A Delta 3D Printer Built Out of a Coffee Maker

Converting a coffee maker into a 3D printer may not be something that has ever crossed your mind. One look — rather a look then a few seconds of careful consideration — at this machine may make you wonder why someone hadn’t done this before. Not only is the coffee maker shaped in a sort of “C” with space inside for your extruder and part, but heavy duty models generally have a hotplate built in!

Besides the innovative frame, the movement mechanics are ingeniously simple. It uses three stepper motors to move the extruder head in a delta configuration. This is done using purely rotational motion and linkages, meaning there’s no need for precision rods or linear bearings.

In terms of electronics, the system is based on the popular combination of an Arduino Mega and RAMPS 1.4 shield.

If you’re skeptical of the design, check it out in action in the video below. It’s been the “workhorse at Tropical Labs for over a year now.”