Mark2 Documentation
Overview
The Aus3D Mark2 3D Printer kit is designed to be a high-quality, easy to assemble kit-based printer. Quality and capability were the primary design goals, and the Mark2 is a printer that will not disappoint in these areas. It is based off of the RepRap Prusa Mendel i3 design, however the Mark2 has been redesigned from the ground up to be sturdier and more capable than traditional i3-based printers. Threaded rod and printed fasteners have been replaced with extra-thick 10mm acrylic, and the frame has been designed to to reduce vibrations - minimising excess noise and improving print quality, even during strenuous, high-frequency motions. The typical threaded-rod Z-axis has been replaced with an improved lead screw driven system, reducing Z-backlash and allowing for smoother Z motion. The rigid frame ensures all axes are held square, ensuring optimal print quality.
Quality HotEnds
We've partnered with E3D in order to make their widely-respected HotEnds a standard feature on the Mark2, ensuring all our kits come with a quality, reliable HotEnd. The Mark2 is compatible with both Lite6 and V6 HotEnds, and can be configured for both single and dual extrusion. A V6-equipped Mark2 is capable of printing the widest range of materials possible, and dual-extrusion allows for much more technically and visually complicated parts to be printed.
Reliable Extrusion
An all-metal direct-drive extruder cold-end allows for consistent and reliable extrusion, and makes swapping filament an easy task. The metal design ensures long-lasting reliability, and will not wear down as a printed extruder might. High-torque NEMA17 motors are used for each extruder, ensuring the extruder always has plenty of power to keep the filament moving. Combined with E3D's premium HotEnds, this makes for an extrusion system that is both hassle free, and significantly capable. Further, the Mark2 maintains compatibility with any standard Prusa i3 x-carriage, opening up a huge range of potential printed modifications.
Powerful Cooling
The Mark2 comes with one print fan, and one fan for each HotEnd equipped, unlike many kits which only come with the fan required for the HotEnd. Each Mark2 Printer comes with either a TinyFan (single-extruder kit) or MightyFan (dual-extruder kit) fan expansion board, allowing for firmware-based individual control over each attached fan. Because of these fans, the Mark2 is capable of printing significant overhangs and performing clean, straight bridging.
Automatic Bed Levelling
Automatic bed levelling is achieved through the use of an IR-based probe attached to the extruder carriage. This probe triggers as a non-contact endstop at a certain distance from the heated bed, and is both highly precise and highly repeatable. This probe allows for the offset between the HotEnd and the heated bed to be measured at several points, and the firmware can then compensate for an un-even bed - making it easier to get the first layer of the print stuck to the bed correctly.
Print Bed
The Mark2 features a heated aluminium build plate, which ensures even heat distribution and a flat printing surface. The use of Kapton tape is recommended in order to further aid adhesion, and a roll of suitable tape is included with each printer. Alternatively, a sheet of borosilicate glass may be employed if desired.
Spool Holder
In order to save space and reduce the likelihood of filament tangling, the Mark2 features a heavy-duty integrated filament spool holder. This holder is capable of holding a minimum of three standard spools (maximum width 15cm), and can hold up to five spools depending on build configuration. The spool holder is designed for easy swapping of spools, and spools can be added or removed quickly and without hassle.
Easy Wiring
Custom-made wiring harnesses allow for hassle-free connection of all key components. The dedicated 12V harness features fork terminals to connect securely to the power supply - all wires are held firmly in place, and won't move or fray. The other end of the harness features crimp ferrules that match perfectly with the screw terminals on RAMPS - so there are no stray wires to worry about or fray, and getting a good and secure electrical connection is easy.
Connection to mains is achieved through a familiar IEC C14 socket - commonly known as a 'kettle' plug. This is an improvement on our older designs where the power supply wired directly into the mains cable - now the printer can be quickly disconnected if needed, and tripping hazards are reduced through the removable cable. An illuminated on/off switch allows power to be quickly removed in the event of an accident - or even if you just want to save some power between prints!
Upgradeable
The Mark2 is a sturdy and capable machine by default - but there are a number of add-ons available to further add to its abilities. The Mark2's build volume can be expanded by 50% (to 300x200x200mm), allowing larger objects to be printed. Dual-extrusion opens up a whole range of interesting possibilities - soluble support material, flexible/solid hybrid parts, conductive elements embedded in regular plastic - there's a lot to play with. An LCD controller can be added to the printer, allowing for manual control and printing without an attached computer through an SD card. Alternatively, mounting points for a Raspberry Pi allow for the setup of an OctoPi installation, making it possible to control the printer remotely and print over the internet.
Features
- 200 x 200 x 200mm Print Area (8000 cubic centimetres)
- Reduced to 175 x 200 x 200mm with dual extruder
- Expandable to 300 x 200 x 200mm
- Automatic Bed Levelling
- Highly precise infra-red probe, excellent repeatability (std. dev. of 3 microns)
- Sturdy frame minimises vibrations and wobble
- Ultra-thick 10mm acrylic for bulk of frame
- Lightweight 4.5mm acrylic on moving platforms
- High-Quality E3D-Online HotEnd
- Choice of Lite6 or V6 HotEnd
- 0.4mm Nozzle Default (additional sizes available)
- Dual Extrusion supported
- Heated Aluminium Bed
- Up to 90°C in default configuration
- Up to 110°C with added insulator
- Sturdy and reliable metal extruder
- Integrated spool holder
- Holds 3 spools (up to 5 depending on build config)
- RAMPS Fan Expansion Board included
Kit Contents
The Mark2 can be customised depending on a variety of requirements. However, the default kit includes everything needed to get up and running with a single-extruder setup.
A complete bill of materials is available on the BOM page.
Add-Ons
LCD Smart Controller
Add an LCD to view printer status, controls to operate and adjust settings manually, and an SD card slot for computer-free printing. For a list of included parts, please see the BOM.
As of 16/2/2016, this upgrade is now a default part of the Mark2 kit.
Glass Print Bed
Glass is one of the better print surfaces out there - it's very flat, and most filaments are happy sticking to it. This upgrade includes a suitably sized sheet of glass for the Mark2's print bed, the clips to hold it in place, and a sheet of black paper to ensure the IR probe works smoothly.
As of 16/2/2016, this upgrade is now a default part of the Mark2 kit.
Heated Bed Insulator
Some materials - like Polycarbonate, for instance - require really high bed temperatures to print. This upgrade increases the maximum temperature the heated bed can reach, by reducing the amount of heat that is radiated out from beneath the bed.
As of 16/2/2016, this upgrade is now a default part of the Mark2 kit.