Project robot lawnmower

[Raess]

Now I have had my printer for a few weeks, it's time to test something big.
I'm building a robot lawnmower.
So this thread will be updated during the course of the project.
First concept:

Second concept models:

This part is now printing in a scaled down version to check the body. For real size 585mm Z the print time is around 132H with 0,25layers. And about 2KG PLA.

Some hardware specs for the build:
Jetson TX2 Development Kit
Scanse Sweep
Intel® RealSense™ Camera ZR300
2x DC Planetary Geared Motor 24 Volt med Hall IC 30-33 RPM 8mm
2x Vapex Li-Po Battery 6S 22.2V 4000mAh 25C XT60
SparkFun 9DoF
RoboClaw 2x45A ST
Emlid Reach — RTK GNSS modules

(Mower motors for the blades I have not decided yet.)

Welcomes feedback and ideas.

[Raess]

First test print ready. It loooks Good.

[zemlin]

I'm not sure about using PLA for something like this. It will be out in direct sun, plus with the heat of the motors and electronics - PLA parts might twist up on you with the heat. Looks like a great project though!

[Raess]

@zemlin yes i Know. I had some PLA at home so I was thinking to print first concept with it. Later on I think I will go with ABS. Or do you have any other suggestions?

[Michael.P@Raise3D]

I think ASA might work better for this project over ABS. Still cool as all hell though!

[Raess]

Thanks Michael. ASA seems to be a bit expensive and I can only find 1kg roles where I use to shop. :/ But i will keep looking.

Some updates on the body.
1. Added holes for motors to be installed with mounting disc (this way I can change sizes and types without printing the entire body again.)
2. Added reinforcement beams cross body and made place for a steel beam in them.

printing a small test body again

[Raess]

So the small test parts are done after 9h.

Overall it looks quite good. The parts seems to fit quite nice. Did not yet remove all support and other stuff before the pictures.

Next week I think I will test a full size half, due it’s hard to actually see details with this small print.

[Timber Haint]

Looks good!

[Raess]

So partly printed half of the body in full-size before my printer failure (viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6442)

I am happy with the result of the partly printed part. I will make some small adjustment before trying to print full-size again.

[Raess]

So i tried to print some small parts to get started again with the printer after the errors.
So I printed Some motormounts to test how everything fits together. Like a glove!

[Raess]

So after printing some parts I realized, first of all, it looked like any lawnmower out there. So I had to go back to the drawing board and start from scratch. I wanted a unique look that looked fresh and futuristic. I also took some experience from the previous one and made improvements.

So here is how it looks now:

[Raess]

Thanks isabellamg. Ones I have tuned in the PETG filament. Printing of parts will begin.

[Squenz]

I sorry to hear you still have problems with the material.

But, what irks me, with the goal your aiming at, why do you try to finaccle out these fine settings. Your robo mower projekt is a large built, so go big, shell out extrusion width at least at 0.5, maybe 0.75 or so, give it 0.333333 layer height and see what happening then. Of course you have to stick it to the plate and it has to stay there for the time, but with more material on the plate, maybe that's the key ? Who knows without trying ...

I'd try it this way .. print out your robo part with the positive settings you came up with. Go at 0.75 EW at 0.33 LH, printing shouldn't be any problem with the those settings and watch a miracle happening .. (hopefully, i'll keep my fingers crossed)

[zemlin]

shell out extrusion width at least at 0.5, maybe 0.75 or so, give it 0.333333 layer height and see what happening then

I run PETG all the time with great results.
I use a .6mm nozzle and either .25 or .3mm layer. 60mm/s is no problem. I run the outer perimeter at 50% the main print speed - going to test faster tomorrow as I have a time sensitive project and will need to get some big parts cranked out.

I've used a 1mm nozzle and a .5mm layer before. Have to print slower - but even at 20mm/s laying a bead that big builds a part in a hurry.

[DS2017]

Are you modeling this in Fusion 360?

[Raess]

DS2017. Yes first time using it. Its great. I normally use Inventor or SW. But I think i will stick with Fusion360.

[Raess]

First part is printing. It still sticks to bed when added a brim. Only 27h more to be worried

[Timber Haint]

Looks good.

Only 27h more to be worried

I know... those long prints always make me nervous.

[Raess]

Puh. And thats only one of many many parts

Did some work on the solar mounting and the nose today. I'm not 100% satisfied, I think the nose maybe need a bit more love. Maybe it looks better when camera and other stuff are in place. hmm.

[Raess]

Second part successfully printed.
Test assembly with part 1.