Just because I've got nothing better to do with all my free time....
(copy of by blog at http://arduino-pi.blogspot.ca/ )
I got looking at all of the various DIY 3D printers on the market, and got wondering to myself...
Why are there not many hobbyists re-using old All-In-One or Multifunction printers to scavenge parts from?
My gut feel provides two answers....
- Many people have tried and failed... but I see little evidence of this through Google searches.
- The various RepRap kits have made it both affordable and technically possible through decent and thorough documentation to build from a kit, thus no need to do it completely from scratch.
Further research into true DIY 3D printers, finally led me to this incredible project out of Africa, building a 3D printer from recycled electronics.
Then I got looking at this DIY 3D printer below , and decided that I need to at least try this.
I visited Kijiji.ca and did a search on cheap Multifunction Printers in my area.
I immediately purchased a functional Brother MFC-7340 for $25
And a Canon Pixma MG-3520 All-In-One Scanner/Printer *NEW in Box* for $20
Between these two printers, I should be able to scavenge the X/Y bed from the scanner intact. Including linear bearings, rods, steppers, gears and belts. I will leave the dimensions as is. I know it will be a bit strange, but... This entire project is a bit strange.
I should also be able to get two Z axis steppers, linear rods/bearings gears and belts as well. I will have to fashion a sturdy support from T-Slot extrusion...
To that end, I purchased some 80/20 T-Slot aluminum extrusion for $40
Then there are the parts that I KNOW that I cannot (should not!) make myself.
The Electronics will be purchased according to RepRap specifications
Electronics: $140 or on Ebay for $100?
I will purchase and install a prefab Extruder with Hot end: $95
And will listen to the various recommendations for using a Heated bed: $25
Total budget?
2x recycled printers $ 50
T-Slot framing $ 40
Electronics $140
Extruder $100
Heated Bed $ 25
Total: $355
Yes, I know I can get a PrintrBot for $300, but mine will be significantly larger...
...and I hope I'll learn more than just frustration along the way. (Yes, I also know there will be frustration to share)
Whether I succeed or fail... I will document the journey here, in photos and possibly some video.
Wish me luck...
If you have tips, recommendations, whatever, please feel free to leave a comment below. (Just don't tell me I'm an id10t ... My wife has well informed me on that aspect...)
References:
http://hackaday.com/2013/04/30/scratch-built-3d-printer-shows-rock-solid-performance/
http://hackaday.com/2013/04/05/h-bot-style-3d-printer-moves-bed-for-z-axis/
http://www.popsci.com/article/diy/check-out-3-d-printer-made-e-waste
http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.ca/2013/05/wafate-african-3d-printer-out-of.html
http://www.grassrootsengineering.com/blog/mymachine/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/printrbot/printrbot-your-first-3d-printer
http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/3d-printers-diy-plans-and-build-instructions.html
http://3dprinters.ws/ord-bot-quantum/
http://inhabitat.com/portabee-launches-portable-robust-affordable-3d-printer-for-under-500/
http://www.techthefuture.com/featured/build-your-own-3d-printer-1-%E2%80%94-repraps-improved/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
http://www.tridimake.com/2012/10/homemade-heated-bed.html
http://el34world.com/Misc/Cnc/CNC21.htm
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Glow-3D-Printer/
http://makezine.com/projects/eventorbot-open-source-diy-3d-printer/
http://www.3ders.org/pricecompare/3dprinters/?a=DIY%20kit
My local 3D printer supply company: (local being an hour or so away...)
http://www.mixshop.com/index.php?main_page=contact_us&zenid=9jh0gbklv4to338i1fmb1abp13
http://www.mixshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=147
Workshop: 1 (416) 792-8388
Sales & Support: [email protected] / [email protected] - Hang Zhuo
3D Printing Services: [email protected] - Tong He
Other Inquiry: [email protected] - Jing Guo
While the smooth rods are good enough for printer heads, I am not so sure how they will hold up to the added mass of a heated bed/support/print object. There is a large DIY laser cutter project that is also having deflection issues, and, I think he is using extrusion for his carriage.
