So i’ve been running it around in my head that I want to build a 3d printer on a large scale. As big as I can. I’m gong to start with at least a 1 meter by 1 meter build area and build bigger until I can print a house. Anyone in the macon/ atlanta area want to work with me on this behemoth?
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MB3D
2
Hi there !
This seems like an interesting project, however I have some concerns about it. I’m currently developing a 3d printer with a 50x50cm build area. I’ve got some questions on which I’d like to hear your solution:
How much money are you willing to spend on that ? I hope you know, that you can’t just build a larger frame and use a normal printer (not even for the 1x1x1 meter printer). All those long rods that you’ll use will bend a little bit under that load, so you have to get thicker ones (which multiplies the cost). Even if you create most of the printer’s parts yourself (you have to buy motors and some other stuff obviously) you’ll end up with thousands of dollars spend for the 1x1x1 meter printer. Is that worth the use ? What purpose has such a large printer (do you have so much big ideas, that the investment is worth it?)
I don’t say that this project is impossible to realize and I wish you the best of luck to archieve your goals, but I highly doubt, that you’ve thought this through completely.
I would like to hear your thoughts and would like to know, for what projects you’d use that printer.
Good luck with this project,
Marius
Yes I am aware of deflection over distance issues. I am planning on using much beefier rods and framing. I am also aware of the larger motors needed. All of the additional costs are in the frame. The hotend and electronics are all the same (well I may need to send the output from the stepper drivers through an amplifier but standard audio amps will so the job) I probably will use a pellet extruder to keep the material costs down but I have been toying with the idea of a concrete extruder as well.
This isn’t my first rodeo in 3d printing. I have built several prusa Mendels, a prusa i3, and a thingomatic. I have also been involved in 3d printing since the beginning.
I would like to use the printer to make furniture, clothing, theater sets, and cosplay armor. I want to take what I learn from this project to create a 3d printer that can print a house so the investment will be well worth it if I can make it that far.
MB3D
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Sounds like a good point to start, I hope you find someone to team up with you.
-Marius
Hmm, very interesting idea!
I have been thinking the same thing over the past months, and it might be possible if we get enough people involved! My one question is where will this 3d printer be housed during and after the project. At your local residence? Somewhere public?
And about the size of the framing, I have an idea that can keep the rods from bending over long distances…I will explain it if anyone is interested.
Cheers!
~Dominick
Did you have any luck with your 50x50x50cm printer?
I also have the same idea and am very interested the possibilities are endless . ( body panels for cars motorcycles to almost anything) I mean wow . I have a design and fabrication business in flint tx with a huge work space and while I’m no engineer I am a skilled welder /fabricator and have a partner that is pretty well informed I’d love to hear your thoughts
