MakerPi P3PRO crowdfunding project

admin

    With the purpose of making a more perfect 3d printer, we have collected a lot of questionnaire surveys from professional 3d printer users and resellers, we found the price and stability of the machine are concerned by most people,so we plan to develop and produce a new 3d printer with the below functions. During the developing, we will share the test data to you and initiate crowdfunding after completed, welcome to join us and share your suggestions.

    Expected functions:

    1. Stability printing but in low price: People can buy the optional upgrade parts if they need  more expandable functions.

    2. Smaller size to save shipping cost: Ensuring the printing area, the size of the machine is designed to be as small as possible, within 430*415*510mm

    3. Switchable between single nozzle and dual nozzle: the working area of the dual nozzle is often smaller than single nozzle machine. In order to maximize the printing area of  the machine, we hope to design the nozzles are switchable. When the users needs a dual nozzle, install the dual nozzle module, and replace the single nozzle module when the user needs a larger working area.  260* 260 * 260mm (Single nozzle mode), 210 * 260 * 260mm (dual nozzle mode).

    4. Stable double-head structure:

        4.1 Use steering gear and mechanical structure to make a certain nozzle liftable.

        4.2 Consider the design and use precision machining to ensure that the relative position of the nozzle is within an acceptable range.

        4.3 Use software compensation, obtain the value to be compensated by printing the standard model, and fill in Cura for compensation.

     5. Use the dual extruder which can support flexible material: PLA/ABS/TPU/PVA

     6. Use high temp nozzle in single nozzle mode(300 degrees),260 degrees standard in dual nozzle mode.

     7. Heated bed up to 110 degrees.

     8. Built in ABL solution

     9. Extendable modules: can be extended with laser head, CNC, and mixed color nozzle, we also hope it can be expanded to .clay, ceramic material and even food.

    10. Modular design: the machine is designed into modules, easier to assembly.

     If it goes well, the main parameters to achieve our design goals are as follows:

     1. Working area: 260 * 260 * 260mm (single nozzle mode), 210 * 260 * 260mm (dual nozzle mode)

     2. Machine size: 430 * 415 * 510mm (estimated)

     3 .Transport size: 610 * 510 * 260mm (estimated)

     4. Lifting dual nozzle structure.

     5. Nozzle temperature: 300° (single nozzle mode), 260° (dual nozzle mode).

     6. Support materials: ABS, PLA, PVA, TPU and other materials.

     7. Hot bed temp: 110°.

     8. Auto leveling.

     9. Silent drive.

    10. Can support extended functions: mixed nozzle, laser head, CNC, etc.

    11. Power off resume.

    12. Material break alarm.

    13. Touch screen operation.

    14. CPUs: STM32 F429

    15 .Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2020-11-16------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Project Overview:

This is MakerPi.It is a 3D printing company with more than 8 years of experience.In the past 2020, under the influence of COVID-19, let us have more time to think about the development direction of the industry. As an innovative company that is deeply involved in the industry, we feel that we need to do something for the industry. After conducting an in-depth analysis of the market, we found that we need a more perfect machine, which can meet the needs of the current stage, and at the same time can provide new choices for customers who need to upgrade. What kind of machine meets the requirements? After investigation and analysis, we feel that at least four conditions need to be met: A has new features; B is more stable; C is more scalable; D is available to more people.
So there is this project: a multi-functional hybrid 3D printer-P3 PRO.
If you want to use a few keywords to describe P3 PRO, I think it should be: mixed head, liftable double head, all-in-one, scalability.


Project Plan
1 Market survey：2020.10.15-2020.11.15


2 Call for suggestions and technical discussion: 2020.11.01—（proceed）


3 Technical solutions test and prototype test：2020.11.01-2021.05.30
3.1 Solution selection and accessory selection：（Details need to be updated）
3.2 Functional testing and improvement：
3.3 Prototype test：


4 Reviewer test：2021.06.01-2021.10.31


5 Improve according to reviewer's suggestions：2021.11.01-2021.12.15


6 launch on kickstarter: 2022.01.15—2022.02.18

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2021.1.11----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone, after a very, very long test. In June 2021, we began to test the structure of IDEX.
After the comparative test, we found that the structure of IDEX is better than that of lifting dual extruder.
so, the crowdfunding project will follow your suggestions: upgrade to the structure of IDEX.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2021.6.26----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parameter table

