Zbot How did the Chinese make a desktop 3d industrial printer?

In this publication, I want to share my acquaintance with the 3d printers Zbot FDM-i1 (i2), whose older brother won the Chinese Chinese Design Award 2012.

In fact, these printers are a simplified version of industrial models: Zbot FDM20-2525 and Zbot FDM35-1515
')
At the same time, these models fully preserved the design of the print head. And it was possible to reduce the cost of construction by simplifying the mechanics due to the more compact dimensions. (The price has decreased from 180,000 rubles to 59,000 in Russia)
Senior models are used in engineering companies and are mainly focused on the domestic market of China.



The main design features are two heating elements and an unusual clamping mechanism. Details under the cut.

The package bundle and packaging are common to all desktop printers, everything is needed



The printer is shipped completely assembled with the exception of the plastic holder and the base of the supply tube, which simply need to be hung on the back of the printer.



The frame of the printer is made of metal sheets forming a one-piece frame. All the mechanics and electronics attached to it.



The front panel is made of transparent plexiglass, but there is one "but." Each time you have to unscrew the 4 screws to remove it, and tighten all the same 4 screws to put it back on. Those. You have to remove it at the end of each print. But you can print without it.



The right edge of the platform is fixed, and the left is adjustable in height with the handle on the bottom of the printer. This knob is just connected to the engine of the left axial screw. It is believed that the front-to-rear platform is calibrated at the factory.



Platform of acrylic, lined with mesh. The size of the platform is 15 cm x 15 cm. For the older model Zbot FDM-i2, the platform is 10 cm wider.



The platform is heated, but the temperature can not be regulated. It is always hot when the printer is turned on.



The system is similar to Replicator. But this printer has a Z-axis platform fixed at 2 ends left and right. At each end there are two linear circular guides and a helical axis.



Two heating elements. The printer warms up to 240 degrees in 2-3 minutes



The clamping mechanism is durable, as it contains no plastic parts, with the exception of the lever. The engine feed has its own fan. The plastic chute is located on the pressure wheel, and two dense springs are strong enough so that the plastic does not slip.



massive nozzle, separate fans for the nozzle and for the engine, and a curious pressure mechanism



Electronics is the same as the first Ultimaker. Managed by Arduino. The firmware used is Marlin, which allows you to use all the most common applications for printing (Kissliser, pronterface (printrun), Slic3r, Cura, Repetier Host, Simplify3d, Octoprint).



Manufacturers promise that soon this printer will get an LCD screen and a slot for an SD card.

Soft

Kisslicer + Printrun is a native software



Kisslicer is used to convert a 3D model to a GCode. There are in Russian. Kisslicer comes pre-configured for Zbot FDM-i1



Printrun is used to print GCode.


Select the ratio of speed / quality



The printer can print both ABS and PLA, but initially it was developed under ABS.