A few months ago, after having built the Printrbot Simple, I was browsing the Printrbottalk forums and came across a rather interesting post by JohnSL. John had modified the RichRap 3DR design to allow it to be built with the components available from the Printrbot Simple. Specifically, the design reused the most valuable components from the Simple: four stepper motors, the Printrboard and Ubis hotend.

I had seen a few Delta printers at various Maker Faires up to this point and was quite curious to try my hand at building one. Given that I already had a number of the costly parts required for this design, I decided to have a go. John put together a fantastic set of blog posts including the bill of materials and all necessary steps required to get up and running, so instead of recreating his documentation, I will just include a few shots of my build below.

I’m quite happy with the design and it is fun to watch print. Since Delta print beds don’t move at all, they’re very well suited for time lapse photography as seen at the bottom of this post. If you are interested in building one of your own, I also suggest taking a look at the 3DR Simple Delta thread on the RepRap forums.

Base of frame assembled. Extrusion, smooth rod, linear bearings and Delta arm connection plate installed.

Top of frame assembled and installed. Delta rods installed along with print head platform. Motors and fishing line installed.

Bowden extruder, Ubis hotend and Printrboard installed.

First test print. #fail

Second test print! #winning

Tall calibration cylinder test print to check symmetry and max z-height of printer.

The cause of Beethoven’s haircut, a set screw that held the spool to the motor shaft had worked itself loose.