Model No.        P3 Pro
Advantages        "5 IN 1 and Modular Extruder：
1 Independent Dual Extruders（Standard）
2 Mixed Extruder（Optional）
3 All-metal 300℃ extruder with  Hardening Steel Nozzle （Optional）
4 Dual-Gear Extruder for Flexible Filaments（Optional）
5 Laser（Optional）

Pre assembly
Silence driver
Power resume /Break alarm
ABL solusion
110℃ HOT-BED
Linear Rails
Dual Z-Axis
XY-Axis  adjustable belt
Silica Brush
Support PLA/PVA/TPU/ABS/PA/PC/PA-CF
MEAN WELL Power
Infrared End-Stop
Fool-Proof"
Printing volume        "Single\Dual\Mixed :300*300*360mm
Duplication\Mirror:120*300*360mm"
Nozzle number        Dual (IDEX structure)
Layer thickness        0.05-0.30mm
Forming precision        Â±0.1-0.3mm
Nozzle diameter        Standard 0.4mm
Printing material        PLA/PVA/TPU/ABS/PA/PC/PA-CF
Filament diameter        1.75mm
Slicing software        CURA-Chinese/English
Support file format         stl;Gcode
XY axis precision        0.0125mm
Z axis precision        0.000625mm
Hot bed temperature        0-110℃
Nozzle temperature        250℃ or 300℃（All matel）
SD card offline printing        U drive
LCD        4.3 Inch Touch screen
Working voltage        24V
Input voltage        220V/110V
Maximum power        400W
Product size        540*560*810mm(Including Spool Holder)
Packing size        650x610x270 mm
Machine weight        27.5KG
Packing weight        29KG
Environmental requirement        15-35℃，Humidity20-50%
Quality certification        CE,FCC,ROHS

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2021.12.30----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Firmware upgrade schedule

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.01.04----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear friends,

Hello! MakerPi P3 PRO 5 IN 1 IDEX 3D printer with modular extruder has released on kickstarter platform,This crowdfunding campaign Starting on February 9, 2022, and ending on March 11, 2022, which was supported by 149 backers, raising HK$747,743, with a completion rate of 959%.As below is the link:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1012019432/makerpi-p3-pro-5-in-1-idex-3d-printer-with-modular-extrude/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.03.11----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below are some of the upgrades we have made to the machine, and we will continue to update them in the future.

About z banding issue,

We use CNC machined parts to fix the motor on top of the aluminum profile instead of the original sheet metal parts. In addition, we added a fixed limit device on the top.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.03.20----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

Last week we have tested new firmware, we mainlytest the parameter printing speed, and the test record oof printing speed is asbelow:

Using the firmware (firmware version:20220311 V1.3.3 V1.2) and other parameters unchanged, we tested 60mm/s,70mm/s,80mm/s.

1.60mm/s: The printing time is 5:17:13

2.70mm/s: The printing time is 5:01:42

3.80mm/s: The printing time is 4:49:16

Using the firmware again (firmware version:20220331 V1.3.5 V1.2), we tested 90mm/s with other parameters unchanged

1.90mmm/s: The printing time is 4:12:40

It can be seen from the above data that from theinitial time from 5:17:13 to 4:12:40, the time has been shortened by 1 hour and5 minutes, which has greatly improved the printing speed. Of course, our testis still in progress. More progress, we will update later.Thank you!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.04.01----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Everyone,last week we have upgraded configure the offsets for E2.

