Gosse Adema Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 (edited) Update september 2015: I have build a new extruder for this printer. It's now capable of printing chocolate. ------------------------------ Although it's not a 100% lego build. I think it's worth mentioning in this forum. This fully-functional 3D printer is capable of printing 3D objects, including Lego bricks. The printed PLA bricks look like the first lego bricks from the early '70s. Switching to ABS will be a next step. The LEGO printer is based on the Prusa I3 rework printer. LEGO and Nema 17 stepper motors are a perfect match. A default LEGO brick of 4 by 2 studs is 32 x 16 x 9.6 mm. Nema stepper motors have m3 holes at a distance of 31 mm. Attaching the Nema 17 stepper with LEGO technic, using a felt damper/isolator and m3 x 15 bolts, gives a solid base. It's not a 100% LEGO printer. I don't have any LEGO Mindstorms products. Another reason is that LEGO motors are servo motors and 3d printers use stepper motors. Last reason is the software used to control the printer. I'm using Marlin for the Atmega 2560 and Pronterface on my laptop to control the printer. The base of the printer is 34 x 64 studs (19.2 x 51.2 cm) and is about 44 blocks high (42 cm). Y carrier belt: Attaching linear bearings. Z-azis motor and smooth rod: It took some time to calibrate the printer. But everything is working like it should. A picture of my latest print: The advantage of using LEGO is the possibility to alter the printer after building. More pictures, a video of this printer in action and building instructions are on: http://www.instructa...EGO-3d-Printer/. Edited September 28, 2015 by Gosse Adema Embedded the video Quote
Kiwi_Builder Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 Welcome to Eurobricks, it looks interesting but it would do better if you added some extra information to your post instead of just posting a brief description with a photo and a link. Because most people (including me quite often) don't bother to click on the link you give unless you have done a post which makes us want to look further. People would have a better response and follow the link more if you added a full description, a bit of background to the model and stuff like that. Quote
Gosse Adema Posted June 13, 2015 Author Posted June 13, 2015 Added some pictures with details of the mechanics. I'm currently redesigning the entire X-axis to the 'new' Lego technic. Most yellow technic parts are over 30 years old. I'm trying to use as less non-lego parts as possible. I replaced the loom bands on the right by springs. Replacing the stepper motors by Lego motors is to expensive at the moment. There are 5 steppers and 3 endstops. This means at least 2 ev3 sets. Quote
Gosse Adema Posted June 20, 2015 Author Posted June 20, 2015 The new X-axis (redesign) with the Z-axis coupling realy improved the print quality. Next step is giving the printer a technical look. The Z-axis can be replaced by a more technic tower, using new technic connectors. The green base plates can be replaced by the old technic bricks. Quote
MaxSupercars Posted June 21, 2015 Posted June 21, 2015 Nicee... :) I'm looking for improvements... It's looking promising... :) Max... Quote
Gosse Adema Posted June 22, 2015 Author Posted June 22, 2015 Nicee... :) I'm looking for improvements... It's looking promising... :) Max... A picture of the first improvement. Replaced the X-axis: The old X-axis will be reused to alter the Z- or Y-axis. Building instructions are on http://www.instructables.com/id/LEGO-3d-Printer/ Quote
MaxSupercars Posted June 22, 2015 Posted June 22, 2015 I like it... :) What's the resolution of 3D Printer? Max... :P Quote
Rockbrick Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 oh the irony,.... print lego compatible parts for making more lego based 3d printers to print more lego Quote
Jim Posted June 25, 2015 Posted June 25, 2015 oh the irony,.... print lego compatible parts for making more lego based 3d printers to print more lego LEGOception I have embedded the videos. Nice work on this project. This is quite an achievement. Great to see you have used different kind of techniques and equipment to get this machine working. Quote
Gosse Adema Posted June 25, 2015 Author Posted June 25, 2015 A timelapse video: Real time is about 35 minutes. Quote
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