parts Archives

A part, or many parts, builds etc, this is a reference to parts of a build, or rebuild, parts 1 – 5 as an example for the M1 Refurb.

June 12, 2023September 27, 2024

Ender 3 Max Neo Filament

Printer Base Stabilization, Adhesion and Print Heights

Ender 3 Max Neo Filament Solutions

Lab Work – TPU Speed and Cycle Times

For this article on the Ender 3 Max Neo Filament, a typical print cycle might run between 2-5 hours, possibly more. While the standard range has been 2-5 hours, we are now looking at 12 – 16 hours. Recently, we have extended the top maximum run times to just under 12 hours for our test models. Surprisingly, both print tests resulted in the a mess.

For the record, a paper towel holder caused this issue twice. Upon initial observation, as the prints moved vertically (up the y-axis), the printing quality deteriorated. Somewhere between the 4″ and 5″ mark, both test prints went awry.

I’m starting to think there is shaking issue with the table or even a stabilization issue where the printer. is located. Both issues might be addressed by printing the base slices, holder ends, screws, rods, and washers in a single print. These items should be printed separately to attach the towel roll and the rod. The rod that is slung between the holders can be printed in a secondary or tertiary step, This is mitigation issue number one, or we could address the stabilization directly. The printers are currently positioned where they stand, so there is not much I can do to move them around.

Once I received the new filament, we will print the rod. If it works, great. If not, then step two will be more tedious. The issue is mostly a space problem in the office. The filament should arrive later today, and I will post a quick summary once I finish printing the rod slice, assuming it is successful.

Ironically, a similar issue was occurring when I ran TPU through the machine. So we can conclude the Ender 3 Max Neo Filament post with this. Although I don’t think they are related, adhesion was the issue with TPU. Which we will address in a future post once we determine the correct nozzle temps, print speed, and adhesion setup. I have heard/read about using adhesion spray or glue stick. Another day, we will tackle those 3d printer issues/phantom printing phenomenon.

June 9, 2023September 27, 2024

3d Printer Usage

3d Printer UsageUsage, New and Refurbed

Best 3d Printers On the market ’23

Lab Work – 3d Printers

See 3D Poll Below (closed), participate in the ‘who’s who of 3D Printer Usage Brands and Manufacturers’.

The poll has since closed on 3D Printer Usage. However, what we discovered is interesting. The question was ‘What 3D printers have you used, any success’? We are specifically looking for a TPU thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament option. Tests with the NEO Max have been inconsistent, mostly unsuccessful, unless we swap out filaments. Interesting right?

We have generally, stuck with Creality for sometime, maybe four years or more. Today, we are looking for the best TPU lite printer. Do you have any suggestions regarding 3D print usage or brand? We have used Dremel for cutting and sanding, typical applications for a Dremel tool. As for Prusa, we have only used their products in theory, as some items we have purchased were made via a Prusa lab or outsourced printer. Anyhow, we are looking for feedback or comments. Please kindly leave your commentary below.

Please note, if you’re looking to swap out resin liners for the CL-89 model, it is advisable to purchase a number of them in advance, as they can be difficult to find when global stock is low.

Let us know what you’re thinking?

June 9, 2023September 27, 2024

New Halot Sky LCD

Creality Halot Sky Resin 8.9″ LCD Change Out

Lab Work – LCD Screen

I know, we started the last post with “Before you start your own 3D printing…”; this post does follow suit. It looks like a bad LCD screen, that needs to be replaced, as well as the film stretched over the resin vat or possibly just some resin damage, for that matter.

We replaced the monochrome LCD screen on the deck of the Halot Sky while we wait for a new FEP resin vat. Please note, if you’re planning to change resin liners (if you manage to find the correct ones for CL-89), it’s a good idea to buy several of them because they can be difficult to find when global stock is low.

