Where can I find cheap parts for my DIY 3d printer

Question

I Want to build my own custom 3d printer so I can get to know 3d printing better but I want to keep the cost low. Could you guys post some places where I can find cheap parts. I also still want a heated print bed too.

Former Member · Accepted Answer

When trying to cut corners and build the least expensive possible RepRap design, you can often save money by scrounging up stepper motors from a local HAM event or by digging through old 2D printers and scanners. (I tend to just buy a set of NEMA 14s or NEMA 17s so that they all haeve the same characteristics for ease of maintenance. 14's run around $15 USD each, while 17's are generally just over $20 USD each). You will need four stepper motors (X, Y and Z axis + Extruder) for a minimum configuration, althought some Cartesian systems use two motors to drive the Z axis in which case you would need an additional stepper and stepper controller.. The electronics tend to be the most costly basic component, with a single-board like the RAMBO running around $90 USD each, but you can also get an Arduino Mega + RAMPS + 4 Pololu-compatible stepper motor drivers for around $45 USD for the whole set via places like EBay. These are the latest ones I got that way as an example: You can build your own boards and equivalents using chips, but to get started I suggest pre-manufactured electronics. These are the most costly pieces before the extruder. The hot end like a J-Head will run around $40-60 USD each, depending on the type of materials used in its manufacturing. A HBP will by another $15-20 USD, while the rest can be sourced locally using different structural materials (extruded aluminum like 80/20 can be cheap or costly depending on quantities needed), etc. Hope that helps. Kirk Hausman A few good sources I have used when I needed parts in a hurry: RepRapDiscount Online Shop https://www.ultimaker.com/t/spare-parts The printers I built for the 3D Printing for Dummies book used complete kits: Mendel Max ( http://www.makerstoolworks.com/ ) Rostock Max ( SeeMeCNC | Delta 3D Printers for your desktop ) It all just depends on where you want to fall in the [Cost-Quality-Rapidity] triangle (the more of one, the less of the others). You can also find the PrinterBot Simple kit ( http://printrbot.com/shop/printrbot-simple/ ) available at Element 14 itself as well in the Store (US: Newark element14 US | Electronic Components Distributor, Electrical Parts ).

Anonymous-237891 · Answer

The best place for cheap things is eBay for sure.

Go and search for "3d printer kit" that makes easier the compatibility for your electronics.

For the mechanical part it all depends on your machining skills, laser cutting experience, or even woodworking capabilities.