Project update #14

Hi,

Outer Shell

Last week, we received some of our sample parts from our sheet metal supplier, specifically the side panels and we couldn’t be happier with the result! While a few details were slightly out of spec, we worked with the supplier to resolve them.

Switching from plastic to metal has made the machine much sturdier and significantly more scratch-resistant. These are not the final parts, as we still have some minor adjustments to make, such as reducing the number of mounting holes and adding handles to simplify installation.

We are still waiting on additional samples that are currently in production. These parts are undergoing a different coating process so we can compare, which will take a bit longer to complete. Below, you’ll find a picture of the side panels installed on a bare machine.

Motion System

We are working on standardizing as many components as possible in the motion system. This will make repairs and upgrades easier in the future. Some sample parts including belts, motors, and pulleys, are already on the way, and we’re evaluating their compatibility with our design.

PCB Updates

We are also refining our PCB design. The main reasons for this are:

• Switching to more common ICs to improve availability.

• Enhancing electromagnetic interference shielding for greater reliability. (While we haven’t encountered issues, we want to future-proof the design.)

• Making the PCB more modular, so users can easily replace or modify components if they wish to mod their machines.

We’re excited about these improvements and will share more updates as we continue making progress.

Thanks for your support!

The Closed Loop Makers Team