 100K 3950 1 $6.25 Amazon
Mellow 3D Printer Parts Klipper ADXL345 Accelerometer Board Input Shaping Accelerometer w/ RP2040 for secondary MCU 1 $5.49 Aliexpress
Dupont Line Jumper Wire 20CM Male to Female for screen connection 1 $3.72 Aliexpress
Raspberry Pi SC0721 RPi Zero 2W for Klipper 1 $26.83 Digikey
Mechanical System
Linear Motion Rods 8mm x 331mm for Y & Z axis 6 $38.07 Amazon
45x8mm Linear Bearings For Z-axis bed 4 $6.98 Amazon
300mm 6063 Aluminum Square Tube 15x15mm Outer Width 1 === Amazon
JAYO PETG 1KG Primary Color (RED) 2 ~$12.50 Amazon
JAYO PETG 1KG Secondary Color (BLACK) 1 ~$12.50 Amazon
NEMA17-42 Stepper Heatsink For X-Y axis 2 $3.72 Aliexpress
M3, M4, M5, M6 Bolt Kit 1 $16.99 Amazon
M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 Bolt Kit 1 $18.88 Amazon
2PCS GT2 20T Gear Aluminum Belt Pulley for 3D Printer 2mm Pitch 5mm Inner Hole 6mm Wide 2 $6.20 Amazon
5 M GT2 Timing Belt 2mm Pitch 6mm Width 1 $5.90 Amazon
Brass Threaded Inserts for 3D Printing, M2 M3 M4 M5 1 $11.92 Amazon
GYVRM-K240505 Converter 12V/24V to 5V 5A DC-DC For 5V peripherals 1 $6.07 Amazon
E3D Titan Extruder Direct drive extruder 1 $18.07 Amazon
E3D V6 Volcano Replaces the permanently clogged original V6 1 $33.98 Amazon
TOTAL - $292.94

The above table also accomodates additional development costs that were made, e.g. iteration (so more filament) and the result of my mistakes, which include the permanently damaged V6 hotend and original Mainboard. The below table shows the total cost assuming no parts were damaged during assembly while keeping all essentials to run the same firmware/general specs.

Component Description Qty Cost Source
Initial Parts
FlSun i3 (C) 2017 3D Printer 1 === Amazon
Mingda Magician X v1 3D Printer 1 === Amazon
Miniton Beaglecam v1 Monitoring IP Camera 1 === Miniton
Twotrees PEI 230x230mm Build Plate 1 === Amazon
Electrical System
Mainboard MKS Gen L v1.0/td> 1 ===
Power Supply ZL-360-24 Generic 4 === Amazon
TMC2209 UART X-Y Axis 2 $8.18 Aliexpress
TMC2209 Standalone Z-E Axis 2 $6.59 Aliexpress
Mellow 3D Printer Parts Klipper ADXL345 Accelerometer Board Input Shaping Accelerometer w/ RP2040 for secondary MCU 1 $5.49 Aliexpress
Dupont Line Jumper Wire 20CM Male to Female for screen connection 1 $3.72 Aliexpress
Raspberry Pi SC0721 RPi Zero 2W for Klipper 1 $26.83 Digikey
Mechanical System
Linear Motion Rods 8mm x 331mm for Y & Z axis 6 $38.07 Amazon
45x8mm Linear Bearings For Z-axis bed 4 $6.98 Amazon
300mm 6063 Aluminum Square Tube 15x15mm Outer Width 1 === Amazon
JAYO PETG 1KG Primary Color (RED) 2 ~$12.50 Amazon
JAYO PETG 1KG Secondary Color (BLACK) 1 ~$12.50 Amazon
NEMA17-42 Stepper Heatsink For X-Y axis 2 $3.72 Aliexpress
M3, M4, M5, M6 Bolt Kit 1 $16.99 Amazon
M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 Bolt Kit 1 $18.88 Amazon
2PCS GT2 20T Gear Aluminum Belt Pulley for 3D Printer 2mm Pitch 5mm Inner Hole 6mm Wide 2 $6.20 Amazon
5 M GT2 Timing Belt 2mm Pitch 6mm Width 1 $5.90 Amazon
Brass Threaded Inserts for 3D Printing, M2 M3 M4 M5 1 $11.92 Amazon
GYVRM-K240505 Converter 12V/24V to 5V 5A DC-DC For 5V peripherals 1 $6.07 Amazon
E3D Titan Extruder Direct drive extruder 1 $18.07 Amazon
TOTAL - $202.72

5.0 Assembly - Mechanical

5.1 Frame

5.1.1 Metal Extrusion:

The partial 2060 from the x-axis of the MMX was split vertically using a manual hacksaw to make a 2040 and 2020; the 2040 was used in the front top portion. Various ends were tapped with an M5 thread but no holes were drilled into any extrusions. Many of the ones from the MMX came with holes, but only the front top uses them so they must be aligned accordingly.

