DIY Glow 3D Printer

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DIY Glow 3D Printer

by searx on March 26, 2013 Table of Contents DIY Glow 3D Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: DIY Glow 3D Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Before you start... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Assembly x-axis movement part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Assembly x-axis movement part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Assembly x-axis movement part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Assembly y-axis movement part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Assembly y-axis movement part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Assembly z-axis structure part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 8
Step 8: Assembly z-axis structure part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 9: Assembly z-axis structure part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Step 10: Assembly z-axis structure part 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Step 11: Assembly z-axis structure part 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Step 12: Assembly z-axis structure part 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Step 13: Assembly z-axis structure part 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Step 14: Assembly z-axis structure part 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Step 15: Assembly z-axis structure part 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Step 16: Methods of printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Step 17: Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Step 18: Start printing! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Glow-3D-Printer/
Author:searx
Just try to pronounce my username...
Intro: DIY Glow 3D Printer

If you read my interests, you probably know that I love studying the 3D printer we have at school to see how it works. I spent about a month (as an engineering student I know how important research is) sketching designs and building prototypes. After that I finally found a design that fit my needs. This printer is based on the brain of a mindstorm NXT because it is easy to program and my arduino chip is burnt out and I'm still trying to save up to buy a new one. This printer only prints as accurately as you program it, but I will show you the best method of programming. The design includes x-axis and y-axis movement as well as z-axis movement used to pump down the printing material. Time to make: about 4 hours if you have all of the pieces in front of you Parts: Lego mindstorms kit and assorted lego box as well as a hot glue gun, tin foil, string, a printer, ink for the printer, a computer, and power to you house. What did you make: I used the above parts and about a months worth of research to develop my design for a 3d printer that prints out a glowing material as accurately as you can program it. Not nearly as good as an industrial one, but a great project nonetheless. How did you make it: I worked alone and used the 3D printer in my school as reference to how to build one. I had about 50 different design sketches before I started to prototype and then I had 3 prototypes. Where did you make it: I created this in part at school (sketches) but mostly at home. I spent whatever extra time I had free from homework to work on this project. What did you learn: I learned the importance of good and thorough research as well as refining my skills as an engineer.
Image Notes 1. Slowly printing an 'S' for "Searx" that glows under ultraviolet light
Image Notes 1. Lights out!
Step 1: Before you start...

The type of 3d printing shown in this instructable is called extrusion printing. This is when a hot material is programmed to be applied layer by layer to a surface in order to create a 3d object. In this process, we use hot glue as the material. This process can use multiple colors too! If you have a look at this link you can see how to make your own or you can buy color hot glue sticks. Motor Uses: two motors for x-axis and y-axis movement, one motor for applying the hot glue. How it works: The two motors move a base plate any direction and then hot glue is streamed down using the third motor. Glue gun preparation: For this to work, you will need to open up your hot glue gun and remove the trigger. MAKE SURE IT IS UNPLUGGED FIRST. This will allow the hot glue to be freely pressed down. Be careful not to disturb any wiring inside and remember, these companies like to hide disassembly screws underneath stickers.
Image Notes 1. Click the link to go here
Step 2: Assembly x-axis movement part 1

Part 1 covers basic x-axis movement. There are some parts that are not included in this step that you can either find or you can find alternatives
Image Notes 1. attached underneath the motor

A continuation of basic x-axis movement
Image Notes 1. This prepares you for y-axis movement

Preparation for y-axis movement
Step 5: Assembly y-axis movement part 1

This part will go over the basic gear structures and how they interact to accomplish y-axis movement.
Image Notes 1. The gear rack sits on this gear
Image Notes 1. The plate from the next step will go here
Image Notes 1. These are used later in programming
Image Notes 1. To keep the plate level
Image Notes 1. Almost done with basic movement!
Step 6: Assembly y-axis movement part 2

This shows you how to build the basic platform and the plates that hold it in place
Image Notes 1. Make two of these that are opposites of each other 2. Plate to keep the central platform from rising
Image Notes 1. Opposites
Image Notes 1. They should fit snugly here
Image Notes 1. These racks are essential for y-axis movement
Image Notes 1. Make sure this is 2/3 a full brick (two 1/3 layers)
Image Notes 1. Use these to insert the central platform into the holding area
Step 7: Assembly z-axis structure part 1

The start of a very tall 3d printer...
Image Notes 1. Make two that are opposites

Connecting the structure to the x-axis movement
Image Notes 1. These are extremely important. They hold the x-axis movement on a line
Image Notes 1. String will go through these holes
Image Notes 1. make sure it is securely fit
Image Notes 1. I used one of these to keep the string in place because I don't want to add adhesive to the precious legos
Image Notes 1. This is right (completely straight)
Image Notes 1. This is wrong (the string is at an angle)

Building the resting platform for the z-axis glue applying mechanics
Image Notes 1. Two layers 2. One layer 3. One layer 4. One layer
Image Notes 1. Two layers here on the bottom
Image Notes 1. Smile!

