Latching magnetic tool changer
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Just for interest, I've developed a latching magnetic tool changer in the style of the brilliant e3d layout. I'm not claiming that it is any better, but it is a working variation without using servos. Pins on the print head carriages run up spring loaded pawls in the docks which act to wedge apart the magnetic kinematic mounts. The pins are latched by the pawls on docking and release when the carriage is pushed in beyond the pawls for un-docking. Perhaps a bit more suited to use in a heated build chamber like mine, but it is ultimately limited by the magnet temperature ratings. Docking is reasonably tolerant of poor alignement, and makes a satisfying, or annoying, locating sound depending on your point of view
Printed prototypes worked just about ok for a short while, but it's not too difficult to make if you don't mind a bit of metalwork (apologies for the use of such bad language!) Sorry about the crummy video, but otherwise I would never get around to uploading anything.
https://youtu.be/0ARCip5CrUk -
Looks good! - Can you share some pictures of the setup?
- I'm starting to look into a tool changer setup also, right now trying to figure out if I wanna use magnets or mechanical locks. -
Nice Job!.
I would greatly appreciate any information to start designing a toolchanger system for my Hypercube.
The printer looks sturdy and it seems that the change of tools works very well.Thanks
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I'm thinking of a tool changer too, but what stops me is the Bowden configuration...
So I'm working on a design where the motor stays on the carriage; each tool has its own gears, which engages on the motor gear once the tool is selected. Only theory on paper, for now.
Frédéric
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@fma said in Latching magnetic tool changer:
I'm thinking of a tool changer too, but what stops me is the Bowden configuration...
Zesty nimble ?
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Looks almost NSFW.. Nice work!
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@Martin1454, you would need a Nimble per tool...
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@pawPrinter, I'm also very interested in your magnet-based design.
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Thanks all for the kind remarks.
@Martin1454 I've dug out some pics of my changer's latching mechanism.
I CNC'd the rather elaborate brass guides, but it turns out that they are almost completely superfluous because of the way the magnets keep the head aligned even when not fully attached. Without the guides you would just need a stop to prevent the pawl from moving above horizontal when the head is docked. The shape of the pawls could easily be filed by hand.
You can look at my cad files on Onshape if you like but they are a complete mess.
I can't take credit for the magnetic kinematic mounts. They were based partly on commercial versions used in optical systems (such as these: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1546) and partly on material from an engineering book that I have which was published in 1934 and has two chapters on kinematics! It seems there is nothing new in mechanics!@1ri The sturdy frame is just aluminium angle welded together, and is a nice cheap way to make a strong frame. It probably would have been easier/better to bolt the sections together, but I had just bought a new welder that I wanted to play with
@fma Your idea sound good. Gear mechs are fun. The four heads shown in my video are unplugable, and I have just made a version which carries a Bondtech BMG extruder so that I can print flexible material. I haven't properly tested it yet, but it looks like it will work ok.
@bearer Ha ha
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ingenious. would love to have one!
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@pawprinter said in Latching magnetic tool changer:
You can look at my cad files on Onshape if you like ...
I think that's a very good system and would like to build it. Would you please provide the cad data?
Unfortunately I can not find the oneshape link.
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I think this is here: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ee78eeb0f6b8aaf2d8eaeb6f/w/dcf1bccd45c5fcc6fbba5f9c/e/701e92f83c58894a4886d70a
Do you have to pull hard to disconnect the magnets?
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@fma said in Latching magnetic tool changer:
I think this is here: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ee78eeb0f6b8aaf2d8eaeb6f/w/dcf1bccd45c5fcc6fbba5f9c/e/701e92f83c58894a4886d70a
Do you have to pull hard to disconnect the magnets?
Thanks for the link, but i have no account and the link leads me to a login page.
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Mmm, I though it was possible to see designs even when not logged on (a recent feature); I may be wrong.
I suggest you create an account, it's free. Create a dummy one, just to see public designs (there are thousands) if you don't plan to use Onshape...
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Yeah, sorry, I have enabled link sharing now so you should be able to view without an Onshape account.
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@pawprinter said in Latching magnetic tool changer:
Yeah, sorry, I have enabled link sharing now ...
Thanks
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@fma said in Latching magnetic tool changer:
Do you have to pull hard to disconnect the magnets?
Not once the plates have been angled apart by the wedging action of the latch. There is still some pull which is easily overcome. I was surprised how far the magnet's attraction is effective, but once the plates are split they are easy to separate fully. The remaining attraction is actually helpful to keep the heads aligned properly. Obviously there is a balance between the strength of the magnets and the size/angle of the wedged latches. I found it quite easily by trial and error.
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I see. Clever design!
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Here are some more heads that I've made for my latching tool changer.
Two are water cooled: One for a standard hot end, and one to fit a volcano. It turns out that water cooling is fantastic, and much less fuss than I thought it would be.
The other head is sporting a Bondtech BMG fitted for printing flexibles. It is a bit experimental to see if the magnetic mount can take the weight. So far it has worked very well, but it's perhaps not the most elegant solution. However, it was very simple to adapt the Bondtech in this way, and I get the advantage of a well proven feeder.
When you can easily swap heads over, it starts to get very versatile, but can be a configuration nightmare!
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Very nice work!
I'm thinking to make a system to be able to swap hotends but keep the extruder on the carriage. Or at least, just the motor, and use a quick shaft coupling...
