In this course you will see how to arrive at the size of the machine for your purposes, what materials to use, what components to buy, and how to make parts that are not available off the shelf.  The calculations involved are simple and straightforward.  The design and problem-solving approaches involved in building a custom 3D printer are similar.  They are also applicable to other design-and-build projects.

       List reasons to build your own 3D printer 

       Describe how to size the printer. 

       Distinguish between rigidity versus strength. 

       Understand factors affecting accuracy and quality 

       List essential components of a 3D printer

       Source necessary parts. 

       Identify what materials to use. 

       Describe how to make parts. 

       Obtain free software. 

       Prepare working drawings. 

       Budget for the project.