Sep.30, 2013
TinyBoy is an open source 3D printer designed to fit for regular computer desk in the school. The size of the TinyBoy is only 15 x 15 x 22cm, much smaller than most of the 3D printer on the market. The team's goal is to create an entry-level 3D printer for students and newbies to learn 3D modeling and 3D printing, as well as to train them for creative thinking.
Tinyboy is also an easy to build 3D printer - you only need a screw driver to assemble the kit. The key members of the team, Parker Leung (Chief Designer), Ben Lau and Henry Law, said they hope students can learn to build their own machines and then teach more students to build 3D printers.
The maximum print volume of the Tinyboy is 8.5 x 8.5 x 8.5cm. The advantage of this design is that it keeps the cost of materials and maintenance low. The core material is acrylic sheet which can be easily cut using laser cutter within one hour. According to the team, the expect bill of material is just around HKD $1,000/ USD $130.
drawing for laser cutting
Specifications:
- Build Envelope: 8.5cm x 8.5cm x 8.5cm
- Printer Size: 15cm(W) x 15cm(D) x 22cm(H) (excl. filament holder)
- 1.75mm filament / 0.4mm J Head nozzle
The TinyBoy is still under development and will go through more tests before its release. The team says they are working hard to improve the design but they expect to release the source files within few weeks.
Posted in 3D Printers
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What many are missing is that the $100 price for 3d printing electronics is the massively inflated price charged to customers and hobbyists buying small quantities in the US. The underlying electronics are far cheaper. With sufficient scale, $20 for the electronics is not unrealistic at all. And steppers can be dirt cheap - well under $5 each.
Luis wrote at 4/23/2014 5:47:22 AM:
Where can i buy one? somebody know how to make a home printer 3d? please send mail to Ing.luis.rodriguez.g@gmail.com
Yooper wild wrote at 2/12/2014 10:15:07 PM:
I hope it sounds like a freight train colliding with a glass factory! My roomate would deserve it.
brisinger wrote at 10/28/2013 9:05:19 PM:
I find it hard to believe that with all the electronics and motors required that it can be made this cheaply. It's not exactly a cutting edge design.
Anja wrote at 10/2/2013 1:32:28 AM:
@Jd90: In China, Stepper Driver A4988 costs <$10, A4983 around $12; J head around $25, and acrylic is very very cheap there.
Jd90 wrote at 10/2/2013 1:19:40 AM:
I don't get it, the cost of 3D printer electronics, including stepper drivers, is often $100. A J-head, even a clone, is $50. Motors, $50. The acrylic, value of laser time, hardware, etc is still another $100 easily. So, what on this makes it a $130 3D printer?
TK wrote at 10/1/2013 12:31:37 AM:
Sounds awesome for schools. How is the speed and most importantly noise levels?