Hey guys,
I’ve had many prints where i really wish i had a little extra height to print a certain object but am limited by the build volume of course. Today however i checked to see how much space there really was to print an object in the Z direction for the dreamer and found it to be around 167mm.
The dreamer is limited to 140mm and since its not open source i was wondering if anyone knew a way or workaround to adjust that build volume to maybe increase it to about 160-165mm in the Z direction and allow for a larger build volume.
I also found some sites stating a 150mm build volume for the dreamer so I’m sure some versions of the firmware allow for a slightly higher build height. Any ideas?
UPDATE 3/18/2016
I have been printing my gcode through the flashprint software so far and was unable to modify anything, until now. Using simplify3D connected directly to the printer. (printing through USB cable) I was able to just modify the print volume in the process settings by increasing the build volume to 160mm and also adjusting the script accordingly to go to Z160 at the end instead of Z140.
I just finished a successful print to 160mm with pretty much no effort at all except for typing in a 160 instead of a 140 in 2 places and done. No firmware edits or anything. I hope this helps other maximize their print volumes as well. Your machine may be different so first check how low the build plate can go.
** I’m not responsible if you mess up your printer but honestly even if you run it into the floor it won’t do much but skip a little.
Dhin
2
Your build volume limits are pretty much set in stone on most machines. There are a few ways to approach this though, first, take the STL file into something like Blender and cut it in half so you have two pieces to print instead of one. You will get a seem between the two pieces, but if you glue it right and do a little work it shouldn’t be that noticeable. Second, try re-orienting the object in your slicer program… if your print volume will allow it that is (this may not always work, especially for printers with a large Z than X and Y,) rotate the object onto its side and print it that way if you can (you may need to use supports if it is irregularly shaped.) Lastly, scale it down a bit. If you don’t need to have it the exact size it is, then scale it, otherwise you need to try one of the other two options…
In my opinion the first option is the best. When you cut it include a guide (like a box or cylinder to act as a pin between the pieces,) find a good line of summitry or someplace that can help hide your seem.
I agree that it’s most likely set in stone I just wish there was a workaround. I currently do all the things you suggest. I split the model and the glue or go sideways when i can. Sideways doesn’t always solve it though due to the loss of quality when you have very shallow angles and curves.
I was hoping there was a way to feed the g-code directly that where the printer would be tricked into not realizing the z-axis limit had been reached.
Dhin
4
Apart from removing/disabling the limit switch at the bottom of your Z axis (if it has one, sometimes it is just hard wired not to go further) I don’t think there is anything you can do to try and trick the machine into continuing. Anything you do would have to physically alter the printer, gcode won’t make it continue printing. The print limits are set up to keep moving parts from damaging themselves and other the parts of machine anyway, so I wouldn’t advise trying to do any modifications unless you know what you are doing or have the money to buy a new one.
Fair enough. The funny thing is using the controls on the LCD display you can manually move the bed down and it gives you a reading that it is going down into the negatives without stopping untill it hits the bed at the bottom which is around -16.7mm. There is not z-stop at the bottom only the top. Physically it does it and knows its doing it and doesnt stop you from doing it. So the way i see it its pure software as the machine is capable of going that low on its own. The only thing that stops you is the flash print software telling you the model is out of the build volume and cannot proceed. Im not going to do anything to damage the printer or risk having to buy a new one. It is what it is.
Dhin
6
I don’t know enough about the firmware but that is where I would start looking for that z limit. Just be careful.
