RepRapMicron (μRepRap)
Overview
The RepRapMicron Project, or μRepRap, is an extension of the Open Source RepRap 3D printer project that aims to bring micron-scale fabrication into very widespread adoption. The main project page is here and currently the assembly instructions are on the Github wiki. It uses hardware and software familiar to 3D printer and CNC developers (GCODE, GRBL, NEMA17 steppers etc.), and materials that are easily and inexpensively available.
As of PIKA V0.02 pixels can be placed or engraved with repeatable micron precision in 2D without difficulty. Range of motion is approximately 8mm on X, Y, and Z axes. A resin deposition system for <4μm droplets is functional if not complete. Current resin material is "Top Coat" Nail Art UV Gel. Printing with an optical fibre in standard 3D printer resin using a UV LED is also supported.
The meaty part is in the "pika" directory, where the OpenSCAD models for a 3D printed print-in-place flexure chassis and axis drivers can be found. Parts are intended to fit a 10mm grid and attach with M3 fasteners.
The PIKA version is now the focus of development, and departs from MAUS in that it is specifically a μRepRap design, rather than a kit of parts for constructing μRepRaps. If you want to make the best practical machine rather than a flexure research platform, PIKA is the preferred version.
The project has achieved the fourth Alpha release. This repository holds files that can reasonably be expected to be functional and useful to potential developers/experimenters.
If you're looking for pre-built STL files for MAUS, they're here. PIKA is here. Note that Printables is not automatically kept in sync with the source or instructions.
Roadmap
- Develop a micron-accurate, 3D printable mechanism. - UNLOCKED
- Develop a print head for it. - UNLOCKED
- Make more of them - UNLOCKED
- Develop practical 3D deposition for resin and other materials.
- Reduce further to nanoscale
- Take over the world
Directory Structure
gcode_segmentation
Python code to take GCODE from a 3D printer slicing program such as PrusaSlicer, and break it into GCODE for a series of points that can be invidivually deposited with the probe. There is provision for a routine to "re-ink" the probe tip after a predetermined number of points are deposited.
library
A Selection of useful OpenSCAD libraries used in generating "Metriccano" modular components (10mm grid, metric fasteners), screw holes, motor mounts etc.
maus
Micron Accurate Universal System - OpenSCAD model files for micron precision axis components based on flexures.
The maus directory contains standard axis drivers, XY complementary flexure Table, Z Tower, and probe parts that need screwing down to a solid surface. It can be assembled on a Metriccano baseboard supplied for lasercutting as metriccano_baseboad.svg, or a 12 x 14 hole piece of 10mm pitch perf board.
As of V0.05 a pantograph-like driver with parallelogram flexures - maus_parallelogram_axis_driver.scad - is used as the Axis Driver. This is linear in action rather than the earlier small-arc pivoting Axis Drivers, has a greater range of motion (~8mm TBD), and due to the linear motion of the drive nut has lower friction allowing higher acceleration and motion speed.
Assembly documentation for a functional release is on the Github Wiki, with configuration and usage instructions next up. Bill Of Materials available for V0.03 .
pika
Print In-place Kinematic Assembly - OpenSCAD model files for a flexure-based axis system. The XY Table mechanism is print-in-place, making it more rigid and easier to assemble. Axis Drivers are similar to MAUS but have a modifed motor bracket component.
png_to_gcode
Python code that reads a PNG bitmap and emits GCODE that will probe a corresponding point on the GCODE-controlled hardware. Pitch, brightness level and so forth can be provided on the command line. Intended for using RepRapMicron in dip-pen mode with bitmap files, but probably has other uses.
oldGRBLdelta
A python/Zelle Control Panel that drives a GRBL CNC using xyz steppers and uses them to control an OpenFlexure microscope delta stage.
utils
Utilities for calibration and assembly.
UV_Head
Software and models of 9/125 optical fibre adaptors to allow fibre optic printing in 3D standard printer resin. This prints items within a resin droplet with a resolution of approximately 9μm - or less if you can find a thinner fibre.
Contributing
Please do join in. We need everything. Coders, makers, nanoscience experts, materials scientists, 3D printing experts, manual writers, graphics artists, dancers, the works. Well, maybe not the dancers.
The main repository of knowledge is the wiki on the main project page. General updates go on the blog. There is some coverage on the Facebook RepRap page, and commentary is welcomed.
Licence
GPL V3 or later
Project status
PIKA V0.02
Fourth release candidate. Now the focus of development. Build process has been documented, other documentation relies on its compatibility with MAUS.
MAUS V0.05
Third Alpha release candidate designed for flexure research. Essentially a modification to use PIKA-style linear Axis Drivers.
MAUS V0.04
The prefereble build if documentation is required. V0.04 documentation is currently a list of fixups for V0.03 docs.
MAUS V0.03
First ever Alpha release. Tested build with a few known flaws and full build documentation on wiki.