10-Foot High 3D Printer Based on Ender 3

Emily the Engineer undertook the impressive task of transforming her Ender 3 3D printer into a towering machine, standing at a full 10 feet in height. Unlike traditional methods of creating large 3D prints by assembling smaller parts, this modification aimed to scale up the printer itself. The Ender 3’s modular design made the initial steps relatively straightforward, involving the replacement of aluminum extrusions with longer ones and custom 3D-printed wheels to accommodate the new profile.

One significant challenge lay in addressing the wiring requirements for the 10-foot-tall printer, necessitating longer cables than the standard Ender 3. An early attempt to implement a very long threaded rod for the Z-axis proved unsuccessful, leading to the adoption of a belt-driven setup, similar to existing conversions of Ender 3 printers. After resolving firmware and wiring issues, the modified printer completed its first print at its full height, albeit with some quality issues due to the inherent instability of such a tall, narrow structure. To enhance stability and improve print quality, the frame and base were expanded, and additional struts were added to support taller prints.

This remarkable transformation of an Ender 3 into a towering 10-foot 3D printer showcases the ingenuity of makers and their ability to push the boundaries of what is possible with off-the-shelf hardware. Find some 3D printer parts and accessories here!

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