How to configure the offsets for E2? We originally did this by printing a caliper. Now we have upgraded by putting a cross markings on printing platform and moving the printhead directly to align it. It's easier and faster.For more content, please stay tuned for next Monday's update.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.04.11----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

Optional PEI print plate,size 310*310mm,flexible, removable, can stick to magnetics very well. High strength and heat resistance.can use front and back side.
The flexible steel PEI sheet is made of high quality spring steel that won't kink or warp when you flex them, they just return back to shape!
Easy to adhere to the printing surface, easy to remove the prints, flex slightly to pop your print right off.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.04.18----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

Most of the parts have been received now, and a few more will be coming soon.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.04.25----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

Good News! we are doing quality control on these P3 pro accessories.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.05.02----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

Good day!Today we have received the motors,any questions,pls feel free to contact us.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.05.09----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

Good day!The firmware was updated and now the two extruders E1 and E2 can be loaded and un-loaded separately, saving both time and filaments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.05.16----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

Good day!MakerPi P3 Pro will be shipped one after another at the end of this month as they are being assembled in large quantities.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.05.23----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

Good day!This is the process we tested.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.05.31----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

We are testing the P3 pro,more and more P3 pro are being tested.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.06.06----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

Some P3 pro have been Shipped from the factory.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.06.21----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

We are continuing to ship.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.06.28----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

We are continuing to ship,please wait patiently.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2022.07.13----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

neohu886

Looking forward to it,please also share crowdfunding enterance as well when its done.

admin

neohu886 Posted at 2020-11-16 15:07
Looking forward to it,please also share crowdfunding enterance as well when its done.

Of course, thanks.

Ftomarts

Looking forward to this and seeing the design

admin

Ftomarts Posted at 2020-11-17 07:40
Looking forward to this and seeing the design

Thank you for your support~

AstroPrinter

I made a survey on the FacebookFeature


Hardware

Raise unused hot end to prevent impact with the printed part
2209 stepper controllers
32 bit board
Purg Bucket/s with nozzle wipe
ABL
Ability to calibrate each print head Z offset
filament sensors for each head
linear rail at least for the X axis
Dual Z screws
Filament breakage sensor - senses of the filament is being extruded, if not it pauses the job
yellow bed springs or silicone bed leveling mounts
Large bed leveling knobs
glass bed /magnetic bed options
hardened nozzles
top end temp of 350 all-metal hotend
boxed frame design or braced design
axes moved by screws X Y Z
enclosure option
Direct Drive extruders
RGB hotend light that changes color to temp or print status
If an enclosure, heated to manage temp for ABS,ASA,PEEK
MOSFETs for all heated parts
Smoke detector coupled with a relay that cuts off heaters power in case of fire
Electronic power off after print ends or power on remotly
Silent fans
Silicon Hotend Sock
Raspberry Pi Integration with Octoprint
Camera integrated with the PI to monitor the prints
easy set up 2-3 components most (less amount of different screws)
Power cord socket on rear of machine.
Power switch on front of machine.
SD card, not Micro. on FRONT of machine.
USB on REAR of machine. Not side or front.
sensible design (ie avoid simple construction errors like hotend parking position above air ventilation slot of the electronics box etc)
click-connector for the hotend/extruder
ATX PSU with connected reset pin
push release to swap nozzels
bondtech-style dual gear drive extruders
board, cold end, part cooler fans

Software
Baby steps on screen
Enable linear advance
PID Tuning on screen
Change X,Y and Z M92 settings on the screen
open-source firmware
resume stopped prints (after poweroff/power failure)
Klipper firmware group. Here are the asks of those who responded

admin

AstroPrinter Posted at 2020-11-18 09:39
I made a survey on the FacebookFeature

Thank you for your suggestion. I will give feedback to the R&D department.

admin

Suggestion1: The circle purge tower and tree supports are the main thing to look into I think
Our answer:  Thanks for your suggestion, yes we now are testing the circle purge tower, will update to you soon. And the tree supports may be not suitable for PVA materials, the support is easy to be rupture,but we will continue testing and share with you.

Mike:Tree supports are working fine for me with PVA. You just need to lower your support printing speed, adding some infill to the trees helps too (about 3-5% lines), you can also increase the walls of the tree from 1 to 2 and that helps quite a bit.

MakerPi:

When we testing PVA support, it is easy to break in three places:
1 For the first layer, if the RAFT base is used, the adhesion between PVA and PLA is not good, so the support is likely to fall off.
2 In the middle, if print the tree support, it is easy to break. According to what you said, reducing the speed and increasing the wall thickness and filling will improve.
3 Support the contact part of the entity. The same problem is the viscosity of the two materials. Generally, we produce a surface as the contact entity.

