The 3D printer with no belts: The Peopoly Magneto X uses closed-loop linear motors!

Made with Layers (Thomas Sanladerer)
2 Mar 202426:30
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video introduces the Magneto X, a revolutionary 3D printer utilizing linear motors for unparalleled rigidity and precision. It features a closed-loop system, eliminating the need for belts or stepper motors, and offers high-speed printing with exceptional print quality. The first-generation product, despite some initial setup challenges and tuning needs, demonstrates impressive performance. The review covers unboxing, assembly, and the printer's capabilities, including its innovative extruder and the use of PLA CF filament. The video also highlights areas for improvement, such as firmware and safety features, while emphasizing the printer's potential to redefine 3D printing technology.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฒ The Magneto X 3D printer is a revolutionary product in the 3D printing space, utilizing linear motors for each axis, providing a more rigid and backlash-free experience compared to traditional GT2 belt systems.
  • ๐Ÿš„ The printer operates similarly to a maglev train, with closed-loop control allowing it to potentially run at higher speeds and with less need for safety margins than stepper motor machines.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Despite the innovative nature of linear motors, their application in 3D printing is novel, and the Magneto X is a first-generation product, which may come with initial challenges.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ The unboxing experience reveals a well-designed, albeit large and heavy, machine with high-quality components, including a beefy tool head and a massive frame with thick extrusions.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ The printer comes with PLA CF (carbon fiber) filament, indicating a focus on high-quality output, and features a tool head called the Lancer tool head, equipped with dual-zone heaters for better temperature control.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฉ The accessory package is comprehensive, including a spare hot end, various tools, and a touchscreen interface, showcasing attention to detail and user convenience.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The assembly process is somewhat complex, requiring careful positioning and the use of magnetic elements for bed alignment, hinting at a meticulous setup procedure.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The printer's electronics compartment reveals a sophisticated setup with a Raspberry Pi, multiple controllers, and custom adapter boards, indicating a high level of technical integration.
  • โš ๏ธ There are safety concerns regarding the exposure of 230-volt wiring and components, suggesting that the printer may not meet certain safety standards, particularly for the European market.
  • ๐Ÿ–จ๏ธ Initial prints demonstrate the printer's capability for high-quality output, with crisp details and smooth surfaces, although there are areas for improvement in extrusion control and tuning.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง The printer's firmware and software, while functional, may require further refinement and updates to fully harness the potential of the linear motor system and to address minor issues like the lack of soft end stops.
Q & A
  • What is the Magneto X and how does it differ from traditional 3D printers?

    -The Magneto X is a revolutionary 3D printer that uses linear motors for each axis, eliminating the need for belts and providing a more rigid and backlash-free motion compared to traditional GT2 belt systems. It operates similarly to a maglev train and features closed-loop control, allowing for more precise and intense operation than stepper motor machines.

  • What are the advantages of using linear motors in a 3D printer?

    -Linear motors offer several advantages, including increased rigidity, elimination of backlash, and the ability to push the printer to higher performance levels without the need for safety margins. They also enable smoother and more precise movements, which can potentially improve print quality.

  • What is the significance of the closed-loop control system in the Magneto X?

    -The closed-loop control system in the Magneto X allows for more accurate positioning and movement of the printer's axes. It ensures that the printer knows its exact position at all times, which can lead to better print quality and more consistent results.

  • What is the role of the Lancer tool head in the Magneto X 3D printer?

    -The Lancer tool head is a part of the Magneto X that houses the extruder and hot end. It is designed to match or exceed the performance of other systems tested on the channel, and it includes features like dual-zone heaters for better temperature control and a filament guide for consistent extrusion.

  • What is the significance of the carbon fiber filament used with the Magneto X?

    -The use of carbon fiber filament, such as PLA CF, provides additional strength and rigidity to the printed objects. It also showcases the printer's capability to handle advanced materials, which can be beneficial for users looking to produce high-quality prints with enhanced mechanical properties.

  • What are some of the safety concerns mentioned in the script regarding the Magneto X?

