2.1 RELEASE INFO - Final Public Release, v2.1

We're moving from the Initial Public Release contained in v2.0 to Final Public Release in v2.1. Compared to its predecessor, the 2.1 version includes parts and features to facilitate building a more mechanically accurate counterpart to the factory production GG2. The parts included are listed below; additionally the release includes support for factory DDCut PC-host compatibility, including a full pictorial instructions guide.

The 2.1 release was initially slated to include all additional 'advanced features' we plan to add to the project, but since our current userbase's focus is oriented towards immediate support and documentation of factory GG2 compatibility, those features have (with the exception of the BLDC toolhead) been pushed back to the forthcoming 2.2 Release instead. The software/firmware and controller compatibility provided by the 2.1 Release will not be supported in future versions, and any additional developments by DD in their software/project suite that affect use of their legacy (GG1 and GG2) offerings that might affect the 2.1 Release will not necessarily be supported by the hardware/controller setup outlined in the v2.1 of the FLEX. Future development from 2.2 forward will be built on 32-bit controllers and firmware that are incompatible with DDCut, and these solutions are currently our only way of implementing features like the 4th/5th axis, smart material probing, precision grinding, and 3D printing or laser engraving heads.

If I remain locked out of the main Git, 2.1 will also include any optional updates to the 2.0 parts. These currently include an updated (12)Z-carriage (in response to reported assembly difficulties) and (02)X-base-left/(03)X-base-right with enlarged screw retention cavities and shaft mounts (in response to the frequency of breakages in assembly).

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2. CONTENTS

ENDSTOP SUPPORT
    a. (13)X-endstop-mk3m is a modular/removable endstop mount for a RepRap Mk3 (2nd Gen Makerbot) type endstop. It mounts to (07)X-motor-right using two longer M3x15 BHCS in place of two outer edge, existing M3x10 BHCS securing the motor to the mount, providing the X- limit.
    b. (14)YZ-endstop-mk3m is a modular/removable endstop mount for two RepRap Mk3 (2nd Gen Makerbot) type endstops. It mounts under the right rear SK12 shaft support below (11)Y-Carriage-Lower using the standard M5x20 through bolt, providing the Y+/Z+ limits.

BLDC SPINDLE
    a. (01B)Spindle-Mount-BLF is a swappable mount supporting any NEMA23 flanged BLDC or servo motor with indented corners to serve as the main spindle motor. The quill consists of a hardened 8x145mm shaft with an ER-11 adapter on the work end, supported by a pair of axial-loadable 608/708 (8x22x7mm) bearings on either end. The spacing between the quill and motor shaft is 80mm between centers; the standard recommended belt reduction of 1:3 is achieved with one 20T and one 60T HTD3M power transmission pulley, attached by a 3M-306 belt with an active, spring-loaded tensioning arm. A relatively wide variety of other belt configurations are possible given the spacing and design.

DUSTCOVERS
    a. (15)X-table-dust is a mirrorable accordion-style, print-in-place dustcover for the X axis Ballscrews. They attach to the inner X-motor mount screw holes using longer M3x15 BHCS screws and can either be left floating or constrained to the X-table ends using cable ties.
    b. (16)Y-carr-dust is a dustcover for the standard router cartridge toolheads and carriage body that mounts to the carriage via the standard M5x20 through-bolts securing the front SK12 shaft supports.
    c. (16b) Y-carr-dust-BLF is a dustcover for the BLDC type toolhead  and carriage body that mounts to the carriage via the standard M5x20 through-bolts securing the front SK12 shaft supports.