3D Printing Workshop - Build Your Own

Why Build Your Own?

3D Printers allow you to print objects, allowing you to design and build new custom built objects.

You can print your own tools and toys, learn to work with open source hardware, improve upon publicly available designs, and learn about one of the biggest trends for future development.

There are over 100,000 items you can print right now on design-sharing website Thingiverse – all free and able to be customised!

If you have ever wanted to get into 3D printing, now is your chance. The Ballarat Hackerspace is presenting a workshop, with all of the necessary components, for you to build your own 3D printer.

Why build one with your own hands, in our workshop?

• People who assemble 3D Printers have much greater printing success vs people who buy complete units.
• You can understand the inner workings of the machines, allowing for easier debugging and customisation.
• You’ll learn about Open Hardware and Open Software, and where to find help.
• You can make it the way YOU want it – change the hardware, re-write the software, etc. It will never be obsolete.

Why the Prusa i3 Printer?

• It’s one of the easiest to assemble, using 80% fewer parts than prior versions.
• It’s open source – upgrades / improved parts for it can (and are) made for it by anyone.
• It’s easily portable and prints great!
• The build area is 200mm x 200mm x 180mm – bigger than a lot of other printers.

What’s the Cost:

The total cost for the course is $900, discounted to $750 for workshop members.

Class Size:

Classes are currently limited to 6 printers at a time.

Groups of two people are fine to work on each printer if necessary, but no larger due to space constraints.

Running Time:

The dedicated assembly classes will run on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 8.30pm and Saturday afternoons from 12pm to 3pm. Granted that you receive membership to the Hackerspace for 6 months means that you use any other open times to complete your printer sooner. Total assembly time is approximately 12-16 hours (4 or 5 dedicated workshop sessions), you may finish sooner if you forge ahead.

Prerequisites:

All participants are encouraged to bring a laptop if they own one so that they can install the software and test it. If you don’t have a laptop that’s fine, you’ll be able to bring the software home and install it, and we’ll use one of our laptops to test it in class.

Assembling these printers requires use of basic tools and software. All tools are provided.

Important Note:

Working with some of these tools (soldering irons, hobby knives, etc) presents a limited opportunity for injury. Participants will be shown how to complete the build safely, but should know that they’re responsible for their own safety.