Highschool student interested in engineering [email protected]
Joined September 2026
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For the last week, I've been chipping away at a design problem.
I'm working on a folding 3D printer with @ga0_lab, with a stowed size of 300x300x80mm. The issue is that there is only 80mm of Z-axis space to work with. Adding up the scissor-lift mechanism, the folding enclosure, and the heated bed leaves no space left for the actual motion system.
I've tested angled pulleys, different kinematics, and smaller parts, but none of that worked. Instead, by wrapping the CoreXY motion system around the linear rails instead of stacking it on top, we're able to keep the entire motion system at 10mm tall (measured from the bottom of the linear rail to the topmost pulley). For reference, many printers are around 40-50mm, and V1's motion system was 21mm in height.
There's also a bunch of upgrades, including using 3mm GT2 belts over fishing line, a stiffer gantry, and a stiffer frame. Still, there's so much more to work on, and any ideas for compactness would help greatly.
James Lin retweeted
This is a 3D printer that is small enough to fit in a backpack.
Unfolded it can print up to 175x180x200mm. Folded it’s about 300x300x80mm. 87% of its physical size becomes build volume. For reference, most fixed frame machines hover around 10-25%.
Think this is compact? What if I told you P2 squeezes an ENTIRE FILAMENT SPOOL inside? Oh, and it’s gonna be fully enclosed and armored, and it can run off power tool batteries.
Sure, other portable printers like the Positron exist, but their power supply and filament spool are carried separately. You have to unfold them, set them up and plug everything in before you can print.
@JamesMakes29 and I will get P2 done before the end of the year. It also adds a heated bed, which alongside the enclosure can print ABS and simila`r materials, and it will have armor that covers the fragile scissors.
I’m done playing around with 3D printed toy builds. This is by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever attempted. P2 has to be built by January before I have to start working, and the aluminum and PPA parts are adding up. If you want to help fund it, my DMs are open.
