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3D Printing
3D Printing Forum DIY Small footprint 3D Printer suggestions
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Related

DIY Small footprint 3D Printer suggestions

maillerm
maillerm over 11 years ago

I am trying to build a 3D printer, it is a slow process as I buy pieces here and there when I have extra money.  I have not decided on a model to build yet, so I have just bought servos and the electronics.

 

However now, I feel I am at the point where I need to decide on a model or plan, so I can create a BOM and plan to buy the remaining parts.

 

My biggest concern would be the footprint of the printer.  I live in an apartment so space is a concern.  I also have young kids so I want to be able to move it to a high shelf out of the reach of little fingers.

 

Also, not really a requirement, but I would prefer a machine that didn't need printed parts.  Or if it did need printed parts are there any temporary substitutes that I could use until I could print the needed parts.

 

Thank you kindly for your suggestions..

 

Mike

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  • DPgame01
    0 DPgame01 over 11 years ago

    YOu could check the printrbot, http://printrbot.com/product-category/3d-printers/ , printrbot simple, comes as a kit and assembled. I'm putting some money on the side to buy one in the next couple of weeks.. And for $300 dollar how can you go wrong...

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  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 11 years ago

    http://www.reprap.org/wiki/3drag#Download

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  • kidiccurus
    0 kidiccurus over 11 years ago

    Umm... You brought servos? As far as I know 99% of 3d printers use stepper motors. Also, if small footprint is absolutely essential, check out Ben Heks portable briefcase 3d printer episode. I imagine solid cintra walls would keep out the the kids for at least a couple of seconds.

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  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 11 years ago

    You will have to configure your own electronics to drive servos instead of the standard stepper motors, as the standard firmware assumes precise displacement for each step. You may also have to add an additional endstop switch on each motion axis to constrain movement only within the build volume and identify the home for each during drive movements of the end effector. Although there are certainly large enough servos to provide sufficient torque, you may find steppers have a better cost/torque ratio at common 3D printer levels of operation.

     

    Kirk Hausman

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