Fig. 3. Labelled CAD file of the Luer-lock effector plate
adapter. A: Full assembly with effector plate and needle nozzle, B:
Front view, C: Top view, D: Bottom view, E: Side view.
Marlin Firmware (Software) Modifications
Pronterface (printrun-2015031011
https://github.com/kliment/Printrun
) host interface was used for controlling the printer X-,
Y- and Z- movements as well as the extrusion motor. Default Pronterface
settings were used at 250 000 baud rate. The firmware was modified to
accommodate for hydrogel extrusion as described throughout the following
sections.
Key strengths to the overall design approach
- The open-source nature of the project, including the use of the
Anycubic Kossel Delta 3D printer and the GPL licensed RepRapPro Paste
extruder allows for personal modifications at a low cost.
- The delta style 3D printer allows for a user-friendly modification
process and requires few bigger modifications made to convert from
thermo plastic to hydrogel printing.
- Making a few simple changes to the extruder and nozzle design will
potentially allow for a multitude of different bioinks and
cross-linkers to be used.
- This system is easily manufactured and more economically feasible
compared to other commercially available bioprinters.
Design files
Bioprinter hardware design files