    -The script mentions concerns about the exposed 230-volt wiring and the lack of insulation on the bed and wiring, which could pose a risk of electric shock. It also notes that the printer's design may not meet the safety standards required for sale in the European market.

  • What is the purpose of the dual-zone heaters in the Lancer tool head?

    -The dual-zone heaters in the Lancer tool head are designed to provide better temperature control during the printing process. The upper zone acts as a preheat area, while the lower zone maintains the temperature at the hot end, ensuring consistent filament melting and extrusion.

  • What is the issue with the run-out sensor mentioned in the script?

    -The script mentions that the run-out sensor is currently bugged and should be disabled. This suggests that the sensor, which is typically used to detect when the filament has run out, is not functioning correctly and could cause issues during printing.

  • How does the printer handle the absence of a USB or SD card slot for file transfer?

    -The printer is designed to receive files้€š่ฟ‡็ฝ‘็ปœ,ๅˆฉ็”จๅ†…็ฝฎ็š„Wi-Fiๅ’Œไปฅๅคช็ฝ‘่ฟžๆŽฅ, which allows for remote file transfers and printing without the need for physical media. This is facilitated by the custom build of Orca Slicer, which is based on open-source software and includes pre-configured profiles for the Magneto X.

  • What are the challenges faced during the initial testing of the Magneto X's print quality?

    -The initial testing revealed issues with extruder flow control, resulting in under-extrusion in some areas and over-extrusion in others. Additionally, there was a noticeable pattern on flat surfaces, possibly due to oscillations in the control loop of the linear motors, indicating that further tuning and software updates are needed to refine the print quality.

  • What is the overall impression of the Magneto X as a first-generation product?

    -Despite some issues with print quality and safety concerns, the Magneto X is seen as a promising first-generation product. Its innovative use of linear motors and closed-loop control system demonstrates potential for higher performance in 3D printing, and the need for further refinement and tuning is viewed as a natural part of its development process.

Outlines
00:00
๐Ÿš€ Introduction to the Revolutionary Magneto X 3D Printer

The video introduces the Magneto X, a 3D printer that utilizes linear motors for each axis, offering a significant upgrade in rigidity and precision over traditional GT2 belt systems. The printer's design is described as revolutionary due to its closed-loop control system, which allows for higher operation intensity without safety margins. The video also mentions the first-generation nature of the product and the novelty of applying linear motors to 3D printing. The script discusses the unboxing experience, the printer's robust frame, and the inclusion of high-quality components such as the Lancer tool head and dual-zone heaters. The sponsor, JC 3dp, is introduced for their CNC machine parts and 3D printing services, emphasizing their ability to cater to small orders with fast turnaround times and customization options.

05:01
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Assembly and Setup of the Magneto X 3D Printer

This section details the assembly process of the Magneto X, highlighting the printer's magnetic bed attachment system and the initial setup challenges. The video script mentions the printer's lack of traditional motors and belts, focusing instead on the magnetic linear motion system. The setup includes connecting various cables, such as the USB, HDMI, and Wi-Fi antenna, and adjusting the bed leveling. The script also points out the presence of a webcam for monitoring prints and the printer's unique motion system, which uses magnetic coils and steel strips for precise movement control. The potential for enclosure challenges due to the printer's size and magnetic features is also discussed.

10:03
๐Ÿ”Œ Safety Concerns and Electronics Overview

The script raises safety concerns regarding the exposed 230-volt wiring and the lack of insulation on certain components, which may not meet European safety standards. It proceeds to explore the printer's electronics, including a Raspberry Pi, Clipper adapter board, STM32 microcontroller, and an ESP32 module for communication with brushless motor drivers. The mainboard features a large trinch octopus Pro for TMC2209 drivers and custom adapter boards for the linear motors. The video also notes the presence of a solid-state relay for the bed heating and the complexity of the wiring, suggesting potential improvements for cable management and safety.

