DIY RepRap FDM printer

Maxime Deregnieaux

I've always been amazed by 3D printing technology and the benefits they offer, especially the ability to rapidly prototype complexe machanical parts, which would require a lot of skill and machinery to produce otherwise.

So, in 2015 when 3D printers were finally becoming more mainstream, I decided I needed my own. However, since this was just the beginning of "desktop" 3D printers, the price was still quite high. Furthermore, at the time of this project, I was still a university student, so I had limited amount of money I could spend on hobbies.

Therefore, I decided i would build my own machine using as many spare parts as possible to cut down on costs. That way, I could also build the machine progressevly and spread out the spending over mutiple months.

The plan :

The plan was to base my build on the "Prusa i3" project from reprap, because it's open source and has detailed documentation. But instead of buying a kit, I would source as many parts as possible locally, either from old electronics, second hand or the hardware store.

RepRap I3
RepRap i3

https://reprap.org/wiki/Prusa_i3

The other benefit about the Rep-Rap project is that they are intended to be "self-replicating". That means:

  • A lot of the parts needed for the build can be 3D printed from another machine. So I could get them for very cheap from someone with a printer
  • Once the build is complete, I will be able to print new parts to improve the machine and upgrade it to make it somewhat "future proof"

This type of 3D printer uses "FDM" (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, where a roll of plastic filament is melted and forced through a mobile hotend. The 

The build :

I started by purchasing the parts that were not possible to source from scrap :

  • The five nema17 motors : 2 for the Z axis, 1 for X, 1 for Y, one for the extruder (about 40€)
  • The 3D printer parts, sourced from ebay (about 30€)

Maxime Deregnieaux