Swapped LCD Screen

Swap details: Deconstruct by removing all screws, covers and metal panels. Be careful to disconnect the wires and ribbon cable for the touchscreen. Replace the screen ribbon in the quick connect being careful to reattach the ribbon and black wire for the touchscreen.

Two, clean up any resin residue, pour over, and spillage now. I believe this is where we made a mistake. The spillage got under the screen, as shown in the featured image for the article. Have a bottle of alcohol on hand to make the cleanup process as easy and effortless as possible. It took about 15-20 minutes in total, as I mentioned, due to the large amount of spillage. Finally, remove the ribbon tape surround and a few screws to gain access to the LCD screen.

Ideally, you’ll want to take your time, being careful to not to rip the LCD tape, or misplace a screw. If you do lose any items, you can always find new pieces in the Spare Parts. If not, try the eBay shop. We will provide a link to our wares but it’s taking some time due to logistical issues. We also sell out items on eBay from time to time, so check them out – we currently have some King books available.

For those who only need the FEP release film, or for our future reference – FEP Release Film – (search eBay for FEP Release film). A side note: FEP film can be hard to find, so eBay might be your best source. If i were a betting man, which I’m not, eBay or Amazon might be the only two sites where you can find spare parts and film. Cheers!

Before we move off the Halot updates, I’d like to share other Halot usage, new Creality series, break-fixes, and finally the idea of adding a resin printer to the 3d printer arsenal.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

May 2, 2023September 26, 2024

Need A Charge?

In A Pinch – Grab a 9v, a Car charger, electrical tape and a nail

Lab Work – 9v Charger Hack

Before you start criticizing me me about wattages, amperage, safety, or reality etc., I want to clarify that I meant to post this back in December, but didn’t get around to it until now. The scenario is familiar – no power due to a storm outage or a dead car battery, and you find yourself in a bind .You phone is dead, and you need a charge. This hack can be a lifesaver when you’re away from home comforts whether you’re camping, off-grid, or stranded due to breakdown.

I usually avoid cellphone hacks, but this one caught my attention as we enter hurricane season. Having experienced storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and the like, I know that sometimes the simplest things can make a big difference in a power outage. I’m not suggesting you hoard batteries, clicky-pens, nails, and used charger cords, but it might be wise to have a few on hand, just in case.

This hack has been around for sometime. Some people believe that off-grid living and underground living may require alternative power sources, and this hack could be just what you need. In any case, we spliced together a few generic charging cords, added a car charger, and a few 9v batteries, and voila! We have some juice for the cellphone battery. This hack might work even better. This hack might work even better if you can find a different type of battery, such as an RC/Drone battery considering 9v, LiCB or 4s/5s LiPos. Whatever the case, you may have these items lying around your home, office, or shop, depending on your situation. We have these items in our workshop, so you can imagine how handy they might be in serious storm or power outage situation.

Like the quick fix format? Check out other quick fix content here such as this disposal problems fix. Like the learn to descale your coffee equipment – pots and machines, fix a toilet float clean and fix a pool filter housing and filter which is like this cell phone charging hack… Check them out!

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

April 14, 2023September 27, 2024

Halot Sky Break-fix

Halot Troubleshooting Break-fix

Creality Halot Sky – Resin Liner Change Out

Lab Work – Working Out The Bugs, Halot Sky Resin Printer

Before you begin you own 3D printing, journey, including purchasing a 3D printer, we need to discuss break-fix: the Halot Sky Break-fix which follows up on the LCD replacement just a few months ago. It is crucial to understand how to maintain and troubleshoot printers. The same applies to addressing major printing issues, such as breaking down the entire printer to the board level. This also includes dealing with misprints, which can occur frequently. Proper care, cleaning, and resin management are essential tasks, including swapping resin liners and cleaning resin drips meticulously.

