How to build a 3D Printer of your own

The 1990s saw the development of the equipment for a 3D printer. These printers were predicted to be a part of every household, but the cost of buying the components hindered these predictions. The most common use of this printer is for professional product developers and for engineers who use the products of this printer for their presentations to prospective clients. Now, because it may be difficult to procure one from the market, so its better you try build one at home, here's how you can try easily.

3D printer

Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging

Time required: Depends upon the project and the skill of the DIYer

Estimated cost: Depends upon the resources used

Resources required:

1. Metric allen key / hex wrench set.

2. Soldering iron and associated consumables (solder, sponge, wick, etc.).

3. Dikes/needle-nose pliers/small vice grips. A few different size 'grabbers' will make you a happy hobbyist.

4. Measuring device, preferably a set of calipers, but a decent ruler will work.

5. Scissors

6. Wire stripper

Additionally you should also have:

7. Small files or a dremel

8. Drill and common bit sizes

9. Loctite (I used 'red' on my frame to keep those big M8 nuts in place

9. Diagonal pliers

10. Hacksaw

11. Multimeter for checking connections if your electronics do not come pre-setup/configured

Instructions

1. Installing the Software

There are 5 steps involved in installing the software. The steps are very easy and require only a few hours. But one needs to be careful as in case of a mistake there is no looking back. All you need to get started is a PC and internet connection.

1. Get your copy of the Debian installer from the Debian GNU website.

2. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Be careful to not click "yes" on anything that you may regret later. On completion, a standard system will be installed.

3. Log in and say "sudo apt-get install firefox" on the command line.

4. Start firefox and download this Media RepRap script.

5. Run the script from the shell with "sudo ./Reprap_setup.sh"

Now all the software specific to Reprap is retrieved and installed.

Having successfully reached this point you should try to start the software in reprap-host with:

"ant run"

If you now see the main window of the host software, you're done.

2. Creating the Thermoplast extruder

The RepRapable Thermoplast Extuder can be made either by another RepRap or commercial rapid prototyper. There are other methods to make it such as machining aluminium or plastic or by making molds and castings from resins.

3. Setting the Positioning system

The positioning system is the greatest part of the size of a RepRap. It is what moves the extruder head from place to place. Kits are available on Bits from Bytes, either the FULL Mechanical Kit - Silver or Gold contain all the components necessary to build a positioning system and extruder. Assembly instructions are available on the bits from bytes website in the 'Assembly Instructions' area:

Quick tips

The old electronics could be reused to make a board taking the help of a professional.

A completely different set of electronics could be bought and made to work.