The Electronics

Now that I have the mechanical components taken care off it's time to begin getting the electronics for the printer together. In my previous post I discussed the various parts off the printer, including the electronics. Specifically these parts include:

5x NEMA 17 Stepper motors- These make the axis' move up, down, right, and left.

5x Motor Drivers- These provide heat sinks to prevent motors from overheating.

3x End stops- These provide data to the controller so to indicate extruder position.

1x Arduino Mega- This micro-controller turns computer signals into motion.

1x Ramps 1.4- This is a "shield" for the Arduino that translates signals to motion, what you plug components into.

1x Power Supply- Provides the necessary power to drive all the components

1x Heated Bed- Provides better prints by allowing the parts to cool faster.

1x Hotend- Melts the plastic for printing

*Parts below are considered optional
1x Raspberry Pi- This would allow me to print through WiFi as well as allow me to add a webcam to monitor my prints when I'm away.

1x Smart printer controller with LCD- The screen on this unit allows me to control the printer, upload files, and monitor conditions without a separate computer.

A wiring diagram with all the electronics

Where will you get the parts?
As I described in my first post most of the electronic controllers will be bought in the form of a bundle to save money. From what I have seen a electronics kit including the heated bed, LCD, Ramps 1.4, Arduino Mega, endtsops, and motor drivers as well as the belt to finish mechanical construction are available from various sellers for $89.99.  The power supply I will source from Amazon for the modest price of around $20. The hotend I purchase will depend on my extruder but most likely that will cost around $25 and be sourced from Ebay.