Interesting point about anodizing. I think we will leave that to v2, since we have already done optimization on the stainless layout to get the gradient nice. Having a little more weight on the table will potentially
We've been trying a number of different combinations on the spring usage, including the open and closed end variations. It seems like the flex is good, but the compression is bad. So we are fixing it more to the core, but keeping the screw open.
The heater needs to be on at first to get a good bond, but it is possible with the covers on that it can then be turned off or just cycled infrequently. You will want to keep everything at some critical temp to keep it from warping the part.
With this one, we will officially support up to ABS or possibly ABS/PC or others under 270C. That being said the hot end itself can probably take up to close to 400C with proper ventilation and some revisions to the mechanism.
Both plunger and spring-drive look good, Have you considered extending the end of drive-shaft all the way up to just before the nozzle as a stirring rod?
Best luck this week.
We've discussed having various arrangements down the barrel, but it looks like for this version we can keep it simple.
When is the heater actually on? I'd think after a few layers, it can be shut off completely. True?
Take a look at black anodizing (you can try other colors if emissivity becomes an issue) the aluminum platen. That will give you what is effectively a hard ceramic surface, making it hard to scratch and may modify your thermal distribution more nicely. Having less weight, "it's a good thing", as Martha would say.
Your use of a spring for the screw is an interesting one. How about cutting the spring (cutoff wheel) so it's driven from the near and and free at the far end?
-andy