Pimp my 3D Printer
After using my 3D printer for a while and having printed several projects. I wanted to take my printing to the next level and upgrade a few things. While researching on how to make my printer “better”. I found it lead me down the rabbit hole. I enjoy tinkering with my tech. I figured this would be my next project that I work on. I set out a few goals below in regard to this project.
- Can I make my 3D Printer nearly silent?
- Can I make it more efficient?
- What can I learn from this project?
- Can I install a Raspberry Pi?
For the setup I had to purchase some parts and tools for the job. While the parts were being delivered from a few vendors. Went and printed multiple parts using PETG white. PETG is the nice compromise between PLA and ABS plastic. ABS has the high heat tolerance, impact resistant, difficult to work with and smells. PLA is for basic 3D prints or prototype models. It is a weak material, brittle and does not hold up to heat. PETG has the benefits of both PLA and ABS minus the bad smell.
Got to know my 3d Printer very well after upgrading multiple parts during assembly. During the upgrade I found information about Octoprint. Octoprint enhances your 3D printer capabilities. Using Octoprint it allows you to remotely view your 3D prints, stops the print if it detects a bad print and take time lapse video. I repurposed my Raspberry Pi 3b and a Logitech C920 webcam to work with Octoprint. How the setup I will detail in another post. After the assembly all that was left to heat tighten the hotend. Then calibrate the bed.
The final result? It came out a lot better than what I thought. The spool location was relocated originally from the top now to the side. At the top the spool would get snagged, tangled and break. With the spool relocated and added bearings. The spool wheel now turns so effortlessly and quietly.
The noise level is a lot more noticeably silent than before the upgrades. Does not have the high pitched fan noise at startup. The squash balls really helped dampen the noise a bit too from the constant movement. The new fan-less power supply worked out great. Everything added up. I gained new skills and feel a bit more confident on working with electrical systems. Cutting, stripping and terminating electrical wires is nothing new for me. Done the exact same thing with networking cables but I don’t have the worry of sparks flying if I network cable goes bad. Just the electrical wiring experience alone opens up many venues for other projects I have in mind. Stay tuned.
Watch below how it turned out!
Starting Point
Crimpers
Squash Balls
Brushes
Nozzles and Needles
Bowden Tube
Extruder All Metal
Belts
RPI USB Power Blocker
Wheels
Bed Springs and Wheels
USB Micro B
Motherboard Fan
SD Card Adapter
Hotbed
Heatshrink
Hotbed and Cooling Fan
New Power Supply FANLESS
Webcam Mount
Bed Handle
Screen Case
Squash Ball Feet
Spool Holder
Large Handle
QR cover
Fan Pins
SD Adapter Cover
Tool, Spatula,
Axis Covers
Extruder Wheel & Knob Cover
M3 T-nuts
Fang Fan Shroud
Spool
Removed the original Power Supply
Taking Notes
Replaced with Fanless PowerSupply
Found the Motherboard Fan
Checking connectors for Notes
Comparing new and old
Spliced in the new Fan
Installed the new feet
Old Springs and Knobs
Old Springs and Knobs
Metal Extruder
Starting to take shape
New Hotend
Original Fan Shroud
Original Hotend
Fan Shroud
Fan Shroud
Final Assembly #1
Final Assembly #2
Hotend Final Assembly
Final Assembly #3
Resource Links I used for this project