15:03
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Gantry Leveling and Initial Printing Experience

The video describes the process of gantry leveling on the Magneto X, which is necessary due to its independent ZX motors. It captures the printer's first movements, the sound it makes when adjusting to the user's interference, and the overall experience of initiating a print. The script also discusses a minor issue with the stepper motors and how it was resolved by adding a support shim and axial bearing. The first test print, a Beni print, is presented, showcasing the printer's ability to produce clean prints without the typical Beny Hull line, indicating a high level of print quality.

20:03
๐Ÿ–จ๏ธ Custom Slicing and Printing Challenges

The script discusses the use of a custom build of Orca Slicer for the Magneto X, which is based on several open-source slicers and includes pre-configured profiles for the printer. It details the process of slicing a model with supports and the attempt to print it. Unfortunately, an operator error leads to a collision between the bed and the nozzle, causing damage to the hot end. Despite this, the script notes the printer's ability to continue printing with the dented hot end and the overall quiet operation of the printer, which is attributed to the linear motor system.

25:05
๐Ÿ” Print Quality Assessment and Machine Tuning

The video provides an assessment of the print quality, noting issues with extruder flow control and acceleration that did not meet the promised specifications. It suggests that these issues are likely due to software tuning and can be improved with updates and refined slicer profiles. The script also discusses the distinct pattern observed on flat surfaces, which may be a result of the linear motors' control loop. While acknowledging the need for further tuning, the video remains impressed with the printer's performance as a first-generation product and its potential for higher-performance 3D printing.

๐ŸŒŸ Conclusion and Future Outlook

The video concludes by reflecting on the overall impression of the Magneto X as a first-generation product and its innovative linear motion system. It acknowledges the need for further refinement in the printer's construction and software but emphasizes the potential of the technology. The script expresses excitement for the future development of this tech and its application in more 3D printers, highlighting the benefits of eliminating stepper motors and belts in favor of a closed-loop system. The video ends with thanks to the viewers and an invitation to support the channel.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กGT2
GT2 refers to a type of timing belt, often used in 3D printers for its precision and durability. In the video, it's mentioned as a comparison to the more rigid drive solution of the Magneto X, which uses linear motors instead of belts, indicating a significant upgrade in terms of rigidity and backlash elimination.
๐Ÿ’กLinear Motors
Linear motors are a type of actuator that converts electrical energy directly into linear motion without the use of gears or belts. The video discusses the Magneto X's use of linear motors for each axis, which allows for a more direct and potentially more precise movement compared to traditional stepper motors and belts.
๐Ÿ’กBacklash
Backlash in mechanical systems refers to the lost motion in the system due to gaps between the moving parts. The video highlights that the Magneto X is 'completely backlash free,' which is a significant advantage over traditional systems that use gears or belts, as it can lead to more precise movements in 3D printing.
๐Ÿ’กClosed Loop Control
Closed loop control is a type of control system that uses feedback to ensure the output of a system matches the desired setpoint. The video mentions that the Magneto X has closed loop control, suggesting that the printer can maintain precise control over its movements, which is crucial for high-quality 3D printing.
๐Ÿ’กFirst Generation Product
The term 'first generation product' refers to the initial version of a product, which may have innovative features but could also have room for improvement. The video script describes the Magneto X as a first generation product, indicating that while it introduces revolutionary features, it may also have some issues that could be addressed in future iterations.
๐Ÿ’ก3D Printer Extruder
An extruder is a component of a 3D printer that melts and pushes filament to create the layers of a 3D print. The video mentions a 'beefy toolhead' and a 'hottend combo' for the Magneto X, emphasizing the robustness and potential performance of the extrusion system in this 3D printer.
๐Ÿ’กCarbon Fiber Filament
Carbon fiber filament is a type of 3D printer filament that includes carbon fibers to increase the strength and stiffness of the printed object. The video mentions 'PLA CF', which stands for PLA (polylactic acid) carbon fiber filament, indicating that the Magneto X is capable of printing with this advanced material.
๐Ÿ’กDual Zone Heaters
Dual zone heaters refer to a feature in some 3D printer extruders that have two separate heating zones for better control over the melting process. The video script describes the Magneto X's extruder as having 'Dual Zone heaters', which suggests a sophisticated system for managing the filament's temperature during printing.
๐Ÿ’กToolhead
A toolhead in 3D printing is the part of the printer that contains the extruder and other components necessary for depositing material. The video refers to the 'Lancer toolhead' of the Magneto X, indicating a specific design or brand of toolhead that may offer particular advantages for the printer's performance.
๐Ÿ’กMagnetic Field
A magnetic field is a region around a magnetic material or moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts. The video explains that the linear motor system of the Magneto X relies on magnetic fields generated by magnets arranged in a specific pattern to create motion, highlighting the innovative use of magnetic forces in the printer's mechanics.
๐Ÿ’กEncoder
An encoder is a device that converts information from one form or format to another, often used in feedback systems to determine position, speed, or direction. The video mentions an encoder strip used in the Magneto X's motion system to provide precise positional information, which is crucial for the printer's accuracy.
๐Ÿ’กInsulation
Insulation refers to materials or systems that reduce the transfer of heat or electricity. The video raises a concern about the insulation of the Magneto X's 230-volt wiring, noting that it may not meet safety standards for certain markets, such as the European market, due to inadequate insulation against high voltage.
๐Ÿ’กFirmware
Firmware is the software that provides the low-level control for a hardware device's specific functions. The video discusses the firmware of the Magneto X, mentioning that it is not aware of the linear motor system, suggesting that the printer's firmware is designed to be agnostic of the underlying motion technology, focusing instead on the overall operation of the printer.
๐Ÿ’กSlicer
A slicer in 3D printing is software that converts a 3D model into layers for the printer to build. The video mentions Orca Slicer, a custom build based on other open-source slicers, which is used with the Magneto X. It indicates that the slicer is an important component in the printing process, especially for a printer with unique features like the Magneto X.
๐Ÿ’กPrint Quality
Print quality refers to the overall appearance, accuracy, and finish of a 3D printed object. The video assesses the print quality of the Magneto X, noting issues with extruder flow control and surface artifacts, which suggests that while the printer's core technology is promising, there is room for improvement in the fine-tuning of the printing process.
Highlights

