Custom 3D Printer

OnShape project assembly is available here

Technical Details

I designed this printer with heavy inspiration from projects like the Voron V0 and Voron Trident. The project was started around the end of 2023, and the printer was operational by mid-2024. Since then it has been upgraded and most parts were revised, with more additions such as a multi-color system and higher flow extruder planned.

There were a few difficulties with this project, mainly figuring out Klipper Firmware and having to map its pin numbering to the decade old Ramps 1.4 which is very "hackable" but surpassed by closed-srouce options nowadays. Another thing that took a lot of troubleshooting to get right was the extruder, which needs to have very tight tolerances in both its printed parts and machined components.

Manufacturing Details:

3D Printing: Blue and almost all gray printed parts were printed on the printer itself
Laser Cutting: Side panels were cut from acrylic sheets and the heat bed was cut from aluminum scrap
Frame: All 2020 aluminum extrusions were repurposed from old hospital equipment
Electronics: Raspberry Pi running Klipper, Arduino Mega + Ramps 1.4 upgraded to 24v

End result

XY gantry mechanism, includes two stepper motors with belt tensioners, extruder assembly, and linear rails.
Z-axis mechanism, includes a special print bed mount for automatic bed levelling, and a custom made Aluminum heatbed.

Interactive 3D assembly view of the motion system

The printer's electronics under the hood, and the modified Dragonburner tool-head.

Completely enclosed the printer and made some cosmetic changes, and revised the z-axis homing mechanism for smoother operation and longevity..

First steps - the assembled frame, and the first working revision of the printer.