Frame Dimensions
Fig 5.0-1 - Frame Dimensions

5.1.2 Reinforcements: Please refer to the github repository for all models used. All 3 variants are used, as well as the ones that came with the Flsun and MMX.

Index # Filename Description Picture
Reinfocement brackets
001 Extrusion Brace External Externally protruding reinforcement bracket. Model Preview
002 Extrusion Brace Internal v2.0 No protrusion reinforcement bracket. Model Preview
003 Extrusion Brace Internal No protrusion reinforcement bracket. Credits to Zuff for original. Model Preview
004 Extrusion Brace Internal Long Longer no protrusion reinforcement bracket. Model Preview

5.2 Mounting Brackets

Mounting brackets (CAD/STL files) are available in the GitHub repository.

CAD Diagram
Fig 5.3-1 - General CAD Overview Diagram (v2.0)

5.3 Gantry

The X-gantry plate and hotend fan mounting bracket went through the most iteration. See the below diagram for assembly.

Gantry Diagram
Fig 5.3-2 - X-Gantry Mount Technical Diagram (v2.0)

The Y-gantry is also configured as follows.

Gantry Diagram
Fig 5.3-3 - Y-Gantry Mount Technical Diagram (v2.0)

5.4 CoreXY Kinematics

For the X-Y axis, the idlers are vertically stacked and follows the below configuration:

CoreXY Config
Fig 5.4-1 - CoreXY Belt configuration

In order to tension the belts, idlers P1 and P2 on the front should be moved ~1 inch towards the extruder. The belts can now be installed with a fair amount of tension.

I realized during testing that all my prints came out inverted in both axes (e.g. text), since the origin was back left instead of front left like most other corexy configs. Setting the y endstop to POSITION_MAX and making klipper home to the max direction fixed this issue.

5.5 Bed Leveling

The SN08 inductive probe is used to level. Standard bicubic is used. After installing the 4 linear rods for the z-axis, the bed remained fairly level with a maximum absolute variance of 0.25mm. Below shows both the old t-slot leveling mesh and linear rail meshes; note how the variance for the t-slot gantry had a lot more deviation, which also shows that using the original bearings also had artifacts not just limited to VFAs, but also in the z-axis. I noticed this was well when performing the initial bed leveling test prints.

CoreXY Config
Fig 5.5-1 - Mesh using t-slot gantry (v1.5)
Replacing the x-axis carriage with an MGN12H 300m linear rail (relatively low cost, found one on Amazon for <$10) essentially eliminates the deviation. The mesh's variance went from |0.6mm| to around |0.25mm|, which is pretty good for a 230x230 bed and thus no tramming is required.
CoreXY Config
Fig 5.5-2 - Mesh using linear rail (v2.0)

6.0 Assembly - Electrical

NOTE: This is entirely subjective. You can go with your own board as you want as long as it supports the necessary hardware/firmware.

6.1 Mainboard Choices

MKS Robin Nano
MKS Robin Nano v3.1

6.2 Drivers

TMC2209s were my preferred option for this. TMC2208s are also a valid option (even standalone), but I plan to implement sensorless homing so the 2209s were best fit.

Drivers

6.3 Motor Choices

Choosing which motor best fitted for speed was a matter of ripping specs from online to see which speed torque curve was the best. I could not find too much information regarding the MMX, but measuring the coil inductance and comparing it to motors of similar length in the 42BYGH family, I was able to create a couple torque speed curves.

Credit goes to StepperSim by rcarlyle for the calculator. As expected, since both motors are equivalent in size but the 42BYGH is a few years newer, which most likely uses higher-grade neodymium versus older standard ferrite magnets in the 42SHDCs (despite MMX cheaping out on alot of parts, the motor typically comes from an external supplier and is advertised as a 'high torque motor' while the older ones are usually general purpose) the 42BYGH has a bit more torque at slightly higher speeds.

I'm currently running them at 1.2A RMS, which seems to provide a decent amount of torque at high speeds. I know these motors are thermally tolerant as they used to run at ~70-80C in the MMX without any sort of passive or active cooling (since the bed was unessecarily heavy), so it should run fine without issues.

