Once again necessity is the mother of invention with a new open source 3D printer project, the Go-Make Junior.
The project was launched by Netherlands-based PJ Goossens, who explains:
I have developed a 3D printer platform to be hacked and modified. I was looking at a lot of different 3D printers. Been to the Ultimaker factory and still was not convinced on what printer was the best for me. Doing a lot of tinkering with Arduino and designing the PING2550 pinguino board got me to designing my own printer.
The printer is designed from the principle of modification; all components are easily replaced, adapted or enhanced. The specifications are basic, but robust:
- Printing surface: 170x190x200mm
- 1.75mm bowden extruder
- E3D style hotend
- Magnetic bed, easy to place and remove
- Auto-level system with inductive/capacitive sensor
- Marlin firmware
- Ramp 1.4 Electronics
- Power supply
This is not a slick, sophisticated 3D printer that you might see from other companies – but it does include the key elements that make 3D printing possible. It would appear to be an ideal machine for those seeking a platform for tinkering with their 3D printing hardware and software.
It’s also not very expensive. The crowdfunding early-bird pricing level is only €275 (USD$306) for a fully-assembled, working 3D printer. That’s a great price for a machine with auto-leveling and an E3D-style hot end.
Currently Go-Make is raising funds to get the project going on Indiegogo, but as of this writing they have raised, well, not much. Zero, in fact! However, their fundraising goal is “flexible”, meaning they do not have to hit a financial target to proceed. Given the price level and the flexible funding approach, this could be a low-risk option, compared to some other crowdfunding ventures.
If you’re seeking a new style of desktop 3D printer specifically for experimentation and hacking, you might want to consider the Go-Make Junior.
[UPDATE] It has been pointed out that the Go-Make Jr appears to be quite similar to the M Prime One open source desktop 3D printer by Diego Trapero. You can find more information about the M Prime One here and here. It’s not clear what, if any relationship there is between these two projects, but there are some striking similarities.