Suggestion 2: Direct drive is more reliable than bowden with less wear parts。All metal hot ends for no degrading of PTFE tubes。wire holders to prevent snagging
Answer:Yes you are right,direct drive has many advantages,the reasons we didn't choose are:
1.We want to make a module design printer which can be expanded to other functions,reducing the replacement of parts,bowden drive is more convenient to replace parts when you need use another function.
2.Bowden drive can make the extruder lighter,moving faster.
3.But at the same time we will spend time to test derect drive.

Mike:Speaking of direct drive, it helps a lot with PVA also. And I'd assume it would be way easier to remove just the entire 3d printer assembly with extruder, motor, hot end and all at once with direct drive.

Please let me know if you'd like any assistance with the direct drive testing or design.


If you're worried about weight on the X, use a pancake stepper motor instead with a BMG extruder for torque multiplication.
2 BMGs with 2 pancake motors weighs less than a 310x310x4mm plate of glass most people run on big printers bed.

admin

Suggestion 3:What's that like 50mm between the hotends that's 50mm print space lost on each side of the bed for one color
On  a 300mm bed you could only use 250 or less
Depends on your gantry setup I guess, if it's designed to have 25mm more travel space on each side

Our answer:Thank you for your suggestion. Yes, you are very correct.
Dual extruder printers take up larger space, either reducing the working area, or increasing the volume of the machine (as you said: the design increases the space of the machine), various IDEX structures are realized by increasing the volume of the machine.
We think about it like this:
1. After our market research, the main factors considered by customers who want to buy dual extruder 3d printer are: the price and stability of the machine. About 40% of customers consider price (including freight), and about 50% of customers consider stability.
2.Based on the research, we take price and stability as our priority factors, that is, the machine should be realized: cheaper (simple structure+ less spare parts), less freight (the machine is small), more stable (simple structure + less spare parts).
3.Based on these consideration, we chose a liftable nozzle structure
4.Considering that some customers think the dual extruder machine will reduce the working area, we design a modular nozzle. If the user needs a dual extruder machine, use a dual extruder structure,when he wants a larger printing area,then use the single nozzle module.
5.At the same time, the modular design also makes the machine more expandable, such as mixing nozzle, CNC, laser laser, and even food slurry.

admin

Model No.        P3 Pro
Advantages        "5 IN 1 and Modular Extruder：
1 Independent Dual Extruders（Standard）
2 Mixed Extruder（Optional）
3 All-metal 300℃ extruder with  Hardening Steel Nozzle （Optional）
4 Dual-Gear Extruder for Flexible Filaments（Optional）
5 Laser（Optional）

Pre assembly
Silence driver
Power resume /Break alarm
ABL solusion
110℃ HOT-BED
Linear Rails
Dual Z-Axis
XY-Axis  adjustable belt
Silica Brush
Support PLA/PVA/TPU/ABS/PA/PC/PA-CF
MEAN WELL Power
Infrared End-Stop
Fool-Proof"
Printing volume        "Single\Dual\Mixed :300*300*360mm
Duplication\Mirror:120*300*360mm"
Nozzle number        Dual (IDEX structure)
Layer thickness        0.05-0.30mm
Forming precision        ±0.1-0.3mm
Nozzle diameter        Standard 0.4mm
Printing material        PLA/PVA/TPU/ABS/PA/PC/PA-CF
Filament diameter        1.75mm
Slicing software        CURA-Chinese/English
Support file format         stl;Gcode
XY axis precision        0.0125mm
Z axis precision        0.000625mm
Hot bed temperature        0-110℃
Nozzle temperature        250℃ or 300℃（All matel）
SD card offline printing        U drive
LCD        4.3 Inch Touch screen
Working voltage        24V
Input voltage        220V/110V
Maximum power        400W
Product size        540*560*810mm(Including Spool Holder)
Packing size        650x610x270 mm
Machine weight        27.5KG
Packing weight        29KG
Environmental requirement        15-35℃，Humidity20-50%
Quality certification        CE,FCC,ROHS