LAM Printing & Construction

LAM Large Area Mower - Construction

Using a slicer such as CURA the STL files can be printed in standard PLA.

I used the following settings:

  • 0.4mm print nozzle
  • layer height 0.3mm (to save time on large plates) 0.2mm on more detailed parts.
  • Infill 30% for large parts (base plates, facias etc)
  • Infill 15% for the rear wheels
  • Infill 50% for the main covers

 

General Construction

All parts are bolted together with M3 bolts and nylon lock nuts.  The construction is simple and can be easily completed just using the following diagrams.

 

 

 

Base Plate Construction

Heres a photo of the LAM with just the main base plates assembled.

Main Covers

The main covers are a large print.  Here are the exact settings in CURA I used:

 

 

Sliding Rear Cover Mod.

To protect the control panel from initial rain the sliding cover mod can be added to the LAM.  This is a 2 part cover and a sliding door.  The control panel can host the LCD screen and keypad (later a new control panel will be added for the TFT touchscreen).

When printing these parts we need to take advantage of the glass heat bed to produce a flat smooth surface on the 01 UPPER COVER where the sliding door can run on.

Ensure the parts are placed flat in CURA!!  They have a slight angle to them to ensure the sliding parts are printed flat.

Use the lay flat tool in CURA to do this.  Click the icon then click on the surface to lay flat.

 

The COVER Upper and COVER Lower should be sanded where required to ensure a smooth movement of the sliding cover.  Soft Velcro can also be used on the sliding door to ensure a rattle free and smooth mechanism.

 

 
The rain sensor is installed in the slot provided.  The plastic pin holder will need to be removed from the rain sensor to fit.

 

Once all parts are moving smoothly.  Glue the rear cover together and fix with M3 screws.  The M3 screws for the control board pass through the control board, lower cover and fix into the upper cover.  This ensures a good fix of all parts.