"I-3030 V5" - Smart FDM 3D Printer

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord server for the project can be found here - https://discord.gg/M3mkuhDK

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Richard P. Feynman: “What I cannot create, I do not understand.”

Building your own 3D printer offers a unique and highly effective way to gain intuitive tinkering knowledge and confidence that you just don’t get with fully or semi-assembled kits. Similarly, overly complicated engineering projects that are not beginner-friendly can be daunting due to their high entry price and the high price for human error during their assembly and calibration.

While working on this update, my driving factor was you—the person who will source the parts, assemble the machine electrically and mechanically, calibrate it, and enjoy it daily.
 

With all these roles to fulfill, the experience can quickly become frustrating. This often happens because most companies and printer manufacturers only cater to some of these needs while neglecting others. Some designs are easy to build but hard to understand and troubleshoot, while others are overly complex, requiring significant investment of time and resources, leading to second thoughts and unfinished projects.

The I-3030 aims to do better.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This update is designed to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable, from the initial build to daily operation.
 

Redesigned Printed Parts: All printed parts have been redesigned from the ground up for increased robustness, a unified design language, and better user experience, including easier machine maintenance.
 

Migration to RRF3: The firmware has been updated to RepRapFirmware 3 (RRF3). You'll find a reference configuration file in the downloads section for a quicker start. Features like input shaping, pressure advance, accelerometer calibration, gcode preview, and the ability to skip a part while printing are all standard and accessible through any browser on the same Wi-Fi network. No more outdated screens with bad UI!
 

Sensor-Less Homing: No need for X and Y endstops, simplifying the build and the wiring processes.
 

Improved Enclosures: The DuetWifi and MOSFET now have ventilated enclosures, making neat wiring easy and allowing quick access for debugging or accelerometer calibration without needing to loosen a single screw or take anything apart.
 

Minimal Chassis Changes: If you’ve already built an I-3030 V4, this update doesn’t require new hardware. The chassis design remains easy to assemble correctly.
 

Heatbed Carriage Overhaul: The heatbed carriage is now self-adjusting, making incorrect assembly almost impossible. The LM10UU bearing housings are integrated into the bed's frame and , eliminating the need for precise measurements.
 

Faster and more accurate Z probing: The innovative use of silicone hoses for heated dampening, improves the performance of the Piezo Orion Z probe - allowing for a faster homing and bed probing sequences. The switch to silicone hoses reduces the sourcing frictions and frees up some valuable millimeters printing height on the Z axis.
 

Enhanced Z Axis and Noise Reduction: Switching to LM8UU bearings from their slightly bigger counterpart LME8UU in the Z-axis carriages, reduced friction and improved noise absorption during probing with the Piezo Orion Z probe.
 

Improved Belt Tensioners: Both the extruder and Y-axis now have better, more robust belt tensioners, allowing for effortless one-handed adjustments.
 

High-Quality Components: The 24V Meanwell power supplies and 0.9° StepperOnline motors provide finer control, cooler operation, and quieter printing and are now the new standard for this project going forward.
 

Upgraded Printing Core: The new I-3030 v4.5 integrates a Piezo Orion Z-probe, a high-flow Phaetus Dragon hotend with a 50W heating cartridge, a lighter 40x10mm Sunon MagLev fan, a 4020 radial blower fan, a strain relief for the main harness - all contribute to increased robustness and a damn nice look.
 

User-Friendly Power Controls: The machine's on/off switch has been moved to the front of the chassis for easier operation. The mains now connect via a standard C13 connector on the back of the chassis.
 

One other area of focus for this release is to remind the open-source 3D printing community that, thanks to players like Duet and Bondtech, and the rapid pace of open-source innovation, there’s no longer a need for the community to compromise on user experience, software, or hardware quality. 

To enjoy the best of what the world of 3D printing can offer, you don't need to depend on any one company for updates, share your data to start a print, or accept closed-source, intrusive anti-consumer business practices.

Build your own and enjoy it all!


I hope the I-3030 becomes a reliable partner in your creative journey.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

v4.6 Update:

Redesigned the X axis brackets for better rigidity, less noise and more user friendly assembly and maintenance experiences.



Get the new files from the corresponding folder in the files section.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

This section is reserved for Video Tutorials and is currently a WIP

In the meantime you can refer to the I-3030 V4 PDF assembly guide located in its corresponding page.
 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Full Homing Sequence, using sensor-less homing for the X/Y and a Piezo probe for the Z axis.
 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

MOSFET assembly:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

v4.7 Extruder breakdown:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

v4.7 DuetWifi MCU enclosure with active cooling and integrated buck converter:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill Of Materials*(BOM) along with the cost break-down can be found here.





Please let me know if you spot a mistake or a broken link.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------