Over the past couple of months I've had to do some major maintenance on the 3D printer because some of the original parts simply snapped. I took this opportunity to improve both the printer itself and the box that I built to house it. These are the changed that took place.

The original post for the printer box can be found here: http://www.igorkromin.net/index.php/2013/05/26/a-clear-acrylic-box-for-the-portabee-3d-printer-part-1-making-the-box/.

In terms of the printer itself I've made the following changes:

• Started using the more robust 53-tooth gear for the extruder. Found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:138422
• Added a z-axis stabiliser. Found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:181348
• Added a rear cooling fan. Found for it is found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:542112
• Added the Y Brace Mod to the y-axis carriage. Found here: http://portabee3dprinter.com/support/portabee-kit-docs/
• Added MOLEX-type connectors on most motors and the heating plate to aid in quick removal

For the box itself, these were the changes:

• Added cable covers to hide cables running to the webcam and to hide some other cables that were messing up the interior of the box
• Added a webcam
• Repositioned the door so that it swings open sideways now instead of having to lift it up
• Adding throw switches to turn the extractor and cooling fans on/off
• Covered all the holes that were drilled in the box with blue 3D printed washers and bolts

Here are some of the photos with the new additions. I have something bigger planned for the 3D printer soon, including a redesign of the entire base and y-axis mounts so keep tuned.













-i