3D printing has recently exploded as both an engineering technology and commercially-accessible tool, and I wanted to explore how I could make a custom-built 3D printer part of my home. Unfortunately, many DIY printers and kits tend to be messy collections of wires, motors, and metal, which would look out-of-place in many people’s homes (especially for folks without a dedicated workshop area). My challenge: build a 3D printer (from scratch) and implement modern home aesthetics to create an attractive and functional printer that would fit into a living room as easily as it would an engineering workspace.

Over the course of ten weeks, I designed and built a 3D printer (following the design of a RepRap Prusa i3) and an integrated stand. I’m quite happy with how it turned out, and I certainly learned about the importance of considering aesthetics during all parts of the design cycle. I look forward to continuing working on this project for many years to come, and having it as part of my home.

The links below document my progress, and are sorted in “reverse order” with my final design report and reflection on the top.

• Final Report (4/20/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/04/20/a-living-room-3d-printer-final-design-report/
• Aesthetic Reflections and Future Work (5/4/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/05/04/reflections-and-plans-for-the-living-room-3d-printer/
• Building Update (4/13/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/04/13/update-mechanical-assembly/
• Influence of 20th Century Aesthetic Movements (4/04/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/04/04/3d-printer-update-and-impacts-of-20th-century-aesthetic-movements/
• Design Progress (3/27/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/03/27/3d-printer-progress/
• Project Constraints (3/09/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/03/09/living-room-3d-printer-top-constraints/
• Design Review (3/02/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/03/02/design-review-a-living-room-3d-printer/
• Project Inspirations (2/25/2016): https://www.aesdes.org/2016/02/25/project-inspirations/