3D Printing

Building the original 3D printer

Between grade 9 and 10, my fascination with 3D printing led me to embark on a challenging yet rewarding endeavor – building my original 3D printer from a Kickstarter kit. Despite being a novice at the time and facing numerous mechanical and electrical challenges within the kit, I persevered. Through meticulous troubleshooting and a deep dive into 3D printing best practices, I successfully addressed the issues and achieved the capability to print basic shapes.

Building the original 3D printer

Key Milestones:

  1. Overcoming Challenges:

    • Tackled mechanical oversights and electrical failures within the kit, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.

    • Invested significant time in addressing the printer’s issues, laying the foundation for hands-on learning.

  2. Return to 3D Printing:

    • Years later, leveraged my experiences to invest in an established, pre-assembled 3D printer while staying within budget.

    • Applied lessons learned from the original printer to achieve consistent print quality and establish a small 3D printing service.

New printer in action

Skills Acquired:

  • Technical Knowledge:

    • Developed expertise in endstops, motor drivers, and stepper motors during the construction of the original 3D printer.

    • Acquired a comprehensive understanding of 3D printing best practices, applicable in various engineering domains.

  • Business and Time Management:

    • Established and operated a small 3D printing service, gaining insights into CAD software and running a business.

    • Honed essential skills in expense and time management, crucial elements in any engineering career.

Implications for Robotics Career:

  • Applicability to Robotics:

    • The knowledge gained in working with endstops, motor drivers, and stepper motors extends beyond 3D printing, finding relevance in various robotics applications.

    • Experience in 3D printing contributes to rapid prototyping skills, a valuable asset in the iterative development process of robotics projects.

  • Time and Budget Management:
    • The acquired skills in managing time and budget during the 3D printing service directly align with the demands of engineering projects in any field, emphasizing their importance.

Conclusion:

Building and operating 3D printers, from the challenging inception of the original kit to the establishment of a 3D printing service, has been a transformative journey. This experience not only deepened my technical knowledge but also honed my problem-solving and business skills. As I venture into a career in robotics, the lessons learned from this project will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for success.

Some prints from the new printer