"The 100" 3D Printer Project

Overview

In this project, I followed the existing design of The 100 3D printer, a well-known low-cost, high-performance model. The goal was to assemble this printer, which is designed for affordability without sacrificing functionality. The project helped me gain hands-on experience in 3D printing technology, mechanical assembly, and electronics.

Key Objectives

• Affordable Construction: The design of The 100 focuses on keeping costs low while delivering solid performance. I chose this model because it aligns with my interest in accessible technology for makers.


• Learning Experience: One of my personal goals was to deepen my understanding of 3D printer assembly, calibration, and operation. This experience allowed me to explore 3D printing mechanics and electronics, essential for future projects.

Assembly Process

1. Frame and Structure: I started by assembling the frame using the materials provided in the The 100 design, which consisted of simple, lightweight materials, such as aluminum extrusions.


2. Motors and Electronics: Next, I installed the stepper motors for the X, Y, and Z axes, along with the extruder. Wiring the motors to the controller board required careful attention to avoid errors.


3. Bed and Hotend Setup: After mounting the build plate and setting up the heated bed, I installed the hotend and nozzle, ensuring proper alignment to achieve high print quality.


4. Firmware and Software: Once the hardware was set up, I uploaded the appropriate firmware to the controller and calibrated the printer. I used open-source software to manage and fine-tune print settings.


5. Testing and Calibration: The final step was to run initial tests to calibrate the printer’s axes, bed leveling, and extrusion. I printed a calibration cube and other test models to ensure everything was functioning properly.

Outcomes and Next Steps

Upon completion, The 100 performed as expected, delivering decent print quality for its low cost. The build process helped me understand 3D printer mechanics in more detail and provided a foundation for future improvements, such as upgrading components or adding custom modifications.

This project opened the door for experimenting with new 3D printing techniques and materials. Moving forward, I plan to explore modifications that could further improve print quality or speed, such as upgrading to a direct drive extruder or incorporating an auto-bed leveling system.