Improving the spec of R4

Over on the GG Bo has started a discussion regarding noting possible changes to be rolled into R4. This is a summary of his main points. There are pics and follow on comments on the thread.

I copy them here for future reference - Mike.

Bo's Post follows:
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So since i cant see any place to come with suggestions before the next round i will do it here... i suggest everybody else to use same thread so it is not spread over multiple and gets lost

1: move extruder on on the carriage forward its to close to belt clamp compared to the distance to the other belt clamp. So move it a few mm so distance to belt clamps are even

2: make sure the alu plate for the extruder is complete flat... i had to add 3 washers under one of the bolts to make the extruder at right angle

3: Better clamps for the y smooth rods....the tea drop hole is not center in the clamp and they split after some time, thou the rods slid snug in at build time

4: the part that holds the nut for the z axis threaded rod could be more solid, not sure if solid is the right word but the barely stand that you tighten the bolt and nut

5:X idler pulley mount... it too have started to split

6: something that can make sure the filament is guided straight down... i have seen my filament work its way to the side to its no longer in the middle of the hobbed bolt like it should be... and yes i have max tension on it

7: make the hole that the filament passes through just before it enters the hot end bigger... just 0.5mm so it does not scrape against the extruder body...

8: if possible make slotted holes for the alu plate that holds the hot-end so the entry hole in that can be aligned better with the hole in the extruder body

9: this is more optional... but for the beginners offer options to the kit in regards on how to mount the psu and electronics... all the freedom on how to mount could scare people....

Alex's PSU holder and the holder for the electronics could be very usefull

Not sure if i was a loner, but a better FTDI cable.... i could not upload sketches.. had to use the ISP header to program... strange enough i can run the printer fine via ftdi

and maybe a filament holder

i know some have said to have a sponge to clean of dust from the filament... would it not be better to integrate that, maybe on top of the extruder idler so it does not get to close to the extruder gears?

this is what i could see of good improvements on the printer for next round

the total optional add on could be the raspberry pi idea that makes it a networked printer.... at least it would free the pc and make the risk of an aborted print less

/bo