Large parts require large 3D printers – but they are bulky and hard to transport. This project describes a 3D printer with a massive build volume of 500x500x500mm that folds down to suitcase size (550x550x120mm) in less than a minute via a CNC-milled aluminum scissor kinematic, without needing to loosen any belts.
Change the folding state of the printer using the slider below. Observe how the gantry struts behave and the volume decreases while the heated bed is retracted.
| Joint Angle: | 90.0° |
| Device Height: | 650 mm |
| Latch Status: | LOCKED (Active) |
The mechanical innovations that enable this high folding ratio while maintaining full rigidity during the printing process.
Due to additional idler pulleys at the hinge joints, the CoreXY belt path remains geometrically length-neutral during the folding process. The belt tension remains constant without needing recalibration.
After unfolding, conical alignment pins engage the aluminum profiles. Holding electromagnets (500N) lock the system backlash-free. This guarantees vibration-free printing at speeds up to 150 mm/s.
The heated bed consists of two magnetically coupling carbon fiber plates that slide under each other on a rail when folded. This reduces the physical footprint during transport by half.