DIY 3D Printer

In these instructables we will see how to build a 3D printer using another 3D printer (ender3).  why? who wouldn't want 2 3D printers. This project was part of my final paper last school year. this is also already an improved version.

Materials

all hardware is listed in the BOM ( Bill of materials) PDF file.

all bolts, nuts, shafts, ...

also include are the files for when u need to print parts?

Tools

• Measuring tape and pencil
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)
• allen keys
• screwdrivers
• Circular saw or table saw (for the aluminum profiles)
• M6 tap
• Cad software just to look at the file u dont need to draw yourself

( when u dont have this fusion 360 are great free option)

1.purchase all necessary parts. the correct parts can be found in the BOM.

2.3D print all the necessary parts for this project using your current printer or a print service. (i printed everything with standard PLA (it is possible) but i would recomend PETG or something like this. al files are in the file libary the number behind the file name is how many times u need to print it.

3. Take a look at the CAD model to understand the design of this printer (i think this is not so hard). From here you can also see how everything should be assembled.

this is certainly not a complex desing of printer frame. it is a mix between ender and prusa printers. if you open the CAD model on a PC it is perfectly deducible how the frame should be assembled, using all: bolts, nuts, and printed parts.

small help in order of assembly.

1. Build the frame using corner parts and the aluminum profiles cut to size.

You will need to tap 4 holes in the top of the frame with a M6 to insert the bolt of M6*60. This would hold as seen on the CAD file the top horzontal beam and 2 vertical beams along with the green print parts to mount the threaded rod (inclined shaft without this the frame is not stiff enough) 

2. Build the x-axis

3. Build and attach the y-axis to the frame.

4. Now you can assemble the z-axis by mounting the treated rods in the x-axis. these are then attached to the 2 z-axis motors.

5. Build the toolhead ( this is one for and ender3 hotend)

6. Put all the wiring under the wooden bottom plate and then place it on your chosen motherboard (here it is the BTT SKR V1.2 PRO). (dont forget endstops not on the Cad file)

7. Upload the firmware in VS code to a micro-sd card and plug it into the motherboard.

8. Time for the calibration (there are many videos about this on youtube, I'm not super good at this either)

adjust some more variables in the firmware (in the configuration.h file) such as your steps/mm, temprature, and preheat mapping,... this can be different when u have different components.

make enough test prints (benchy, cube,...)

and you are good to go with this printer :)

conclusion:

Anyone who makes improvements or has problems contact me, I am curious to hear your opinions. This is for me a project that will never be finished, but for now enjoy this printer. And I hope you have a nice experience with this project and learned something about 3D printers from it. I certainly did. 

Note: I tried my best to be clear in instruction and providing a full CAD file (sorry not al bolts and nuts are inserted in this file but i think it is clear where they need to be) and BOM. Because i worked already alot on this project when i saw this contest so i didn't make alot of pictures.

all files wil be in the file libary.