I'm trying to turn a Stratasys F170 into an open, serviceable printer for engineering materials. I have two machines now, one working and one with a heater fault, and I'm still inspecting them and deciding how to approach the conversion.
What I want from it
The main aim is to extend what I can do alongside my Bambu H-series machines, particularly with larger parts in PA, PPA, PPS and PC. I'd like more freedom to use both unfilled and fibre-filled materials, with a properly controlled heated chamber helping me get consistent results.
My current targets are a chamber up to 120°C, a heated bed capable of 200°C and a hotend assembly capable of 500°C. Those are the capabilities I'm designing towards; the actual temperatures I use will depend on the material. PEI and PEEK interest me as later experiments, but I don't want them to take over the project.
What I'd like to keep
The enclosure, gantry and thermal shield are the reason I chose this platform. Having looked more closely, I'd also like to make use of the original carriage and its nozzle-lift mechanism if I can. A second nozzle would be for support material.
I intend to replace the proprietary controls and extrusion hardware and add a heated aluminium bed with a removable print surface. I'd like ordinary G-code workflows, open configuration and replacement parts I can source and understand.
What I'm still working out
I haven't chosen the controller, motor drives or extruders. Keeping the original brushless motors is appealing, but a stepper conversion is still on the table. The bed design and removable surface also need more thought.
For now, the job is to understand the machines: investigate the heater fault, measure the carriage and available space, identify the motors and find out how the chamber behaves. The working F170 has reached 80°C, but neither machine has been converted yet.
I'll add to the journal as I make progress and have something useful to show.