Three-dimension printers are valuable machines to produce excellent prototypes. However, because a full-assemble printer is deadly expensive, up to $5000, many 3D printing lovers consider how to make a 3D printer with a 3D pen.
Of course, the method is much cheaper yet more challenging. You need to gain a little bit of knowledge related to the machines to do that.
That is the reason why I write this article, a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to create the device from handheld pens.
Scroll down for more details!
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How To Make A 3D Printer With A 3D Pen? (Printer resin?)
Whether it is a printer or any machine, the first step to make them is to prepare the essential parts.
After you have all you need for the printer, start with fixing the pens to combine well with other ingredients. Then, connect electronic parts and write or change necessary codes in essential software. Checking the machine is the last step.
What Do You Need To Prepare?
Before assembling the machine, you should decide the printer’s specifications and the required tools.
1. The printer’s specification
Type of printer:
Which kind of printer will decide how the print and the bed move. For example, a Cartesian printer features a bed moving on the Z-axis, and the prin heads run on the Y-axes and X-axes.
Printer size:
You should know the printer size before making it. That would help you determine the frame to make the pens run.
Nozzles and extruders:
Because you use a pen but not a hot glue gun, there’s no need to choose which type of nozzle or the number of extruders you can have. All have come with pens.
2. Essential parts
A few primary parts are coming with the machine, including:
A good 3D pen:
There are hundreds of cells on the market these days. Although they often have a pretty similar design, they are relatively different, especially in filaments, the speed settings and temperature, and the accessories. Some excellent products I recommend are MYNT3D Super 3D Pen, SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen with Display, or 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen.
Some users asked me, “Can I use 3D printer filament in a 3D pen?”. Indeed, you should use suitable threads with the pen to make your device work well.
Controller:
Control boards or controllers are the heart of any printer. It makes the machine run well as an accurate electronic device.
In general, a RAMPS shield or an Arduino Mega is relatively popular in creating those devices. Besides, the Smoothieboard V1 or SKR Mini E3 are helpful replacements.
End stops:
The end stops have to be put at the axis’ zero position.
That is to help the print heads know where and when to stop. Otherwise, the starting point of the head is the home position or the origin (0,0,0).
Print bed:
A print bed is a flat and sticky surface to support the prints.
The cover can be a glass plate. Instead, buy a flexible plate-like BuildTek’s FlexPlate and lay it on top of the bed if you want to save money. Those kinds of sheets work pretty well in sticking to the bed or letting the finished prints removed.
Stepper motors:
There are at least four motors you need to prepare: one for the X-axis, one for the Y-axis, two for the Z-axis, and one for the pen’s extruder. Adjusting the motors and the potentiometer might take more time if you are new to doing the printer.
Sometimes, the device does not match the motor current, so you have to do it again. Besides, keep in mind to pair the proper wires to fit each motor.
Frame:
You will need a frame for the printer. Buy it in office stores or online shops like Amazon or eBay.
Once you are the newcomers, consider opting for a structure that is easy to install and stable. Alternatively, a handmade frame is possible. It costs less money yet more time and energy.
Power supply:
To calculate the power supply you need, look at the pens, the bed, fan, and filaments.
Ordinarily, a power supply of 12 volts or 24 volts and 20 amps is suitable. The 12-volt is used for an average 1.75mm PLA filament. Other than that, the 24-volt is for the 3-mm ABS threads.
How To Make A 3D Printer With A 3D Pen? A Step-By-Step Guide (comments)
A three-dimension printer (Source: 3dprint)
#Step 1: Take the pens apart (plastic)
A 3D pen is a handheld tool to make small stuff like a saw and hammer. However, drawing with the device requires more skill and experience than you can expect. So, changing it into a printing machine would help create more exquisite products.
First, you need to know what modified 3D pens contain. They often feature four essential parts: a speed controller, an extruder, a motor, and a hot end.
Also, a popular question comes with the pen: “Can you use 3D printer filament in a 3D pen?”. In actuality, the strands of wires have already come with the pen. So, you do not need to buy another. Of course, you can purchase for others if possible. Bear in mind they have to be compatible with the pen anyway.
It would be best if you took it apart with a screwdriver. Remove each part gradually, from the backplate to the top screw and the two connectors. Then, take a top end out of the pen’s body.
Next, push the speed slider away until you see the metal arm. Put the arm out as well.
Last but not least is to remove the tube clamp. You can have the mainboard of the pen. Remember to get rid of the hot end before coming to the next step.
The three-dimension pen’s structure (Source: penandplastic)
#Step 2: Electrical connection
The electrical connection is one of the essential steps to make your printer work.
After you have disassembled the pen, automate its forward extruder pin.
The pin should be successfully controlled by the Arduino (the controller).
After that, connect all the essential parts to make the machine work.
Let’s take a look at this video to know more about the process:
#Step 3: Coding and the printing software
To make products from a 3D printing machine, you do not draw but edit the script. That is the process called coding.
However, there’s no need to be a professional to code the three-dimension model. All you need is to download the Arduino IDE software and the marlin firmware. They do most of the part. Change a few details of the model’s configurations to fit the desired model if possible.
To apply the open-source slicer, you need to have a few software. Some famous names you can refer to are the 3D Slicer, Repetier-Host, Ultimaker Cura, or Slic3r.
#Step 4: Check the result
The last part is to check the output result. Run the three-dimension printing machine to make sure it creates a complete product.
Of course, the handmade printer is unable to compare with a full-assemble machine made in factories. It can not make severe prints due to the low level of reliability or speed.
On the other hand, it saves a lot of money, and it is a quick method for someone who hopelessly wants to create three-dimension prints for their projects.
A three-dimension pen (Source: nytimes)
How To Make A 3D Printer With A 3D Pen: People Also Ask
1. What can you do with 3D pens?
There are many things users can do and create with their pens.
For instance, beautiful and unique travel tags, exciting toys, or arty make-ups could be made with a pen.
Moreover, I also see owners have cycling accessories, teaching aids, and model figures with their handheld devices.
Plus, once you have partners and times, you may like a functioning chair or similar items as Shim Jeon-Sub did with his 3Doodler.
2. Can three-dimension printers make anything?
Indeed, the device is a valuable and functional machine to create a wide range of structures, shapes, and objects.
However, it is not the magic machine of Doraemon.
It still has its limit.
For example, the device can not work in mid-air.
Plus, their build volumes are not endless.
3. Are 3D printers dangerous?
Primarily, the printing machines are safe to use.
However, that is when it works in well-ventilated areas.
If you put it in closed places such as your bathroom, that would harm your health.
That results from the printer’s fumes.
To make the colorful objects, a printer has to melt PLA or ABS filaments at high temperatures.
The emissions produced, then, are considered toxic.
4. Can you make three-dimension printers with a 3D printing machine?
Of course, you can use the printing machine to make almost anything, including 3D printer designs.
To do that, you should make each part of the machine separately.
Then, assemble them, and you would have a beautiful printer.
Nevertheless, the printing machine does feature electronic elements and software to run well.
So, up to now, no 3D printing machine could make a perfect version of itself.
Conclusion
Above is a bit of my knowledge about how to make a 3D printer with a 3D pen.
Besides good preparation, there are four critical steps you should bear in mind: disassemble the pens, make the electrical connection, coding, use 3D printing software, and test the machine before putting it into use.
Further Reading:
- Best Creality 3d Printer– How To Choose The Best One?
- Best Filament For Ender 3
- Top 6 Best 3D Printer For Cosplay Armor
- Best 3d Printer For Board Games
- Best Filament For Lithophanes: What To Use
- Top 7 Best Dual Extruder 3d Printer Under $500