3D Printer (SLA-Mini)

Using many of the principles learned building the first iteration of the DLP-SLA printer, I wanted to build a smaller, portable, more "manageable" version. This led to what I refer to as the "mini".

Here is the completely operational device. It stands 20" tall and uses a front facing mirror making alignment and print monitoring easier. The mirror is from an old overhead projector. The 8mm guide rods in this case are from dismantled flatbed scanners. The stepper motor is from RobotDigg and has a 3 start lead-screw machined as an extension of the armature (no coupler). The frame is 80/20 1010. The FFF printer and tinkercad were used to make the upper and lower brackets as well and the build arm "platform." Electronics are Arduino Mega 2560, Ramps 1.4 and a single axis (Z) motor driver.

Some improvements over the larger SLA include: 1) 3 guide rods in a triangle around the lead screw with a better center of gravity, 2) a refined build plate for easier planar adjustment, and better balance of adhesion and 3) overall improved rigidity.

Update: Since these photos were published, the mirror was eliminated and direct projection from under the vat was used. This reduced the exposure times needed per layer significantly due to less loss of the UV energy through the mirror.

02 - Prints — Oct 11, 2015 4:17:33 AM

01 - Build Plate Refinement — Oct 11, 2015 4:13:04 AM