Liner Change

Liner Frame

New Liner

Attached are few sneak peek video clips and photos of our latest test prints and demos. We have some ‘real-world’ solutions coming soon. More creations on 3D software and 3D applications such as TinkerCad, Autodesk – AutoCad, Creality (design) software, SolidWorks and more. We have started with TinkerCad and AutoCad so that we can print prototypes and finish products within a few hours. Got any ideas? Need 3d prints? Leave us a comment or drop us a line on the Connect. Please include: file type, filament, sizes etc. Let’s see what we can come up with! As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

February 14, 2023September 27, 2024

New Creality Series

Creality Makers-space

Creality 3d Printing Series – Ender 3 Neo Max & Halot Sky

Lab Work – Creality Settings

3D printing? If you have a need, give us a call. We will be posting a handful of new work in the weeks to come. From testing and prototyping, to 3D model printing and extruding, resin printers versus PLA/TPU filament printers, the the trials and the tribulations i.e. issues we faced while running our 3D printers. Check out the latest Creality Ender series printers, as we will be covering the Max Neo in this article.

I have attached a few sneak peek video clips and photos of the New Creality Series, showcasing our latest test prints and demos. Als have some ‘real-world’ solutions coming out soon. We will also be putting out some polls regarding 3D software/applications – TinkerCad, AutoCad, Creality (design) software, SolidWorks and more. We have started with TinkerCad and AutoCad so that we can print prototypes to finish products within a few hours.

In The Lab

Creality Tablet

Prototypes

In The Lab

Got any ideas? Do you need 3D prints? Leave us a comment, drop us a line on the Connect, please include: file type, filament, sizes, etc. Let’s see what we can come up with!

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

December 15, 2022September 26, 2024

Ender, Halot & Prusa 3d

3d Printers, Resin Printers – Ender, Halot & Prusa 3d

Creality, Prusa or Something else? Ultimaker

Gear – 3d Printers

With the holiday season in full swing, thought it might be worth while to do some research on a 3D printer… Should we go with Ender, Halot & Prusa 3D? Should we choose extruded filament or resin? Which brand offers the best cost/benefit ratio?

After conducting our research, in shop testing, we found a printer that meets the shop needs. Once the device has been received, we will porovide more information. Stay tuned for updates on the device, our 3D lab startup, and our first runs. Let me know in the comments below: should I choose Prusa or Creality CR Series Ender series or Halot Series?

3D Printers

There are a couple of different models, filament types, series, etc. to choose from. We are considering the Ender 5 Plus, Halot Series (Resin) versus the Prusa I3 MK3S+. Perhaps some other tools to go with the printer as well, such as wash/cure, filament, bed, boxes/enclosures, etc. There are lots of options to consider. The point is, we are looking for the best option for the shop. Help us understand why and what factors might have influenced your decision to purchase a 3D printer. Should we choose something else? Dremel, MakerBot, Ultimaker, LulzBot… there are more options out there, but it is time to narrow down the list.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

November 26, 2022September 27, 2024

AirMap by DroneUp

Take Flight, AirMap by DroneUp

AirMap for Drones, Setup and Flight App

Tech | Tools – Fly With Confidence – Airmaps

Get FAA approval to fly with AirMap by DroneUp… Are you looking for FAA compliant drone flight apps? Airmap makes flying easy and understandable. Fly with confidence while staying within legal requirements and having the knowledge to fly approved.

From installation to usage, AirMap by DroneUp for iOS or Airmap – for Android will help you understand what is happening in the airspace above you, how to fly with approved FAA flight status, log your flights, and more.

Airmaps iOS And Android

TFR

Welcome

Connect

FAA Plan

Zones

Restrictions

Brevard County

From t’s & c’s, to maps, flight logs and FAA approval to fly safely, make sure th get approved with FAA-approved flight requests. Check Kennedy Space Center to learn about the airspace above and around Kennedy. Familiarize yourself with the warnings and requirements, as well as the maps and flight restriction in and around the areas within your airspace.

