Close
0%
0%

3D Printer Broom

Simple add-on for sequential/overnight 3d printing

Similar projects worth following
Last year, I bought a 3D printer, and found myself having to make many small objects sequentially for customers' production runs. So, I had to come up with a way to clear the build plate. So, I did! It's been a year, so I'm going to open the design.

It needs to be cheap, easy to build, and adaptable to many printer types. And ideally quieter than the prototype since the idea is to print things overnight and I don't think everyone has their printers in a closet!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRJRJJxBUIo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xef6TdkXVxY
  • 1 × Picaxe Microcontroller A sturdy PIC based micro that will gladly take any amount of back EMF you throw at it.
  • 1 × L298 based board I'll open the design as soon as it doesn't require extra parts soldered onto the footprint.
  • 3 × Limit Switches Using limit switches means that the printer doesn't need any firmware changes - just add a bit of gcode at the end of your print.
  • 1 × Gear motor Possibly with metal gears. I tried to print this, but it's too flimsy.
  • 1 × Sweeper blade I'm using a piece of blank PCB; a butter knife also works well.

View all 6 components

Enjoy this project?

Share

Discussions

Matteo Borri wrote 08/23/2014 at 00:39 point
I did! The problem problem with those is that they are hard to build, large (they eat up a lot of Z axis build area) and prone to breaking. And you can't really add one to a printer AFTER you bought the printer. This is intended for adding onto an existing printer, same as my L-Cheapo laser cutter.

  Are you sure? yes | no

PointyOintment wrote 08/21/2014 at 18:40 point
Won't the prints stick to the surface? I usually see people use utility knives to get them off.

MakerBot made a conveyor belt build platform a few years ago and then made a 3D printer with one built in (the Thing-O-Matic); you might want to look at those.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Similar Projects

Does this project spark your interest?

Become a member to follow this project and never miss any updates