Kaos3D foldable printer

thingiverse

Hi, I'm excited to share my first uploaded thing with you, so please bear with me as I go through this process. I was trying to design a portable 3D printer without success until I stumbled upon the Foldarap project, which was perfect for getting started! I had an Anet A8 that wasn't being used, and I wanted to incorporate my electronics and motors into the design, so I began modifying parts in Tinkercad to fit my needs. Long story short, to minimize size and weight, I ended up with a different design using many parts from the original project I started with. To complete the printer, I utilized several components found on Thingiverse, so while it's not the best printer worldwide, I should return something to the community since I took so much from them. If you're still interested in trying this out, I've uploaded all STL files and a manual for building instructions. Each filename includes the type of filament used (PLA, ABS, PETG); I printed everything at 100% infill except two parts (see infill details in the Print checklist file). I managed to use as many components from my old A8 as possible yet some parts needed to be purchased, such as the Anet A3 heatbed. Many parts require a working 3D printer with a printing volume of at least 200x200x140mm. In my initial design, I used the original A8 bedplate, modified to fit the smaller A3 heatbed, which is included in the instructions file. Later on, a friend kindly created a lighter aluminum bedplate for me; you'll find the CAD sketch among the other files. The final printing volume will be 140x140x130 or 140x120x130, depending on the heatbed configuration. Although it's not a large printing area, the main goal of this project was to create a portable printer that can be used anywhere, so it's not intended for big and time-consuming prints. Since I based my design on the Foldarap project and other components found on Thingiverse, there are no original CAD files available for modifications. This printer has been entirely designed using Tinkercad. If requested, I can provide modified or different STLs. Update 03-03-2019 I forgot to mention that I didn't install any leveling sensor. However, if you want to use one, please don't try BLTouch/3DTouch, as this sensor operates by pushing a pin against the bed, and there's only one Z arm... I'm sure you can guess what happens when measuring the farthest points of the heatbed .