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Lego 3D printer/plotter

Lego 3D printer/plotter
Hello, thank you for looking at this!

First off, a slight update. I'm working on the 3rd version printer, which should actually be able to print. Since I won an NXT 2.0 in the Toy challenge with this, I should be able to make another one for the next contest that features a Makerbot.

I originally wanted to create a lego 3D printer for the makerbot challenge, but wasn't able to finish it in time. So, since another makerbot is up for grabs, I decided to do a second version of the printer. Since I have no extruder, I can't actually have it be a 3D printer. That's why it's currently configured as a pen plotter. Also, this takes a massive number of parts. I had to scrounge around for all the little pieces I need.

This is my first instructables, so I've decided to do the guide with a combination of two different techniques. I'm using Lego digital designer to design some of the sub-builds. I've exported each sub-build as an html file and html files are each given a number. (All of which are in the "building instructions.zip" file) I'll reference them by B#. ie, B1, B2 or whatever. So when I say build 2 of B1, I mean open up 1.html and build it twice. If you have Lego Digital Designer (LDD) and would rather use it, the "models.zip" file has all of them by the same number. It's just B1 is 1.lxf instead of 1.html. Sorry if that's confusing. The second approach was to take pictures of putting the sub-builds together.

Here is a video demonstrating what it can do:
 
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Step 13d Printer sides: The triangles

3d Printer sides: The triangles
«
  • entire side triangle.JPG
  • pieces missing side triangle.JPG
  • pieces missing side triangle 2.JPG
So the first thing to build is the sides.  I'm going to show you with the Z axis rail, but we will remove that later to put in the Z platform.  Don't worry, it's pretty easy to do.  I designed it mostly in Lego digital designer, but there were two pieces it didn't let me put in, so I'll show you that in the picture.  Go ahead and build 2 of B1 (Open 1.html in the building instructions folder, and build it twice).  I've also included the 1.lxf file if you have LDD and would rather use that.  The html file is just a little bit weird.  I think they need to work on their building instructions algorithm.  Anyway, see the pictures for the two pieces that were missing and where they go.  (One piece for each side.)

The main picture is one side fully assembled.
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29 comments
Mar 11, 2012. 9:22 AMKyky Rocks1 says:
Can this be made out of 1 Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 Kit?
Dec 6, 2011. 4:49 PMiproberry1 says:
you won!!!
Oct 10, 2011. 10:12 PMdscott4 says:
WOAH!!

I would love to see it added to the 3D print group I have just started

http://www.instructables.com/group/3Dprint/

Thanks
Jul 19, 2011. 5:45 PMdombeef says:
When you said this " I then had replicatorg try and connect to it." How did you get replicatorg to connect to it?
Jul 19, 2011. 12:16 PMdombeef says:
Hey, I am making software for my own take on a nxt 3d plotter, When I am done I will make sure to tell you so you could actually use this for something :D
Jul 19, 2011. 1:03 PMdombeef says:
And it will use G-Code as the input
Jul 6, 2011. 8:40 AMricardowong says:
you could try adding a [primitive] extruder made from legos and some rolled up wire, (molten wax/ crayolas), molten wax I believe doesn't melt legos
Jul 6, 2011. 10:15 AMricardowong says:
I'll look forward to v3 then. You already won my heart since I first saw your lego toy. You see, I always had craved for a 3d lego printer machine, but was never corageous enough to make it real. You, on the other hand, did. Congratulations on a nice project.
Jul 4, 2011. 7:13 AMdombeef says:
Erm, it could be better, the stage that you builded was a bit wobbly, bit good job!
Jul 4, 2011. 10:23 AMdombeef says:
Whoops, I ment but good job!
Jul 4, 2011. 11:13 AMdombeef says:
I see you took inspiration from the reprap design, with the triangle prism like design

It could be able to use an extruder for 3d printing if you make sure to not let the hot part hit any of the legos, it extrudes the plastic that legos are made of(just a fun fact)

Good job though and I will vote for you, if you vote back for an instructable that I am almost done with
Jul 4, 2011. 11:33 AMdombeef says:
I am about to press publish, I just have to check the grammar and spellings and how it looks, etc...

And thanks, I try to be unique and use what I have, As far as I know and i have looked up for anything like it, I couldn't find anything like a few of my instructables, no one has made it before

And I cant wait for v3 Subscribed :)
Jul 4, 2011. 12:39 PMdombeef says:
The exact words
"Multiple entries are accepted, but each entrant can only win one prize. Contest is open to international entries. Contest closes for entries at 11:59pm PDT, July 4."
Jul 4, 2011. 1:31 PMdombeef says:
Thanks!
Jul 4, 2011. 12:37 PMdombeef says:
Not yet, it is over at 12:00 pm in california

And i just published it
Jul 3, 2011. 7:34 AMtofu4tortoise says:
really impressive. but i can't find the vote button :( and you uploaded this on my birthday!
Jul 3, 2011. 8:31 AMtofu4tortoise says:
thanks, definitely see the effort you put into this and how you would really benefit from the printer, that's why i'm voting for you.

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