If you fancy a challenge this weekend, why not try making your very own High Resolution DLP 3D Printer? The one pictured below is a homemade 3D printer created by Junior Veloso of Singapore, which can produce some very impressive results.
It uses the photopolymer-based 3D printer method to create its objects by scanning a UV laser over the liquid resin to cure it, one layer at a time.
Building the Printer
Junior Veloso’s plan was to build a chemical 3D printer similar to one he had seen on YouTube, using visible light and a DLP chip to cure visible light resin. The process involves a digital light processing (DLP) projector that shines light onto a vat of liquid resin. The light selectively cures and hardens the resin layer by layer, creating a solid object.
The construction of such a printer requires a good understanding of both hardware and software. The hardware components include a DLP projector, a vat for the resin, a build platform, and a mechanism to move the platform up and down. The software is equally important, as it controls the light patterns projected onto the resin and the movement of the build platform.
Junior Veloso meticulously assembled these components, ensuring that the projector was calibrated correctly to achieve high resolution. He also experimented with different types of resins to find one that cured effectively under the light from his DLP projector.
Printing Process and Results
The final 3D printer created the object shown below. For more information, visit Junior Veloso’s website. The results are fantastic and have inspired many to try making their own 3D printers.
Printing Stats:
– Over 5 hours to print
– Layer thickness: 0.1 mm
– Curing time: 8 seconds per layer
– Approximately 650 layers
– Result: very hard plastic
– Object is hollow, wall thickness: 2 mm
The printing process is quite time-consuming, taking over 5 hours to complete a single object. However, the level of detail and the quality of the final product make it worth the effort. The layer thickness of 0.1 mm allows for very fine details, and the curing time of 8 seconds per layer ensures that each layer is properly hardened before the next one is added.
The resulting object is made of very hard plastic, which is durable and suitable for a variety of applications. The hollow design with a wall thickness of 2 mm helps to reduce the amount of resin used, making the process more cost-effective.
Building your own high-resolution DLP 3D printer can be a rewarding project. It not only provides a deep understanding of the 3D printing process but also allows for customization and experimentation with different materials and settings. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, creating your own 3D printer can open up new possibilities for innovation and creativity.
Via MAKE
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