Need more flight apps, or drone apps for flight approval? Leave us a comment below and we will find some additional drone apps for you. While you’re here take a look at other FAA related articles, FAA Hurricane Update from 10/1 and FAA Drone Safety from 4/19. Although these articles are now archived, it’s important to remember that drone flight rules are drone rules. Most importantly, make sure to stay compliant and safe while flying.

April 26, 2022September 27, 2024

GTRacing Update

GTRacing Repair Update

GTRacing Chair Frame Blunder

Gear – GTRacing

So, here is the GTRacing Update. GTRacing Chair Parts Replaced.

It may be premature, but, good on you GT Racing! Dare I say GTRacing made it right? The chair is back together, holding weight as it should. No lean, squeezing, bending-feeling or crash. That’s good, we have a fix. In hindsight, while being desk chair free for a week or more, is not ideal.

The second ‘chair part’, the one not broken will be relegated to the game and electronics drawer. It goes with the other unused cables, plugs, charges, wires, random batteries etc.

While we have your attention, we will be trying other GTRacing parts, chairs etc,. A full listing will come, however, a sneak peek may serve its weight in gold here… Check out the latest merchandise after the GTRacing Update, and give us a shout if you would like to purchase our gear – new products next quarter.

Side note, with the GTRacing gear, we are looking to sort out some USB devices, stickers and magnets, depending on demand. Let us know what you think about the merch, or if you’re looking for something special, a one off, special order on GTRacing – https://gtracing.com/.

SPOILER – Fast forward, gear adjustment, learn about our new GTRacing Mesh back chair with the lounging feature and footrest posted 6/2024… enjoy!

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

June 15, 2021September 27, 2024

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

iRobot Refurb Process

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Lab Work – iRobot Back At It

Got a broken robot? We can help! Some might say that’s the worst, but fear not – the iRobot – 900 Series is here to save the day.

Let’s start by fixing this thing with an iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown. The great thing about iRobot/Roomba products is that they are easy to fix! Unless the board is fried, the main housing is smashed, or the plastics are destroyed. Even in those cases, parts are fairly easy to find. The key is to source, clean, install, and maintain what you have. Most, if not all, of this particular Roomba was fine. A good cleaning at the end of the repair was worth its weight in gold.

Robot Teardown and Repair

Teardown

Battery

Cleaning Bars

Bin

Repaired

Test Run

For those of you who don’t regularly electronics, robots etc. weekly, monthly or ‘NEVER’… friendly reminder, whatever the electronic device may be, they do yeoman’s work if you take care of them after every one or two uses. Additionally, the more you maintain them, the less you will have to throw. Remember, no pain, no gain.

A few tools to mention below, reiterating the previous comment, these are fairly simple to fix… for now. Learn the art of robot care, become a ROOMBA master sensei. This is a huge advantage for iRobot:

iRobot Home App
Philips Screwdriver (Rechargeable Drill* DeWalt 20v)
iRobot – Brushes, collector rollers, caster wheel and filter
Cleaner – Windex
Cleaner – Sprayway
Compressed Air

Links, Conclusion and More Repairs

In closing, I’d like to share some other articles, more recent articles on robot repair, 3D printer upgrades RC (radio controlled) and robot repairs, check out these articles.

Moreover, let’s look at a Bench Power Supply – Matrix Bench Supply, the need to power on electronics when the damaged robot or device is on the bench in pieces. Next, and one of my favorites, the Maytronics Dolphin On repair, explore water intrusion and effects of water intrusion, water damage and power unit swap. How about the Ender Direct Drive Upgrades – TPU Post Processing Update, a 5 part series on filament types, application of filaments, upgrades, troubleshooting and more.

Final link, check out the EMAX TinyHawk Repairs… more fixing, soldering, and flying. There are more articles in the TinyHawk series, approximately 6 or 7. Be sure to check those out, as well as the iRobot series continues. More recent work, but it helps tie in ‘process’ and troubleshooting unknown errors and testing. As usual, please leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking!