The Phlat-Lab
Here is a live feed for the MKII :)

[ustream]622106[/ustream]
You can watch us working on the MKII and see what we are cutting here.

Here is the direct link to the show http://www.ustream.tv/channel/phlat-lab

We will try to get the Phlat-Lab up in the mornings and keep it going throughout the day everyday

 

I will post in the announcements when we will be on. I would like to have a button on there that just tells you when we are on.
Just an update we still working on getting this MKII ready to go.
MnT

 

Hello,
Just wanted to let everyone know that their have been MAJOR changes to the MKII (last minute of course ) that will be huge improvements over its existing performance. Don't get me wrong its already kicking butt, but we wanted to take even farther to make sure that it will be the best machine that it can for the money. We will be posting within the next couple days on all these changes and give you a new look into the changes that have been in development of the MKII since the 'overview' video.
We look forward to talking to you guys and bring you this exciting news! :mrgreen:
Thank you
MnT

 

dennis, i talked to him once before about this kind of thing....man im still recovering from a heart attack from 4 months ago, lmao...randy.

 

mark, i gotta tell ya you killin me agian......nothin is worse than someone tellin me, hey got some great news but ill tell ya later, lols....

 

I know guys this contest really threw us off a little here on the forums and we are sorry about that but now that its over I can get back to it. This is something I have been want to share with you guys for a long time so I can't wait as well
Today is the day I will post details
Thanks
Mark

 

Ok guyz. Sorry for the delay. Here is what we have been working on...improvements/tweaks for the MKII.

After running the prototype that you guys saw us put together, we have decided on a few factors that we wanted to improve upon. First off, because the Z axis is belt driven as well as the X and the Y, the Z axis moves extremely fast. We noticed on particular 3D carvings that we attempted, we were getting inconsistencies along the Z axis. After we inspected, we realized what was happening is that the Z axis was moving up and down so fast that it was actually causing the 2 1/2" guide rods to flex and on particular carvings it would create a type of wave pattern from the weight of the Dremel shifting so fast that it would bounce within a groove so to speak. We couldn't have this. So, we set out to redesign a way to eliminate this problem.

First thing was that we needed to create a more sturdy guide system while still keeping the precision ground rods and within budget, of course. We mulled over many different types of linear guide systems and finally decided to create one using a troth type system that holds the precision ground rod about half way within the troth. These troths are connected to a main I beam configuration that travels across the entire length of the Phlatprinter. Super strong. This allowed us to switch over from brass bushings to grooved bearings. Woo hoo! Almost zero friction. It flies!

With that problem overcome, we still felt there was room for improvement. One of the areas we wanted to look into is eliminating the weight of the Dremel on the Z gantry. This led us to researching several ways of doing this. The option we chose is a flex shaft. After experimenting with the flex shaft, we realized it's potential. It's perfect for this application where speed is needed and weight is eliminated. At this point, we realized that we could go even a step further and we have upgraded to using a 5 amp Rotozip instead of a Dremel. Using the flex shaft, the Rotozip itself is now mounted behind the Phlatprinter in a sound proof enclosure keeping the Rotozip clean and dust free and allowing for easy access to remove the Rotozip from it's enclosure and use it on other projects.

The MKII, so far, is becoming an incredible machine to say the least. The capabilities of the MKII at this point has jumped leaps and bounds. The entire machine, since you guys have seen it in the video of the foam build has been completely redesigned. The only thing that we kept the same because we like the look of it is the outside shell.

The MKII now has the ability to cut 27 1/2" wide and 2 1/4" deep on the Z. This will allow the MKII to cut full sheets of depron at 27" wide all the way across each end.

It has a built in fence mod and instead of the spring mod we have decided to add a heavier pressure roller over top of the drive roller. The drive roller is now wider as well by an inch.

The MKII design has been completely reworked for ease of access for maintenance. The entire lid assembly is removable by just pulling it up out of it guide sockets and setting it aside. You now have the ability to pop the top open like the hood of a car and access anything in there that you need to.

We have continued to maintain the Phlatprinter's small footprint as we know that is an attractive feature.

The MKII now comes complete and is built into it's own stand. We have ordered and are going to test different locking casters to hopefully be incorporated in the MKII Kit so it can be rolled around the shop and easily mobile for taking to your club, etc. The stand consists of a hollow center that houses all the cutting dust and includes a drawer at the bottom for easy access and clean up. You just pull the drawer out and vacuum the foam/wood dust.

The new tables will fold down instead of up along the height of the stand giving the MKII a compact look.

We can't really elaborate, so far, what the new MKII can cut because we have not had the ability to test the expected many different types of material. Of course, it can cut everything the original Phlatprinter can cut but with the Rotozip, we are thinking that the possibilities are going to grow. It's extremely powerful.

After researching Rotozips, we were happy to find that the cost is comparable to the Dremel. After adding the cost of the flex shaft, there should be only a small price difference which should be well worth it for the additional capabilities. Of course, if you wanted to continue to use your Dremel with a flex shaft, that should not be a problem. We have incorporated a mounting system for the flex shaft that we think that you guys will really like.

The MKII will still be as cost effective as we can reasonably make it without compromising quality. Of course, throughout the build, you always have the option to add/upgrade your parts as you go. Some guys might want to put precision bearings instead of the bearing that are included in the Kit which are standard.

We really can't wait for you guys to see the new look of the MKII. We hope that you will love it as much as we do. Right this minute, we are not releasing any photos. We are waiting until we have the new manufactured prototype built and fully tested. We are doing our best to bring this to the Toledo Show with us. Of course, we will show you guys pics of it before we head out there. As you all know, time is running short. So, it won't be long now

Thank you all for your interest and we hope that you have enjoyed this little update on the MKII.

Mark and Trish

 

Yes!! Its getting closer gang!!!

 

Thewz, Perhaps a few Easter decorations would help? Anyone need any scrapbooking materials?

 

Sounds great Mark!
It sounds like we wont be using much of the original Phlatty stuff though. No biggie.
If its more sturdy and more precise, it's a winner!
Thanks for the updates!

Shaun

 

I so hope that you guys can bring this newest version to Toledo! From everything I've read, it looks like you've now got the PERFECT machine! Version 1 wasn't bad, and I'd love to have the earlier MKII prototype, but this new one? AWESOMENESS!!

Will you be planning to hang the ol' web cam over the build area when you start on the latest prototype? I can see how web interaction could slow your progress, but I'd love to be a fly on the wall (so to speak) during THIS build!

Keep up the great work, PhlatBoyZ!