Printing in Three Dimensions: A 3D Printer's Perspective
A fascinating project has emerged from the creative mind of Ben, who has converted one of his old 3D printers into a robotic camera rig for photogrammetry. This innovative transformation leverages the precision and multi-axis motion control inherent in 3D printers, enabling a versatile robotic camera system.
The project initially started as an attempt to build a photogrammetry rig. To achieve this, Ben repurposed the printer's existing mechanical and electronic components, such as stepper motors, guide rods, threaded spindles, toothed belts, and the stable frame, to control camera movement and object rotation precisely.
Key steps in the conversion process include reassigning axis functions and modifying hardware. The printer's X-axis motor now tilts the camera (around ±90 degrees), while the Y-axis motor moves the camera forward and backward (in and out). The Z-axis motor is responsible for vertical movement (up and down), and the extruder motor rotates the object on a turntable for capturing multiple angles needed in photogrammetry.
To gain the required power and precision, Ben may have needed additional or longer belts, extra aluminium profiles, and possibly an upgraded stepper motor with a gearbox. Some components can be 3D printed with the printer itself, while others—like metal parts for stability—can be outsourced to CNC machining if desired.
Addressing constraints was a crucial part of the project. The camera was initially intended to rotate, but turning the object on a turntable simplifies cable management and mechanical complexity since the camera moves only on the three repurposed axes.
For software/control, Ben used the original printer controller board with modified firmware or custom scripts to create pre-programmed servo motion paths for smooth, repeatable shots suitable for both video and photogrammetry capturing.
This approach presents a nice way to upcycle an old 3D printer, as good-quality 3D printed parts could potentially be used instead of CNC-machined parts. Some parts of the robotic camera rig were CNC-machined in metal for appearance and rigidity.
The final project uses a turntable to rotate the object, instead of the camera, which simplifies the design and improves the overall efficiency of the rig. The robotic camera rig has motors, lead screws, gears, belts, and numerous 3D printed parts, making it a versatile tool for capturing high-quality images and videos.
In summary, converting a 3D printer into a robotic camera rig involves repurposing its stepper motors and axes to control camera tilt, position, and object rotation, supplemented by some hardware upgrades and motion programming to enable precise, repeatable shooting for photogrammetry. If you want to build your own, you should plan for hardware modifications, reassign motor functions via firmware tweaks, and design or source appropriate mounts for the camera and turntable. Most parts can be 3D printed, though some metal parts may improve rigidity and aesthetics.
[1] Project Documentation [2] Instructables Article [3] GitHub Repository [4] YouTube Tutorial
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