3D Printer Motors Power a DIY RC Car build
Revamped Article
Got an old 3D printer gathering dust? Give it a new lease of life by repurposing its parts for a cool project like building a stepper motor-powered RC rover!This is exactly what [MarkMakies] did with a simple RC rover design from an old Makerbot Replicator clone.
Stepper motors, commonly found in 3D printers, drive each wheel of this rover, demonstrating its terrain adaptability. Although stepper motors aren't a standard choice for RC vehicles, they deliver enough power for this rig. The rover’s movement is controlled via a custom protoboard, allowing the use of an RC control system. The rover's structure comes together using a few 3D printed parts and rods, with a drill battery providing ample power to take it anywhere!
After assembling the vehicle, [MarkMakies] tested it to a topping speed of 0.6 m/s when fully loaded and 4WD. While [Mark] acknowledges some drawbacks when it comes to a stepper-driven all-terrain vehicle, there's certainly potential for some clever applications.
Transforming 3D printers that are no longer in use is an eco-friendly and budget-friendly practice. So give it a shot by taking inspiration from [Mark]'s design files! Repurposing 3D printer parts is quite popular; check out the DIY camera slider for another creative example!
Dive Deeper
Repurposing 3D printer parts is a creatively resourceful endeavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide on breathing new life into your old 3D printer for a stepper motor-driven RC rover:
Essential Components:
- Stepper Motors, perfect for the rover's movement
- Motor Drivers, vital for controlling the stepper motors
- Power Supply, a suitable source (e.g., batteries) for powering the motors and electronics
- Controller, such as an Arduino or similar microcontroller to control the motors
- Chassis and Wheels, either 3D printed or repurposed parts
- Transmission System, optional depending on your design's complexity
Steps to Repurpose and Build:
- Evaluate and Collect Parts - Identify usable components from the old 3D printer and gather additional parts for the rover.
- Design the Chassis - Using CAD software, design a simple chassis suitable for the motors and electronics.
- Mount Motors and Gears - Attach the stepper motors to the chassis and, if using gears, secure them for the desired speed and torque.
- Connect Electronics - Wire up the motors to motor drivers, link the drivers to the controller, and include a power supply for the entire system.
- Program the Controller - Write and test code for the controller to ensure smooth movement and control.
- Assemble and Test - Assemble all components and test the rover for proper alignment and functionality, making any necessary adjustments.
For a reference, check out MarkMakies' project, which involved transforming an old Makerbot Replicator clone into a remote-controlled rover that utilizes stepper motors from the printer itself[1][2].
Pro Tips and Variations:
- Utilize Other Parts - Maximize resourcefulness by repurposing additional 3D printer parts like structural elements or even the printer’s frame.
- Add Features - Enhance functionality by incorporating sensors or cameras.
- Tailor the Design - Customize the design and electronics to match your skill level and desired complexity.
In conclusion, following these steps will help you create a unique and functional RC rover while giving new purpose to old 3D printer parts.
Transform your old 3D printer into a stepper motor-driven RC rover by utilizing its stepper motors, motor drivers, and other essential components. With a design like MarkMakies' step-by-step guide, you can breathe new life into your 3D printer components and create a resourceful and eco-friendly project.
To take it a step further, consider incorporating additional features like sensors, cameras, or customizing the design and electronics according to your skill level and desired complexity. With creativity and resourcefulness, the possibilities for transforming 3D printer parts are truly limitless!
