Sep 30, 2015 | By Kira
An DIY professional 3D printer for under €300 known as the Vulcanus has been scaled-up 60%, 110%, and 160% to create the Vulcanus Max 30, Vulcanus Max 40 and upcoming Vulcanus MEGA MAX 3D printers, with build volumes of 32 x 32 x 32cm, 42 x 42 x 42cm and 52 x 52 x 50cm respectively. Designed by University of Algarve doctoral candidate Aldric Negrier, these scaled up models feature significant improvements and can be made at home with his detailed instructions.
The original Vulcanus V1 was uploaded by 16-year-old German Instructables user Vulcaman, who wanted to build a professional CoreXY 3D printer at home for under €300 euros. His model is 44 x 44 x 60cm, with a respectable build volume of 20 x 20 x 26cm. At the same time, RepRapAlgarve, a 3D printing workshop hosted by the University of Algarve in Portugal and Negrier was working on a CoreXY project. “When we saw Vulcanus V1, we immediately jumped on the wagon,” said Negrier.
He had previously designed the Mega Prusa i3, a scaled-up version of the Prusa i3 Rewrk 3D printer that allowed 8 times the original build volume, bringing it up to a stunning 40 x 40 x 40cm (that’s 15.7 inches) and giving him ample experience with the types of modifications necessary.
For the RepRap Vulcanus Max 30 and Max 40 3D printers, along with increasing the build volumes, he included all metal direct drive, auto-bed leveling, LM10UU and LMH12UU Z bearings, and colorful acrylic panels. Both the Max 30 and Max 40 models feature E3D V6 lite extruders and MK8 Direct Drive systems. The MEGA MAX is still in testing phase.
In order to properly upscale the new machines, Negrier had to use a new list of parts. Whereas the Vulcanus V1 used 8mm X, Y and Z smooth rods, the Vulcanus Max 30 and 40 require 12mm Z rods and 10mm XY rods. “All parts were redesigned to allow bigger bearings and bigger rods, with the exception of the corners and the Z motor holders,” said Negrier. He also switched from using Marlin firmware to Repetier out of personal preference. Currently, the parts list, STL files and instructions are available on Instructables to download for free, or you can purchase fully-assembled and tested 3D printers for €650 (Max 30) and €750 (Max 40).
Both the Vulcanus Max 30 and Vulcanus Max 40 were unveiled at the Lisbon Maker Faire 2015, and we’re eagerly awaiting the Vulcanus MEGA MAX to see what the massive machine will be capable of. All three upscaled 3D printers are excellent examples of the RepRap spirit, which welcomes upgrades, modifications and re-workings of existing open source 3D printer models.
“The feedback was very positive,” said Negrier in reference to the unveiling at the Lisbon Maker Faire. “We finish off this instructable thanking all RepRap community and a special thanks to vulcaman for publishing the Vulcanus V1.”
3D printed objects made with the Vulcanus Max models
The RepRapAlgarve workshop encourages participants to adopt open source 3D printing technology, and provides a training area where even beginner makers and build and operate a fully functional 3D printer.
Posted in 3D Printers
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