How to Print Your Own Robot with 3D Printing

Technology has come a long way over the past decade, with the introduction of 3D printing being one of the most exciting developments. Advancements in 3D printing technology mean you can now print all kinds of weird and wonderful things. Scientists are even developing the printers to print out actual food. However, those types of developments are still a long way off so why not focus on something you can create right now, such as a robot?

Yes, you read that correctly. With 3D printing you can now create and print your very own robots. Here, you’ll discover how to print your own robot with 3D printing and why you should do so.

Ensure you have the right parts

There are literally hundreds of different robots you can create through 3D printing and each one requires different parts. Some of the parts required will be created by the printer, but there’s also a few base parts you’ll need too.

When it comes to buying the parts you need, you’ll find most things are available through companies such as RS. Take a look through tutorials to find out which parts you need to invest in to create your desired robot.

Look for instructions online

Following on from the last point, searching for instructions online is going to help you discover a wide range of different robots. It’s even worth taking a little time out to look at some of the most advanced robots being printed. While you may not be able to create these yourself just yet, it’s definitely cool seeing just how advanced 3D printed robots are becoming.

When it comes to finding instructions you can actually follow, you’ll find hundreds of different designs online. A quick Google search will provide you with plenty of ideas, or you can check out videos on YouTube where users actually show you how they created a 3D printed robot. If you find it easier to learn by watching others, looking for instructional videos is a great idea.

Great tips you can follow

There are a few great tips you can follow when it comes to printing your own robot. Firstly, although 3D printers use different software depending upon the model, most are fairly straightforward to use. The main thing you’ll need to worry about is making sure you lay the parts out correctly in the printer.

If you’re just starting out, it’s worth printing off just one part at a time. This gives you chance to practice and perfect the technique. Once you’re comfortable using the printer, you can start printing off multiple arts at the same time.

Printing your own robots can be a great hobby to take up. The more familiar you get with creating and printing your own parts, the more complex you’ll be able to start making the designs. As you progress with your skills, you’ll be able to make more advanced robots and even design your own.


Video – What is a Robot?