Choosing a power supplies for a 3D printer Project

Choosing a power supplies for a 3D printer Project
Posted by WAmaker on 23 Apr, 2013 02:21
Hi,

The electronics for my 3D Printer Project needs a 12v 15A supply (electronics) and a 24V 10A (for the heater bed). I have searched for a dual output unit (240VAC input required) but can't seem to find anything to fit my requirements.

Any suggestions for this problem?? I would prefer one unit but if I have to use two that will be OK.

Thanks from a newbie to this game.

#1 Reply
Posted by rentner on 23 Apr, 2013 08:42
It would propably be cheap, If you use PC Power supplies. (ATX) They handle the current. How to get 24V? Well, you have to put them in series. This is definitely possible, but will be not easy and not safe, if the unit fails, because you have to set the mains ground 12V higher, because Ground ist overall Mains ground in those supplies. Play safe only! Do it, if you know about such things. A PC Supply is cheap, no more than 20$ - total of 40$. But you know, what I told you about safety with "floating" Earth Grounds.

Good luck.

#2 Reply
Posted by Balaur on 23 Apr, 2013 08:58
I had a quick look at the Mean Well power supplies. It looks to be difficult to find a single power source delivering the power/voltages you need.

If you can go for a dual setup, I would recommend either a PC (or a XBOX 360 - very good suggestion from peter.mitchell) PSU for the 12V and other supply (example: Mean Well NES-350-24) for the 24V

#3 Reply
Posted by Rerouter on 23 Apr, 2013 09:12
atx power supply capable of 35A on 12V (not to uncommon though may need to reconnect the feedback wire to the 12V rail through a voltage divider for stability)
and use a standard automotive 10A 12-24V inverter,

#4 Reply
Posted by amyk on 23 Apr, 2013 09:33
It looks like you need 420W of power, which a PC PSU could easily do.

Is it possible to change the heater to a 12V 20A unit instead? If you could do that then you just need 35A at 12V, which could be easier to find than 2 voltages.

#5 Reply
Posted by GeoffS on 23 Apr, 2013 11:03
That's quite a high power requirement for the heated bed.

My 3D printer only requires 8.5A @ 12V for the heated bed. Not sure what the electronics takes.
It was supplied with a single 12V, 30A power supply (Meanwell)