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Archer Demonstrator


5-Axis modular platform for FDM 3D printing

 

5-Axis Motion System


Archer Demonstrator is built around a CoreXY motion system with the addition of a new Multipole print bed - A new adaptive kinematic print bed motion system.

The adaptive bed mounting allows for continuous changes to the orientation of the print bed. This system can be utilized for various jobs ranging from fully non-planar 5-axis prints to regular 3-axis work.

The entire motion system is designed to be highly durable and easy to service:  
  • Up to 4x linear rails blocks per axis 
  • Wide 10 mm GT2 drive belts with large bearings for routing  
  • Both metal and 3D-printable plastic designs available for all components
 

Automated Tool Changer


The new lightweight automated tool changer mechanism enables fast switching between up to 4 toolheads in a single job. Each toolhead can be tailored for a different purpose: filament material or color, print temperature, nozzle size, flow rate, part cooling performance, tool reach, laser engraving, marker, etc.

The tool changer is fully modular: Each toolhead is connected with quick connectors (both electrical and filament) to enable easy replacement or reordering of tools. Archer's RepRap Firmware automatically detects the number of installed toolheads and reconfigures the user interface accordingly.


The tool changer supports up to 4 additional auxiliary tools  mounted directly below the toolheads. Each auxiliary tools slots  contains one PWM output and one analog input, for example for a heater and a temperature sensor.

Modular Toolheads


The tool changer mechanism is designed to make it easy to add new toolheads and toolhead types to the system.  Several designs are already supported and new ones can be added using 3D printed adapters.


Toolheads are connected to the printer with quick connectors - both electrical and filament connections. This enables fast toolhead replacements between jobs and allows maintenance to be perfomed outside the printer. Toolheads can also be easily reordered in their docking position to minimize travel distance during jobs.


Archer Demonstrator currently supports 4 types of toolheads:

 

AutoRegen Drybox


Archer is equipped with a built-in drybox big enough to hold four 1kg filament spools or a single 3kg spool. 


The drybox is equipped with an automated humidity controller. Once humidity inside the drybox reaches a user-defined limit the system automatically starts a regeneration cycle where it dries out the desiccant and exhausts the moisture outside the drybox.


Filament from each spool holder can be routed to any toolhead through reverse-bowden tubing reaching all the way from the drybox to the extruder. The drybox  has four electrical connections for filament runout sensors. This enables the use of various sensor designs without  exposing the filament to moisture - the entire sensor is inside a drybox.

 

Dual HEPA Air Purifier


Archer Demonstrator has an integrated forced-air HEPA filtration system that removes airborne particulates produced by 3D printing.

Have you ever had a sore throat after 3D printing? Even common filaments like ABS can cause issues with very short exposure times. Air purification helps!

The purifier  produces negative air pressure inside  the build chamber. Air is continuously drawn into the chamber through a slightly restrictive inlet with a coarse filter. This  prevents particulates from escaping and dust from building up inside the build volume. The inlet filter helps keep the system operational with a reduced need for maintenance.
 

Toolhead Safety Interlocking


The toolheads are built to support safety interlocking. Archer automatically detects whether a toolhead is attached to the motion system and identifies which docking station it belongs to. This information is (optionally) used to automatically disable a tool if it is docked or becomes detached during use. Build enclosure door positions can also be integrated into the interlock to automatically disable a toolhead if a door is opened.

This system was developed to support the use of a laser engraver toolhead - to ensure it cannot expose the enclosure or users to direct radiation. A commercially sourced keyed interlock was integrated into Archer via a dedicated  electrical connector built into the 4th tool station. This approach enables the use of custom interlocking electronics while ensuring full compatibility of the tool station with regular non-interlocked toolheads.
 

Open Source Control System


Archer is currently compatible with Duet 2 and Duet 3 family control boards.  Both families offer high quality stepper drivers and high speed processors that are capable of full simultaneous 5-axis work. Duet 3 family boards allow the system to be expanded via CAN bus and integrated with a Raspberry Pi single board computer.


Duet boards run on open source RepRap firmware and utilize the Duet Web Control (DWC) interface. Depending on the chosen control electronics, the system can be controlled locally using a touch screen, remotely over Ethernet or Wifi, or even all of them at the same time.


We are not affiliated with Duet in any way, just big fans! Support for other control system may be added in the future