Inexpensive SLA printer design including VAT design

thingiverse

Hi,\nI am excited to share my latest design for a DLP printer that's both affordable and effective, using your preferred projector. After researching online and drawing up some concepts, I wanted to focus on providing a solution for a flex vat that's extremely cheap, easy to make, and offers a relatively large build volume.\nSo The other day, I was brainstorming ways to build a DLP printer on a budget so my wife wouldn't kill me (I tend to juggle multiple projects at once). I scoured the internet for ideas, spent a couple of hours researching how others tackled the problem, and then stumbled upon this: http://www.buildyourownsla.com/forum/showthread.php?t=741df604c5ae6f\nThis design was ingenious, but the high price of PVC pipe over 6 inches in diameter made it impractical. However, it sparked an idea - a bucket! It makes perfect sense that a container holding liquid should be a bucket. With some simple modifications, I could make it work.\nI ordered a bucket with a diameter smaller than my roll of FEP and a sealable lid: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...\nand this lid:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...\nFor the quick and dirty modifications, I cut a hole in the lid to leave only the sealing part intact. Then, I cut the bucket below the reinforced part stops and removed the handle.\nThe last cuts were to the remaining lower half of the bucket - I cut out the bottom and then a ring 2 inches from the bottom, leaving me with a 2-inch wide ring that fit perfectly through the lid hole.\nNow, take your FEP and place it over the top portion of the bucket without the lid. While keeping it tight, place the cover over the FEP and press it down to seal with the upper bucket part. If you're careful and ensure no creasing occurs, you'll be almost done! Flip it over, and you have a vat-like structure... Now, let's talk about tightness and consistency. That 2-inch wide ring we cut out is your "tensioner." I haven't explained how to clamp the tensioner yet, but mine will involve 3D printed parts.\nI assembled everything, took some pictures, and filled it with water to ensure a watertight seal. It works! Now, I just need to make the tensioners and complete my project.\nUPDATE:\nAs you can see from the photos, I've developed a simple and elegant design for the Z-axis that's also low-cost. I bought some UV-resistant acrylic glass to encase the top and a $20 nightstand as a base (and something to house the electronics and projector). It's all slowly coming together, and I'll keep you updated on my progress.\nI'm excited to share my latest design for a DLP printer that's both affordable and effective, using your preferred projector. After researching online and drawing up some concepts, I wanted to focus on providing a solution for a flex vat that's extremely cheap, easy to make, and offers a relatively large build volume.\nSo The other day, I was brainstorming ways to build a DLP printer on a budget so my wife wouldn't kill me (I tend to juggle multiple projects at once).