Core xy 3d printers

CoreXY 3D Printer Buyer’s Guide

Now that we’ve seen some of the best 3D printer models available, let’s dive into the primary features of a CoreXY machine. Before making a final decision, here is what you need to know.

What are CoreXY 3D Printers?

The name for these printers stems from the fact that the head only moves on the X and Y axes. To create a 3D structure, the base moves along the Z-axis. This design offers some significant benefits, namely speed, and precision.

These machines typically have a square enclosure to allow freedom of movement, and the base has to be able to move freely up and down. Higher-end models will have glass sides to trap fumes and act as a safety barrier.

Another hallmark of a CoreXY printer is that it uses the FDM printing method, which utilizes thermoplastic filament to create structures. Other techniques include stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and selective laser sintering (SLS). Overall, FDM is relatively easy to master and can deliver durable products quickly and reliably.

Advantages of CoreXY 3D Printers

Here are some primary reasons to purchase a CoreXY 3D printer:

• Speed – Because the printing head doesn’t move in all three axes, it can print faster and smoother than other models.
• Longevity – Another benefit of moving on two axes is that the machine requires fewer parts. These printers are relatively low-maintenance.
• Cost – While you have to pay for more filament, these machines’ upfront costs are far lower than other high-end models.
• Small, Precision Printing – If you aren’t trying to build large objects, CoreXY printers are ideal for smaller pieces. You can also scale down your designs to get more precise details.

Disadvantages of CoreXY 3D Printers

Here are some potential reasons to avoid CoreXY printers.

• Belt Maintenance – Although these machines have fewer parts, the ones they do require care and upkeep. If the belts aren’t aligned correctly, they can yield disastrous results.
• Vibrations – Since the pad moves, it can cause the machine to wobble and vibrate slightly. When this happens, you can spot small imperfections in your finished pieces.
• Complex Setup – You can buy pre-assembled CoreXY printers, but they tend to be more expensive. Building one of these machines requires some know-how, so beginners may not like the process.

Do These Printers Provide High-Quality Prints?

Although these machines don’t provide as much precision as other models, they can deliver excellent results.

Are These Printers More Expensive Than Other Models or Brands?

On average, CoreXY printers will be in the middle of the pack, but some units are much more affordable.

Is Assembling a CoreXY Printer Difficult?

These printers are harder to assemble than others, such as Cartesian printers. Part of the challenge is getting the belts in the right position.

Are These Printers Easy to Use?

Yes, once they are assembled, you can utilize the touchscreen to create vibrant finished pieces. However, some specific models can be tricky to master, particularly when it comes to leveling.

Final Verdict

We’ve shown many high-quality CoreXY 3D printers on this list, but our top two are the X5SA Pro and the Voron 2. 4 R2. If you want something easy to use and reliable, the X5SA is an excellent choice. It has a substantial build surface, so you can create larger masterpieces than you would be able to on other models. We also like that it has durable parts that will last for a long time.

If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re more serious about 3D printing, the Voron is unmatched. While it is far pricier than the X5SA, you get what you pay for. We like the customization options of the Voron, as well as the ruggedness of the build.

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Kinematics of 3D printers: what are the best types

Kinematics of 3D printers - which device to choose?

The print quality of a 3D printer and how it works depends on several factors. One of the important indicators is kinematics. This article discusses its main types and their features.

• What is the kinematics of 3D printers?
• Kinds and types of kinematics

What is the kinematics of 3D printers?

Each 3D printer has its own kinematics. Models are equipped with a platform and an extruder. These parts move in a certain direction relative to each other. Kinematics in such a device means the scheme along which the extruder and platform move.

Types and types

There are five types of 3D printer kinematics. The principle of operation of the device and the method of processing the workpiece depend on their features.

Cartesian 3D printers

The most common are 3D printers with Cartesian kinematics. They are based on the Cartesian coordinate system, they work in the X, Y and Z axes. They set the coordinates by which the print head changes position relative to the platform. The printhead has limitations in terms of movement in three axes.

1. The extruder moves up when the platform moves in the horizontal X or Y axis.
2. The platform moves up in the Z axis, the extruder can move in the horizontal directions at this moment.
3. The platform moves along one of the axes in height, the extruder rises along the other axis.
4. The platform is static and does not move, the extruder moves in all three axes.
5. The extruder moves along the coordinates in height, and the platform moves along the X and Y axes.

The most common options during operation are the first and second.

Cartesian kinematics has a number of advantages.

• This is a simple motion pattern suitable for hobby printing. Many budget models work on its basis.
• The printer can be produced in any dimensions, if necessary, it is upgraded.
• Consumables are freely available. Users are offered a large number of materials and colors.
• The printers can be shipped unassembled. This feature allows beginners in the world of 3D printing to understand the principle of the mechanism.
• Devices based on the Cartesian system, suitable for mass production of parts. They are designed to create blanks of different sizes.

