Inspiration
Our team member, Ahmed Amin, was interested in making an alternative option for 3D printers. He proposed an idea to prove that a system similar to the already existing Delta 3D printer can be made with much cheaper materials.
What it does
It demonstrates the idea that you can manipulate a load using 3 motors and some string.
How we built it
We used an Arduino, a breadboard, 3 pulleys, 3 servos, and floss to create a system programmable with the Arduino program.
Challenges we ran into
We had trouble creating linear motion with the 3 pulley system due to servo inaccuracies. The servos could not accurately spin into the positions we calculated, so we lowered the radius of the pulley wheels and raised the resolution.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Successfully showing that a cheap printer may be possible.
What we learned
How to use basic Arduino functions, servos, stepper motors, breadboards, and more advanced pulley systems.
What's next for 3D Printer String Motion System Proof of Concept
Rebuild with a better foundation, and put an extruder system on it. The current cheapest popular 3D printer is $160-$180. A printer with this system may go down to $100.
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