Workshop Organization - 3D Printing Bay

This is a 3D printing bay I designed and installed at the school where I teach. This bay has gone through multiple configurations, with the spool feeders being measured for the previous solution. We are moving buildings in a year or two, at which point everything will be more symmetrical after installation.

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

Tools:

• Miter Saw
• Drill
• Wrenches

Materials:

• 1/2" black iron pipe
  • 4x 8", 2x 24", 4 elbows, 4 floor flanges
• Shelving
  • 2x 36" shelves
  • 4x shelving brackets
• 72" x 24" Work Table
• Adjustable Computer KBM Platform
• LED light strips attached with velcro
• Cable organization
  • Right-angle USB adapters
  • Velcro strips
  • Zipties
• Molly bolts
• Various nuts and bolts (included with products)

Step 2: Assembling and Installing Spool Feeder

This is the one thing I would like to change about the setup, sooner rather than later. I used 1/2" black iron pipe with floor flanges and elbows. This is very secure when attached with molly bolts through drywall, but it is quite a struggle to change out the spools. I have to unscrew one of the flanges and then unthread the elbow from the main arm, then support the main arm and all the spools while trying to remove and replace spools. Then I have to reattach the elbow and screw the flange back in place. Phew! Thankfully, I don't have to change out the spools too often.

Step 3: Installing Shelves (optional)

I decided to add some additional storage for tools and replacement parts, as well as a place for students to collect finished prints by installing some shelves.

You want to make sure your shelves aren't too deep that they might cause feeding interference between the spools and the printers. I picked these shelves up from a home improvement store and they are 10" deep, which allows for plenty of clearance.

Step 4: Customizing Components

I trimmed down the keyboard/mouse trays to the width of our MacBook Airs using my miter saw. The trays are made from a high density polymer, so I would not recommend using a circular saw, if it can be avoided.

I then used some velcro to strap the computers to the trays and grabbed some right-angle usb adapters for better cable clearance between trays.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bay

After installing the undermount trays, and securing your laptops, start running your cables and setting up the printers!

Comments

[Makerneer]

I never thought about using black pipe as a spool holder, that looks very secure. I'm curious to find out what you do to make it easier to switch filament in the future.

[ChristopherB361]

I've been thinking on it recently, actually. I'm going to try and cut out part of the female threaded end on one elbow, as pictured. This way I can simply lift the bar to add/remove spools and not have to remove screws and unthread various pipes and connectors.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Such a nice setup! Clean and organized :)

[ChristopherB361]

Thank you, room for improvement, but I’m happy with it so far.