Among the shortcomings of printers built on the principle of three coordinate systems, there are two factors:

• models are bulky, after assembly they take up a lot of space on the desktop;
• The print speed is slow.

Cartesian kinematic printers suitable for hobby printing. They help beginners understand the process of work and learn how to create models.

Example of printing on a device with Cartesian kinematics.

Varieties of Cartesian kinematics CoreXY and H-Bot

CoreXY has two feed belts, while H-Bot has only one, but it is long - this is the main difference between the two varieties. The common feature in these devices based on Cartesian kinematics is that the platform moves only along the Z axis. The horizontal X and Y axes are moved by a pair of motors mounted on the frame.

Two motors are responsible for the movement along the horizontal axes, one motor along the vertical ones. Such kinematics is common not only in amateur printers, but also in professional ones.

CoreXY and H-Bot based 3D printers are more expensive than conventional Cartesian models. For the production of their cases, a metal alloy or composite materials are used. Rail guides unleash the potential of high-quality printing. This kinematics allows you to achieve good detail with fast printing.

The advantages of CoreXY and H-Bot are:

• high print speed;
• quality detailing of models;
• professional use grade.

But not without drawbacks:

• H-Bot is not implemented on steel shafts;
• the belt tension must be constantly monitored to avoid play;
• high cost of instruments;
• belts can wear out quickly if they rub against neighboring objects during operation, this factor must be taken into account during operation;
• the pulleys on which the belts move must be located strictly perpendicular to each other.

Cartesian kinematic printers are widely used in various industries. They are distinguished by high print detail, a durable metal case, and high-quality components.

Help! Cartesian kinematics allows you to create detailed objects at high speed.

Delta Printers

Delta kinematic printers differ from their competitors in a number of ways. The table remains stationary, and three fixed axes are used to move the print head at once. In such devices, there is no division into the X, Y and Z axis. To move the carriage sideways, you need to lower one axis, and raise the rest.

Help! In the production of 3D printers, the Delta kinematics has not yet found wide distribution. This is a promising direction, which is currently being developed by developers.

Already existing delta printers offer the following advantages.

• Small dimensions. Devices do not take up much space on the desktop, they are tall, but not wide.
• High print speed. Models can process 300–400 mm/s.
• A new approach to blank production. The equipment does not print using the same technology as Cartesian. It is interesting to watch the process of processing the model.

Deltas also have a few disadvantages.

• Calibration complexity. A lens is formed on the printed surface, due to which it is impossible to fully calibrate the printing process. This is the main factor slowing down the mass introduction of kinematics.
• Poor accuracy. High print speeds sacrifice accuracy. All axes perform small movements, errors occur.
• Computing power requirement. Deltas are equipped with 32-bit boards, which is why they do not support interaction with 8-bit systems.
• The frame must be rigid. This is necessary to avoid backlash, deviations and distortions.
• Not all extruders will fit. Deltas have weight restrictions, so direct type extruders are not allowed.

Printing accuracy remains high.

On deltas, you can build high-quality vertical models, even with large dimensions. There are no protruding parts on the body, which allows you to independently increase its rigidity.

Polar

The polar kinematic scheme is presented only by one company - Polar. The essence of this technology lies in the fact that it does not have positioning along the X, Y and Z axes. The position of the extruder is set by the angle and radius. The platform of polar 3D printers is round in shape, it moves only along the horizontal axis and only rotates in a circle. The extruder moves up and down.

The advantages of 3D printers based on polar kinematics are:

• the ability to create large objects;
• high energy efficiency;
• material savings;
• small dimensions.

But there are also disadvantages:

• low printing accuracy, which was started by Polar representatives;
• platform does not warm up during operation;
• material handling restrictions - ABS plastic cannot be processed.

Polar printers are less accurate than Cartesian and Delta printers. The manufacturer recommends using such models for educational purposes; they are not yet suitable for professional printing.

Printing example shows that accuracy cannot be achieved. All features are blurred, the figure lacks sharpness and clarity.

With robotic arms

Printers with robotic arms are a design with a mechanically programmable extruder gripper arm. This is a multifunctional robot: it can carry out welding, painting, milling, etc.

The extruder can move in different directions: in layers, along complex paths in three dimensions, at different angles. Thanks to this set of functions, it is possible to create complex designs.

The main advantages are:

• versatility: the device can perform several types of tasks when replacing the extruder;
• are suitable for industrial applications: you can print large objects with almost no size restrictions.

But there are also disadvantages:

• low accuracy: such equipment is inferior to Cartesian kinematics;
• large size: devices take up a lot of work surface space.

