Frames: The frames were manufactured in Perspex and secured
onto the printer frame using M3 x 5 mm screws and T-nuts (Fig. 4).
Window: These are the mid-sections of the fully enclosed
printer that attach to the Perspex frames using M3 x 8 mm screws and
nuts (Fig. 4). These pieces were manufactured in Perspex.
Door and Handle: The door was manufactured in Perspex and
attached to the one side of the printer frame using two hinges (Fig. 4).
A handle was designed and added to the door for ease of use.
Printed corners: The corners were designed in such a way to
allow sliding on to the aluminum extrusions without the need for screws
(Fig. 5). The corners allowed for complete enclosure of the system (Fig.
5).
Glass lid: A glass lid was designed and manufactured in order
to complete the full enclosure of the printer (Fig.6). Six M4 x 5 mm
screws and six M4 T-nuts were used to secure the glass into place (two
screws on each side). Three additional aluminum extrusions were added to
the top of the printer (Fig. 6b) with 10 x 10 x 300 mm dimensions to
create additional height and secured onto the existing extrusions using
six 3D printed parts and twelve M4 x 5 mm screws and twelve M4 T-nuts
(Fig.6). Nine 3D printed pieces were designed to fit into the aluminum
extrusions and complete the finished look (Fig.6).
Electronic board box and lid: The Tri-gorilla electronic board
was moved to outside the printer and the board box designed to house it.
The board box consists of two parts: the box and the lid (Fig. 7). The
electronic board was secured in place using two M3 x 10 mm screws and
nuts (Fig. 7) and the box then secured onto the side of the printer
using two M4 x 5 mm screws and T-nuts (Fig. 7).
Bed platform supports: The platform consists of six separate
pieces; designed to hold two 220 mm diameter glass plates, with the top
plate designed to hold a standard size petri dish (Fig. 7). The printed
pieces were secured onto the printer’s aluminum extrusions using two M3
x 25 mm cap-head screws and two M3 T-nuts per piece (Fig. 7).