Bowden based systems will use the 42SHDC4023Z-23B (flsun) for the extruder, or direct drive systems will use the 42BYGH2303-B-22DP (mmx) for the extruder.

fig
Fig 6.3-1 - 42SHDC4023Z-23B
fig
Fig 6.3-2 - 42BYGH439-B-20D

6.4 Power Supply

I opted for the 24V PSU from the MMX since the Flsun one was borderline about to explode.

PSU

I have also used ZCH3's KP3S PSU 120mm fan adapter (ZL-360-24) since the original fan was pinned at 100% at all times and unnessecarily loud. Interesting that the manufacturer put a sticker on the psu, claiming this fan is 'temperature controlled'.

PSU

6.5 Hardware Diagram

See below for a high level hardware diagram with the appropriate wiring.

fig
Fig 6.5 - Simplified High Level Hardware Diagram

7.0 Firmware

7.1 Klipper Configuration

The repo contains configurations for Klipper and Marlin 2.1.2.5. Klipper continues to be prioritized and updated frequently, and Marlin also will continue to be supported.

Klipper printer.cfg:

                    
# Chimera iXY v2.0 - Klipper Configuration Revision 1.0
# General Setup: 
# CoreXY Kinematics
# MKS Robin Nano V3.1 + MKS TS35 v2.0
# RPi Zero 2W + Mellow Fly RP2040
# TMC2209 Drivers (UART X/Y, STANDALONE E/Z)
# Titan Extruder + V6 Volcano
# Last updated: 12-30-25

[include mainsail.cfg]
[include accelerometer.cfg]

[mcu]
serial: /dev/ttyAMA0
restart_method: command

[printer]
kinematics: corexy
max_velocity: 450
max_accel: 6400
max_z_velocity: 8
max_z_accel: 50

[virtual_sdcard]
path: /home/chimera/printer_data/gcodes
on_error_gcode: CANCEL_PRINT


#####################################################################
#      X/Y Stepper Settings
#####################################################################

#####################################################################
#      X/Y Stepper Settings
#####################################################################

[stepper_x]
step_pin: PE0
dir_pin: PB9           
enable_pin: !PE1
rotation_distance: 32  
microsteps: 16
full_steps_per_rotation: 200
endstop_pin: ^PA15     
position_endstop: 0
position_max: 230
homing_speed: 65

[tmc2209 stepper_x]
uart_pin: PD7          
run_current: 1.200
stealthchop_threshold: 5

[stepper_y]
step_pin: PE3
dir_pin: PE2           
enable_pin: !PE4
rotation_distance: 32  
microsteps: 16
full_steps_per_rotation: 200
endstop_pin: ^!PD2    
position_endstop: 230 
position_max: 230
position_min: -20    
homing_speed: 65

[tmc2209 stepper_y]
uart_pin: PD5       
run_current: 1.200
stealthchop_threshold: 5

[input_shaper]
shaper_freq_x: 114.6
shaper_type_x: mzv
shaper_freq_y: 45.0
shaper_type_y: ei


#####################################################################
#      Z Stepper Settings
#####################################################################

[stepper_z]
step_pin: PB5
dir_pin: !PB4
enable_pin: !PB8
rotation_distance: 0.5
microsteps: 16
endstop_pin: probe:z_virtual_endstop
position_min: -5.0
position_max: 230
homing_speed: 7
second_homing_speed: 2

#####################################################################
#      Extruder
#####################################################################

[extruder]
step_pin: PD6
dir_pin: PD3
enable_pin: !PB3
rotation_distance: 1
microsteps: 16
nozzle_diameter: 0.400
filament_diameter: 1.750
heater_pin: PE5
sensor_type: Generic 3950
sensor_pin: PC1
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 300
max_extrude_only_distance: 200.0
max_extrude_cross_section: 4.0
pressure_advance: 0.035


#####################################################################
#      Bed Heater
#####################################################################

[heater_bed]
heater_pin: PA0
sensor_type: Generic 3950 
sensor_pin: PC0
min_temp: 0
max_temp: 150

#####################################################################
#      Probe & Mesh
#####################################################################

[probe]
pin: ^!PC8
x_offset: 4
y_offset: 40
speed: 3.0              
lift_speed: 8.0         
samples: 3             
samples_result: median   
sample_retract_dist: 2.0 
samples_tolerance: 0.02 
samples_tolerance_retries: 3

[safe_z_home]
home_xy_position: 115, 75 
speed: 50
z_hop: 10
z_hop_speed: 5

[bed_mesh]
speed: 200
horizontal_move_z: 5
mesh_min: 20, 20     
mesh_max: 210, 190   
probe_count: 6, 6
algorithm: bicubic

#####################################################################
#      Fans
#####################################################################

