7/28/14:
Okay, so I just started this blog and I didn’t just start this project. So let me rewind a bit and get you up to speed…
Back in March, I decided I was going to build a 3D printer. Not from a kit – from scratch. If this sounds totally random and like a waste of time to essentially “reinvent the wheel”, let me assure you, it isn’t – I wanted to get more experience in engineering design and robotics, but couldn’t justify any robots to spend time and money building. Then I learned how much potential a 3D printer could have – prototyping new ideas, opening business opportunities, and creating parts for various domestic items (you know, like maybe some of those little plastic hooks or some replacements for broken plastic parts of things). And then there was the indirect potential – not only the learning experience value that prompted the venture, but also the opportunity to teach others others, maybe even to write a book about it…
I’ll be honest – the final selling point for me was that it could probably be done for less than $500. That seemed like a worthwhile investment for the opportunity that would follow.
So, after much research on different types of printers, how they work, and how they’re built (thank you, RepRap community), I put together a concept design in SketchUp, a great free 3D modeling tool:
My actual printer is varying a little bit from the design, but for the most part, the principles behind it and functionality are the same.
Here are the constraints I set in place to help me refine the design:
- <$500 in costs
- Must be able to build using non-precision, common household tools (drills, saws, hand tools)
- Cartesian coordinate frame design for simplicity (see this link to understand what I mean)
- Try to use reclaimed/scrap materials
- Use an Arduino microcontroller for control (this is basically the “brain” of the printer)
Okay, now let’s speed up to today. Here’s where I’m at:
All wood is reclaimed scrap from my parent’s garage. PVC was leftover from some planters I had built. Fishing line was found on the beach. Most hardware was also leftover/reused. Some wiring was reclaimed from old electronics.
I just successfully got the X-axis and Y-axis motors moving with the printer program (called Repetier-Host, an unbelievably free open-source program).
Cost so far: ~$215 (which includes the costs of some mistakes educational expenses)
Keep stopping by for more updates and please be sure to post your comments and questions!
If ___________, then venture. 