Introduction

This page describes the modifications to the MOST Delta printer' as part of my graduate MY4777/MY5777/EE4777/EE5777 Open-source 3-D printing class project. This project enable the use of the MOST-delta printer off-the grid using solar power. These modifications not only makes the solar powered 3D printer a valuable tool for poverty alleviation and wealth creation in the developing world, but it also gives any 3D printing enthusiast the freedom to safely transport their printer to a remote camping site or any location of their choice. The modifications steps involved the following;

PV system sizing - 60 W system.
Coming up with the bill of materials (BOM).
Designing and construction of a PV power supply system (fig.4).
Designing and printing of solar panel holders (For safe transporting in a duffel bag) (fig.3).
Design and printing of battery casing holder(mounted on top side of the top plywood board)(fig.5).
Mounting the power supply under the top plywood board (inner-side).
Design and printing the Melzi board casing (for protection during transit)(fig.6).
Customized spool holder (easy to assemble) (fig.2).

Bill of Materials

12V/1.35A 25W solar panels x 3 [1]
12A/100W 4.5-30V to 0.8-30V DC Buck Volt Converter x 2 [2]
Li-ion 20Ah battery (includes PCM with balance function)[3]
36" Duffel bag[4]
Bolt with nuts x 3
LED x 2 [5]
Switches X 2 [6]
Diodes x 5 [7]

Source Files

Tools

5.5mm nut driver
Sharp x-acto-like knife
Small, flat bladed screwdriver
No.2 Phillips screwdriver (a power driver is best)
1.5mm allen wrench
2mm allen wrench
2.5mm allen wrench
3mm (1/8") drill bit
8mm (5/16") drill bit
Tape measure (large calipers >300mm are better), preferably metric
Soldering iron
Wire strippers and cutters
Needle nose or other pliers

Consumables

PLA
Connector wires

Note that all of the pictures in the process can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Solar Panels holders (Solar powered delta)

Contents

Introduction

Bill of Materials

Source Files

Tools

Consumables