[fan]
pin: PC14

[heater_fan hotend_fan]
pin: PB1
heater: extruder
heater_temp: 50.0

#####################################################################
#      Macros
#####################################################################

[gcode_macro START_PRINT]
description: Custom start macro
gcode:
    {% set BED_TEMP = params.BED_TEMP|default(60)|float %}
    {% set EXTRUDER_TEMP = params.EXTRUDER_TEMP|default(190)|float %}
    {% set LAYER_HEIGHT = params.LAYER_HEIGHT|default(0.2)|float %}

    G28                          
    PARK_PURGE                    
    
    M140 S{BED_TEMP}              
    M104 S{EXTRUDER_TEMP}       
    
    M190 S{BED_TEMP}             
    M109 S{EXTRUDER_TEMP}         
    
    BED_MESH_PROFILE LOAD=mesh1   
    
    G92 E0.0                      
    G1 Z2.5 F3000                  
    
    G1 X5.0 Y5.0 Z{LAYER_HEIGHT} F5000.0  
    G1 X5.0 Y55.0 Z{LAYER_HEIGHT} F1500.0 E10 
    G1 X5.3 Y55.0 Z{LAYER_HEIGHT} F5000.0   
    G1 X5.3 Y5.0 Z{LAYER_HEIGHT} F1500.0 E20 
    
    G92 E0 
    G1 E-1 F300                  
    G1 Z2.0 F3000

[gcode_macro END_PRINT]
gcode:
    G91                          
    G1 E-3 F300                  
    G1 Z10 F3000                  
    G90                           
    PARK_PURGE                   
    TURN_OFF_HEATERS
    M106 S0                      

#####################################################################
#      Filament Handling Macros
#####################################################################

[gcode_macro LOAD_FILAMENT]
gcode:
    {% set speed = params.SPEED|default(300) %}
    {% set max_velocity = printer.configfile.settings['extruder'].max_extrude_only_velocity %}
    G91
    G92 E0
    G1 E50 F{speed} 
    G1 E50 F{speed} 
    G92 E0
    G90

[gcode_macro UNLOAD_FILAMENT]
gcode:
    {% set speed = params.SPEED|default(300) %}
    {% set max_velocity = printer.configfile.settings['extruder'].max_extrude_only_velocity %}
    G91
    G92 E0
    G1 E25 F{speed}
    G1 E-100 F{speed}
    G92 E0
    G90

#####################################################################
#       Print State Management (Required for Pause/Resume)
#####################################################################

[pause_resume]

[display_status]

[gcode_macro PAUSE]
description: Pause the current print and store position
gcode:
    {% set velocity = printer.configfile.settings.printer.max_velocity %}
    G91 
    G1 Z10 F600 
    G90 
    M83 
    SAVE_GCODE_STATE NAME=PAUSE_STATE
    M117 Print Paused

[gcode_macro RESUME]
description: Resume the paused print
gcode:
    M117 Resuming Print
    RESTORE_GCODE_STATE NAME=PAUSE_STATE MOVE=1
    {% set hotend_temp = printer.lookup_object('extruder').target_temp %}
    {% set bed_temp = printer.lookup_object('heater_bed').target_temp %}
    M109 S{hotend_temp}
    M190 S{bed_temp}
    M82
    G90 
    M117 Printing...

[gcode_macro CANCEL_PRINT]
description: Cancel the current print
rename_existing: BASE_CANCEL_PRINT
gcode:
    M117 Print Cancelled
    G91                          
    G1 E-3 F300                   
    G1 Z10 F3000                  
    G90                        
    PARK_PURGE                  
    TURN_OFF_HEATERS
    M106 S0 
    CLEAR_PAUSE
    SDCARD_RESET_FILE
    BASE_CANCEL_PRINT
    M117 Ready

[gcode_macro PARK_PURGE]
description: Move the head to the purge bucket
gcode:
    {% if "xyz" not in printer.toolhead.homed_axes %}
        G28                          
    {% endif %}
    G90                              
    {% if printer.toolhead.position.z < 15 %}
        G1 Z15 F900
    {% endif %}
    G1 X20 Y-20 F6000                     

