DOM: Digital Object Maker, Imprimante 3D

<p> <strong>Who are we?</strong></p> <p> We are two childhood friends with complementary skills: mechanical engineering, business, arts, marketing, music, teaching...</p> <p> 3D printing has been a passion of ours for years. We use this technology for personal projects as well as for building prototypes for our clients.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Origin of the project</strong></p> <p> We decided to create our own 3D printer to become more independant and have access to a cheap and efficient solution.</p> <p> We could have assembly or order one of the many <a href="http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page" target="_blank">RepRap</a> models available but we were not entirely satisfied by the mechanical part of these machines. That's why we decided to build our own 3D printer. We took our inspiration on the <a href="http://www.reprap.org/wiki/Prusa_Mendel/fr" target="_blank">Prusa Mendel model</a>. We rethank the mechanical parts and created a laser-cut structure, which is easier to assembly and give more precise results. Our goal is also to be able to print in bigger sizes.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Our printer: the Digital Object Maker</strong></p> <p> After more than a year of work, we finally succeed at building a reliable machine. Our 3D printer lets you create objects from a CAD file by deposing plastic filament layer by layer.</p> <p>  </p> <p> This technology lets inventors, designers, architects or makers with CAD knowledge create objects, test ergonomy or even produce small batches of a product.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <u>Technical Specs. of the DOM</u></p> <p> Dimensions: 61x41x41 cm (24x16x16 inch)</p> <p> Materials: wood, aluminium, stainless steel</p> <p> Layer thickness: 300 to 100 microns</p> <p> 3D printing material: PLA (bio-degradable plastic)</p> <p> Build volume: 20x20x20 cm (8x8x8 inch)</p> <p> Cost of a kit: 700€ ($920)</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="Dom3" src="https://kkbb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/project_image/image/21988/DOM3.jpg"></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Who is supporting us?</strong></p> <p> We created the DOM at <a href="http://www.faclab.org/" target="_blank">FACLAB</a>, the FabLab located in the Paris region (Gennevilliers) which gave us access to machines and tools. We also work with the students of <em>Ecole Nationale Supérieur des Arts Et Métiers</em>. With them, we are designing an <em>universal extruder</em> that will be able to accept a large variety of materials.</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Sharing the fruits of our efforts</strong></p> <p> Once the project even more advanced, we think that users could be interested by our 3D printer. The DOM will be entirely open source and all the documentation will be freely shared on the <a href="http://www.faclab.org/" target="_blank">FACLAB</a> Wiki for anyone wanting to build and improve the machine.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Designing a 3D printer is not easy. It requires time and skills. That's why we also want to distribute kits that are easy to assemble in order to make our 3D printer even more accessible. We also plan on organizing workshops at <a href="http://www.faclab.org/" target="_blank">FACLAB</a> where users will learn how to build and calibrate their printer.</p> <p>  </p> <p> We are also taking part of workshops organized in Lebanon and Palestine with the non-profit <a href="http://www.associationmedlink.com" target="_blank">MedLink</a>.</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Not stopping here! </strong></p> <p> Today, we have a reliable model. But we want to keep improving it.</p> <p> Among our goals is to build a model entirely made of aluminium that will make the printer even more precise. We also would like to continue our collaboration with the students from ENSAM for creating the <em>Universal Extruder</em> and find solutions for 3D printing in big size.</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>