These models are not suitable for professional 3D printing. They can be considered as an object for a hobby or a tool for it. For industrial purposes, such devices work only when high precision in the execution of parts is unimportant.

SCARA

SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) is a kinematics based on horizontal rotation of the platform. The movement is achieved by the articulation of the linkage mechanism.

These instruments are highly accurate and repeatable, and operate with a minimum of noise and vibration. SCARA also surpassed the Cartesian models in terms of processing detail: the difference is that the former work noticeably faster.

Advantages of such kinematics:

• print accuracy;
• high workpiece processing speed;
• small dimensions and weight.

But there are also disadvantages:

• stiffness restrictions in the area of ​​the X and Y axes;
• high cost;
• is not the widest area of ​​use.

SCARA kinematic devices are devices that combine the functions of a 3D printer and a manipulator. Device actions are programmed through software or an installed mobile application.

The choice of kinematics for 3D printers depends on the requirements for technology and application.

1. Cartesian models remain the most common. They combine high accuracy, good speed, small dimensions. They can be used for amateur 3D printing. They work in a Cartesian coordinate system, the platform and the extruder move along the X, Y, Z axes.
2. CoreXY and H-Bot are varieties of Cartesian kinematics. They are highly detailed blanks, suitable for professional use. Their disadvantage is the complexity in the process of operation. The user must constantly ensure that the belts do not come into contact with foreign objects and are well tensioned.
3. Delta printers are uncommon models whose weak point is print accuracy. In the process of working with the device, there are problems with calibration, as well as with the choice of extruder.
4. Polar printers are produced by only one company - Polar. These devices cannot provide high accuracy of the workpiece, so they are used only for educational purposes. During operation, the platform does not warm up, which limits the choice of materials.
5. Robotic 3D printers are versatile devices that are used for more than just model making. Such devices can mill, weld, paint. The technique is inferior in accuracy to the Cartesian varieties.
6. SCARA is one of the modern kinematics, which can not be used in all areas. It features high precision and good printing speed, it can be used as a professional instrument. The main disadvantage of SCARA is its high price.

• February 17, 2020
• 9794

Get expert advice

3D printers with different kinematics: comparison, pros and cons

Author: Vasily Kiselev, owner and managing director of Top 3D Group

There are many printing technologies for 3D printers: digital LED projection (DLP), laser stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS) , thermal sintering (SHS), etc. In this article, we talk about the features of FFF technology, about the printers that use it, and about its strengths and weaknesses.

FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) printers, also known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers. They are devices for creating three-dimensional objects, as the name implies, by layer-by-layer application of molten thermoplastic to the working surface. FFF printers are used for both commercial and home model printing.

Each 3D printer has its own kinematic scheme, according to which the mechanical parts of the device are set in motion: platforms and extruders. Below we will look at four types of FDM 3D printer: Cartesian, Delta, Polar, and Robotic Arm.

In the FFF / FDM 3D printer market, Cartesian kinematic devices are the most common. Based on the Cartesian coordinate system, this technology works on the basis of three axes - X, Y, Z. The movement of the mechanical parts of the device is carried out along one or more of them, i.e., the coordinates specified along the axes implement the pattern of movement and position of the print head relative to the platform .

The number of options for moving the print head and platform is limited:

1. The platform moves along one of the horizontal axes - X or Y, the extruder moves along the other and in height.

2. The platform moves in height, along the Z axis, and the extruder moves in two planes, forward-backward and left-right.

3. The platform moves along one of the axes and in height, the extruder - along the other axis.

4. The platform is stationary, the extruder moves in all three axes.

5. Platform moves in XY direction, extruder moves in height.

The second scheme is the most common - when the platform for printing moves along the Z axis (up and down), and the extruder works in two dimensions, along the XY planes.

Of all the types of FDM 3D printer kinematics, Cartesian ones show almost perfect results stability. FDM consumables are low cost and come in the widest range of colors and materials. Often, Cartesian 3D printers are used for commercial purposes - for printing on order and for the sale of household objects, souvenirs and jewelry.

Cartesian 3D printers have long and firmly established themselves in the lives of hobbyists and professionals of 3D printing. Therefore, there are many thematic communities on the network with comprehensive information about the design of printers, working with them and creating models, from simple to complex.

Cartesian models can be decomposed for printing, which allows you to create 3D printed objects of any size, not limited by the volume of the printer. Many 3D printers come as a build kit. For beginners and those who do not want to understand the printer device, manufacturers supply ready-made devices. With them, you can print models almost after unpacking.

These kinematic diagrams are often found in commercial applications. Differ in original methods of positioning of an extruder. In both kinematics, the platform moves up and down.