Making the glue-gun holding platform and adding to the height of the printer
Image Notes 1. The glue gun will have free z-axis motion here, I sanded down the edges so that it could move more easily
Image Notes
1. Smile!
Image Notes 1. The part made in the previous step
Image Notes 1. Make sure these are VERY securely attached
Image Notes 1. You can start adding wires

This adds much needed support and weight to the back of the printer. It also includes two touch sensors that you can implement in your programming if you wish
Image Notes 1. Smile!

Preparing the glue gun connections
Image Notes 1. Sand down the edges for easier movement
Image Notes 1. Make sure it is 2x7
Image Notes 1. Most structurally stable place to add the strings
Image Notes 1. These string need to be very tight. Do not let them hang loose

This is a very important gear train that slows down motor speed and increases power output. This makes for a very precise z-axis linear motor

This is a platform to keep the z-axis pusher in line and make sure it does not move too far one way or another

This shows parts necessary to attach the z-axis pusher to the rest of the printer
Step 16: Methods of printing

Things you can print on: I would highly recommend printing on tin foil as the hot glue doesn't really stick to it, especially if you freeze it. I have found that adding oil or other non polar substances so that the glue has little risk of sticking to the foil. I DO NOT recommend printing straight onto the plastic for a few reasons: if the plastic melts, BAD things will happen; if BAD things happen, I take no responsibility. Just don't print straight onto the platform. Be safe about it.
Image Notes 1. I would NOT recommend applying straight onto the platform
Step 17: Programming

Since programming needs a lot of motor use that slows down the software, I would recommend the use of MYBLOCKS. If you don't know how to use them, you can see how here . Steps of programming: 1. Print out a picture of whatever you are printing. If you are printing something with multiple layers, do this one layer at a time and make sure you keep them in order. I would suggest making a separate MYBLOCK for each layer of the print. 2. Go into the NXT and move to "View". Then choose the motor and move it. You can then program the motors in degrees. I would keep motor speed between 20 and 40 percent. If you want to program curves, you can uncheck 'wait for completion' on the first motor block and keep it on the next one. Then they will run at the same time and if you have x and y axis movement you can create a curving motion. Throughout the build, features were added that make for easier data logging. 3. Use sounds to say when it is done or when the glue gun has run out of glue. These are very helpful.
Step 18: Start printing!

You can print a large amount of things with this printer. I started by printing a few layers (5 I think) to make a 3d 'S' for Searx. Once you get good at programming layers, you can go for something larger such as a 3d head or something. If you make something out of this printer, post a comment with a picture! After printing, go ahead and turn off the lights and pull out an ultraviolet light to make your creation glow!
Image Notes 1. Lights out!
Image Notes 1. I would NOT recommend applying straight onto the platform
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Comments
2 comments
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Apr 2, 2013. 1:14 PM REPLY
rimar2000 says:
Awesome work, congratulations.
wilgubeast says:
Apr 2, 2013. 11:40 AM REPLY Very well done. Any chance you could swap in your own print material? Maybe a caulking gun full of Oogoo? The device itself is solid, but hot glue isn't the most robust material in the world. (Which is a silly quibble given that you MADE A 3D PRINTER.) Awesome work.

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DIY Glow 3D Printer

Intro: DIY Glow 3D Printer

Image Notes 1. Lights out!

Step 1: Before you start...

Image Notes 1. Click the link to go here

Step 2: Assembly x-axis movement part 1

Image Notes 1. attached underneath the motor

Step 3: Assembly x-axis movement part 2

Image Notes 1. This prepares you for y-axis movement

Step 4: Assembly x-axis movement part 3

Step 5: Assembly y-axis movement part 1

Image Notes 1. The gear rack sits on this gear

Image Notes 1. These are used later in programming

Image Notes 1. To keep the plate level

Image Notes 1. Almost done with basic movement!

Step 6: Assembly y-axis movement part 2

Image Notes 1. Opposites

Image Notes 1. They should fit snugly here

Image Notes 1. These racks are essential for y-axis movement

Step 7: Assembly z-axis structure part 1

Image Notes 1. Make two that are opposites

Step 8: Assembly z-axis structure part 2

Image Notes 1. String will go through these holes

Image Notes 1. make sure it is securely fit

Image Notes 1. This is right (completely straight)

Image Notes 1. This is wrong (the string is at an angle)

Step 9: Assembly z-axis structure part 3

Image Notes 1. Two layers here on the bottom

Image Notes 1. Smile!

Step 10: Assembly z-axis structure part 4

Image Notes 1. The part made in the previous step

Image Notes 1. Make sure these are VERY securely attached

Image Notes 1. You can start adding wires

Step 11: Assembly z-axis structure part 5

Image Notes 1. Smile!

Step 12: Assembly z-axis structure part 6

Image Notes 1. Sand down the edges for easier movement

Image Notes 1. Make sure it is 2x7

Image Notes 1. Most structurally stable place to add the strings

Step 13: Assembly z-axis structure part 7

Step 14: Assembly z-axis structure part 8

Step 15: Assembly z-axis structure part 9

Step 16: Methods of printing

Step 17: Programming

Step 18: Start printing!

Image Notes 1. Lights out!

Prank Instructables (the ultimate prank) (Photos) by searx

Pocket Soft Light by searx

Pocket Tripod by searx

Make 3D Models Shatter in Blender (Photos) by searx

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Make your own custom 3D printed iphone case! (Photos) by searx

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