The Magneto X is a revolutionary 3D printer utilizing linear motors for each axis, providing a more rigid and backlash-free drive solution than traditional GT2 belts.

The printer features closed-loop control, theoretically allowing it to run harder than a typical stepper motor machine without safety margins.

Despite being a first-generation product, the linear motor technology used in the Magneto X is innovative for a 3D printer.

The PO poly Magneto X has been delayed for months, but the review finally provides an in-depth look at its features and capabilities.

JC 3dp offers a solution for ordering CNC machine parts with a straightforward system, even for one-off designs in various materials.

The Magneto X's tool head, called the Lancer tool head, includes a full spare hot end and dual-zone heaters for optimal performance.

The printer comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, standard HDMI and USB ports, and a dial for brightness adjustment, resembling a tablet screen.

The build area of the Magneto X is notably large for its size, making efficient use of the printer's volume.

The printer's bed is extremely heavy, weighing more than some entire 3D printers, and features a landscape view webcam for monitoring prints.

The Magneto X's motion system is unique, with no visible motors or belts, relying on magnetic fields for movement.

The printer's electronics compartment reveals a Raspberry Pi, multiple microcontrollers, and custom adapter boards for motor control.

The printer's linear motor drivers are implemented as add-on boards, simplifying the firmware requirements for driving the motors.

The Magneto X's initial print tests show promising results, with clean prints and no visible layer lines on the first test print.

The printer's firmware and slicer software require further tuning for optimal extrusion control and to achieve higher acceleration rates.

The printer's control loop system may need refinement to eliminate oscillations and improve the surface quality of prints.

Despite some issues, the Magneto X demonstrates the potential of linear motor technology in 3D printing with its first-generation product.

The review concludes that the Magneto X is impressive for a first-generation product, showing the potential of its linear motion system for future development.

Transcripts
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