The frame of a 3D printer is a very important part. It may look simple, but the design can actually be quite complex. This is due to the many different design possibilities. The importance of the 3D printer frame is attributed to the following:
- It supports all the mechanical and electrical components that carry out the actual printing work.
- It determines the build volume of the 3D printer.
- It gives the printer its robust look, as well as its aesthetic appearance.
When choosing a 3D printer frame, one has to consider the cost, ease of assembly, strength and durability, as well as the application in terms of desired build volume. Aesthetics may be a great consideration to designers and businesses who may want their printer to look good and presentable to the public. However, it may not be an issue to printers solely used for experimentation or basic prototyping.
In this article, we outline the different frame types and construction methods, as well as present a few good options.
A description of the frame type and construction is outlined below so as to guide in choosing the type of frame for your 3D printer:
Joint & Member Construction
A Joint and Member Construction is the simplest and most common construction of a 3D printer frame. Structural members can be in the form of bars or rods and connected by joints in a way similar to trusses. The members are either threaded rods or extrusion (aluminium or smooth metal rods). The design is simple, cheap and easy to construct.
Because of its simplicity, it is also easy to 3D print some of the parts for construction. For example, Reprap offers instructions on which parts of a Prusa i3 3D printer can be 3D printed, as well as links to the files needed.
Although the fact the frame is cheap and easy to construct is a great benefit, this frame construction has its downside as well. This frame leaves the printer components exposed. This becomes a safety concern for both the user and the printer. Objects can obstruct the belt and pulleys, while some materials or objects can be attracted to the hot end nozzle. Another downside is the appearance – it is not the most attractive frame. Such printers are ideal for prototyping and experiments.
Laser & CNC Cut Frames
A laser cut/CNC cut frame is another cheap option for 3D printer frame construction. Materials such as plywood, acrylic or plastic are cut into panels by a laser or CNC machining. The panels are then like a puzzle to be bolted together to produce the final frame structure. There is no special software required as the pieces are cut in 2D.
Low cost construction and ease of design is a benefit to this type of frame.
Like everything else, laser cut/CNC cut 3D printer frames have their drawbacks. The panels are difficult to assemble due to their puzzle-like nature and tight manufacturing tolerances. With plywood, warping is experienced overtime, especially after exposure to humidity and heavy mechanical loads. These frames are also prone to scratching, especially when built from acrylic or plastic material.
Metal Framing & Injection Molding
Metal 3D printer frames can be customizable, however not for home users. These frames are manufactured through injection molding. This technique is ideal for producing 3D printer frames in large quantities. Therefore, these metal frames are best suited for the commercial sector and high-end customers.
For home users, you can buy a pre-manufactured metal 3D printer frame. The benefits of this option is it will be sturdy, and generally there is no set-up required.
The major drawback of this technique is that metal frames are difficult to modify with time because this requires further machining to do so.
Good Frame Options
There are many 3D Printer frames available and the choice as previously discussed depends on the pricing and affordability, ease of assembly and durability, plus build volume. Here is a short list of a few good 3D printer frame options:
Frame Option 1: 3D Printer Reprap Mendel Graber I3 Frame Laser Cut 6mm
– A 6 mm laser cut plywood with screws
– Build volume 200 x 200 x 200 mm
– Well made kit and easy to assemble
– Good quality with economical price tag
– Check price at Amazon.com
Frame Option 2: Gulfcoast Robotics Rear Mounted Z-Brace Frame Support Kit for Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus
– CNC machined metal design
– Build volume 200 x 200 x 400 mm
– Easy to install and great quality
– Solid frame structure and very sturdy
– Check price at Amazon.com
Frame Option 3: Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro
– Metal frame structure with Acrylic covers
– Build volume is 227 x 148 x 150 mm
– More stable frame than its original wooden frame
– Acrylic covers help with insulation and ABS print protection
– Easy to install and assemble
– Check price on at Amazon
Feature image source: OrballoPrinting
License: The text of "3D Printer Frame: What to Consider & Which to Buy" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.