<p>There are lots of ways from mere specifications to designs. Most follow several of the principles below, but designing a printer is <em>not</em> a light undertaking. it's HUGE.</p>
<h2>Copy and adapt</h2>
<p>The most easy way is to take a known design, for example from the RepRap wiki, and copy it verbatim. But it can easily undergo some adaptions, like different hotends or bed sizes.</p>
<h2>Paper sketch &amp; notes</h2>
<p>Writing down the specs of some parts is very important to make sure these stay consistent. Paper is also the tool of choice for initial sketches or even finished designs to guide building the actual parts.</p>
<h2>CAD</h2>
<p>CAD is an almost indispensable tool to map out the placement of parts and combine them. Or later design parts to print. A CAD design doesn't need to be detailed, it can use stand in rough outlines. Only where parts need to be custom-made, details are essential.</p>
<h2>Prototype</h2>
<p>All projects go through prototyping when groups of parts are built and tested on their own and combined piece by piece. Also, this step is where you finalize the firmware.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T07:15:51.563Z
2021-01-11T09:06:42.997Z
2021-01-11T09:06:42.997Z
Trish
<p>I am making myself a DIY 3D printer on a budget. And I don't know how to prototype it or design it. Like, I have already planned the parts. But, I don't yet have planned the structure or how parts should go together. I tried using a CAD software, but learning one to reach a skill that is needed will take a long time. I want to know how others design their printers and learn from that.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T08:57:19.643Z
Do you have a printer already?
towe
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T10:03:33.633Z
@towe Nope, I don't have a 3D printer already
Leo Red
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T10:05:10.767Z
It'll be almost impossible to build a new printer without some sort of manufacturing machine - another 3D printer, a laser cutter, a mill etc.
towe
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-11T10:12:48.710Z
@towe Yes true, But I have taken it into account in my plan. Like, for the base, I am just going to use a 40x40 plain aluminium or wood and screw the axis on it. Yes, it is not a most elegant way, but if I screw up the place where something should go, I can just make another hole on the correct spot. This will also not need heavy machinery to cut out the parts
Leo Red
<diy-3d-printer>
How to design a DIY printer
Leo Red
# How to design a DIY printer

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-01-11)

I am making myself a DIY 3D printer on a budget. And I don't know how to prototype it or design it. Like, I have already planned the parts. But, I don't yet have planned the structure or how parts should go together. I tried using a CAD software, but learning one to reach a skill that is needed will take a long time. I want to know how others design their printers and learn from that.

**Tags:** diy-3d-printer

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Do you have a printer already?  
> **username_0**: @username_1 Nope, I don't have a 3D printer already  
> **username_1**: It'll be almost impossible to build a new printer without some sort of manufacturing machine - another 3D printer, a laser cutter, a mill etc.  
> **username_0**: @username_1 Yes true, But I have taken it into account in my plan. Like, for the base, I am just going to use a 40x40 plain aluminium or wood and screw the axis on it. Yes, it is not a most elegant way, but if I screw up the place where something should go, I can just make another hole on the correct spot. This will also not need heavy machinery to cut out the parts  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2021-01-11. Score: 2

There are lots of ways from mere specifications to designs. Most follow several of the principles below, but designing a printer is *not* a light undertaking. it's HUGE.

## Copy and adapt

The most easy way is to take a known design, for example from the RepRap wiki, and copy it verbatim. But it can easily undergo some adaptions, like different hotends or bed sizes.

## Paper sketch & notes

Writing down the specs of some parts is very important to make sure these stay consistent. Paper is also the tool of choice for initial sketches or even finished designs to guide building the actual parts.

## CAD

CAD is an almost indispensable tool to map out the placement of parts and combine them. Or later design parts to print. A CAD design doesn't need to be detailed, it can use stand in rough outlines. Only where parts need to be custom-made, details are essential.

## Prototype

All projects go through prototyping when groups of parts are built and tested on their own and combined piece by piece. Also, this step is where you finalize the firmware.


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