"Print it Forward" Printrbot Original Maker Club Collaboration Project

youmagine

Our High School Maker Club has devised a plan to "print it forward" by teaming up with local schools, where students will meet and build a 3D printer that they can keep for themselves. We also teach students how to operate and maintain the printer as well as create their own designs in CAD. Our Maker Club is constantly updating this project at https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3LXk81M_YhARW5Rakk5c0x5dVE&usp=sharing, where you'll find new photos and build instructions to match the latest files. As an introduction to 3D printing, this bot can print optional upgrades on its own. The first upgrade is a Y Belt Tensioner, available at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:260431. Another upgrade is a Z Axis Stabilizer, found at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:46499. There's also an Optional Pen Plotter Adapter at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:22931 and an option for Super-Users: the Paste Extruder at https://www.youmagine.com/designs/thelong-plunge. The PRINTRBOT ORIGINAL is a marvel of 3D printing quality and minimalism, and can be checked out at https://www.youmagine.com/designs/printrbot-original. We started this project on the 3rd anniversary of the original Kickstarter campaign. As a classroom teacher, I'm moderating this space, and all comments and suggestions are welcome - I'll post student development, and students are free to create an account and jump in too. We'll put together a bill of materials and build video shortly. The source files and remixes we used include the Original Printrbot Design Source for all files at https://www.youmagine.com/designs/printrbot-original, as well as Support Leg at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:94673. We remixed http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:94673 to create a Z motor base mounted on the opposite side of the Z motor for a wider stance. The Printrboard Mount is available at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:54311, Y Bar Ends at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:48299, and Upgraded Bases at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:28557.