[adxl345]
axes_map: y, -x, z

[force_move]
enable_force_move: True

#*# <---------------------- SAVE_CONFIG ---------------------->
#*# DO NOT EDIT THIS BLOCK OR BELOW. The contents are auto-generated.
#*#
#*# [extruder]
#*# control = pid
#*# pid_kp = 30.535
#*# pid_ki = 1.655
#*# pid_kd = 140.845
#*#
#*# [heater_bed]
#*# control = pid
#*# pid_kp = 72.044
#*# pid_ki = 1.195
#*# pid_kd = 1086.058
#*#
#*# [probe]
#*# z_offset = 4.400
#*#
#*# [bed_mesh default]
#*# version = 1
#*# points =
#*# 	-0.146719, -0.216016, -0.187188, -0.220313, -0.106953, -0.062031, -0.274141
#*# 	-0.127344, -0.220078, -0.109609, -0.102344, -0.006875, 0.052656, 0.015547
#*# 	-0.067422, -0.111328, -0.028438, -0.016719, 0.095078, 0.180469, 0.203516
#*# 	0.016797, -0.023672, 0.087891, 0.106484, 0.226719, 0.343594, 0.464219
#*# 	0.020703, 0.107031, 0.208125, 0.181953, 0.327187, 0.464219, 0.619609
#*# 	0.045937, 0.063281, 0.204609, 0.305234, 0.460781, 0.606719, 0.685234
#*# 	-0.014063, 0.087734, 0.227344, 0.305859, 0.453203, 0.642031, 0.655391
#*# x_count = 7
#*# y_count = 7
#*# mesh_x_pps = 2
#*# mesh_y_pps = 2
#*# algo = bicubic
#*# tension = 0.2
#*# min_x = 20.0
#*# max_x = 209.96
#*# min_y = 20.0
#*# max_y = 170.0
#*#
#*# [bed_mesh mesh1]
#*# version = 1
#*# points =
#*# 	  0.139844, 0.090156, 0.038125, 0.006719, -0.033438, -0.084219
#*# 	  0.088281, 0.057344, 0.026406, 0.007187, 0.020000, 0.014375
#*# 	  0.036562, 0.035625, 0.018125, 0.017344, 0.058750, 0.092344
#*# 	  -0.060313, -0.070313, -0.067813, -0.030781, 0.030312, 0.093906
#*# 	  -0.177344, -0.154375, -0.144531, -0.095313, 0.005625, 0.080312
#*# 	  -0.346719, -0.294688, -0.248594, -0.172188, -0.073750, 0.030469
#*# x_count = 6
#*# y_count = 6
#*# mesh_x_pps = 2
#*# mesh_y_pps = 2
#*# algo = bicubic
#*# tension = 0.2
#*# min_x = 20.0
#*# max_x = 210.0
#*# min_y = 50.0
#*# max_y = 190.0

                    
                    

7.2 Input Shaping Results

For input shaping, the Mellow FLY-ADXL345-USB was used. Refer to the X-Gantry for mounting, and this Guide for setup.


In general, the frame is moderately rigid with a peak at one frequency in the x-axis, or approximately 170mm/s in SpreadCycle. The Y-axis has two peaks for some reason (possibly belts unevenly tensioned?), which is my primary limiting factor in acceleration with input shaper at <6400mm/s^2. I will make minor adjustments to this to hopefully get the acceleration up to at least 10k.

MKS Robin Nano
Fig 7.2-1 - X axis vibration resonance results
MKS Robin Nano
Fig 7.2-2 - Y axis vibration resonance results

8.0 Resolved Issues

8.1 OrangePi + MKS Gen L v1.0 OctoPrint Integration

Issues encountered while setting up octoprint on an Orange Pi 2 W and MKS Gen L v1.0:

  1. Initial USB Serial Connection Fails.
  2. Corrupt Serial Text.
  3. No Communication Timeout Retry.
  4. Port Conflicts with Wyze/Docker.
  5. Serial Buffer Underrun at high baud rates.

Switching to the MKS Robin Nano v3.1 improved this slightly. I could not get the screen to work with this pi however (for some reason the ili9341 driver was no longer supported), even on older linux builds it would never work. This forced me to switch to the raspberry pi zero 2w.

8.2 V6 Extrusion Mount Front & Backplate

Despite the plates used to mount the V6 hotend being designed with precision, there is still a slight 1mm wobble. Temporary solution: Add 2 M5 eccentric nuts to the top bolts holding the bearings.

It was kept like this for a while, when I got to printing there were insane vfas caused by the effects of using bearings with t-slot. I have switched to an MGN12 300mm linear rail, while I got it at a low cost and expected it to be built as such, it has eliminated this issue entirely.

vfa

8.3 Thermal Runaway

Due to the cheap heater cartridge used from the MMX, I frequently get into thermal runaways. It aggressively oscillates at 20C differences. I had to purchase a new one since my others used 12V.,

9.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, I was able to get a working rig by the first revision, but there were many issues to be addressed. The second revision represents a machine that increases the quality and speed significantly while matching the same reliablity.

Below is a brief list of all the revisions I've made so far for log purposes.

10.0 Appendix