Build Your Own 3D Printer For Under $100

When New Matter launched its MOD-t 3D printer on the crowd funding site Indiegogo, everyone was astounded that a 3D printer could be commercially available for just $249 (if you missed the early bird that is) and made everyone realize that these devices are no longer beyond the reach of the average person.

Yet Tarkun Gelstronic, an Instructables user, set out to build his very own 3D printer for under $100. However as well as having cheap build costs, Gelstronic also wanted a quality finished product that would feature a heat bed and that could print using multiple materials.

He was able to salvage numerous parts that were required to build the 3D printer and only needed to purchase the following items: the Arduino Board Mega 2560, a Stackable Motor Driver Shield, a Hotend, PTFE tube, a fan, and some additional small parts. As for everything else like the stepper motors, power supply and a gear, they all came from recycled computer and printer parts.

The 3D printer functions fully and has the following specifications or features:

• Fused deposition modeling ABS/PLA
• Heat bed
• Use of open source firmware – a modified version of Tonokip
• Free host software, Repetier-Host
• Bowden-extruder
• Max. build size 40mm x 40mm x 40mm
• Resolution 0.08mm

If you fancy having a go yourself, then head over to Instructables where Gelstronic has posted photos and explanations of how he completed his own personal mission, which he has named ‘Poor Man’s 3D Printer’.

[Image via Instructables]