Experimental IcePick Delta 3D Printer Built without Linear Rods or Bearings

The 3D printing community is one that is based on innovation and creativity, operating in the reverse of big business and traditional manufacturing in that most involved have an agenda which is the opposite of greed and secrecy regarding new products and features. The open-source, 3D printing revolution is based on sharing, simplicity in product, and affordability whenever possible.

With the IcePick Delta 3D printer, Hackaday user TTN and Matt Kimbal are working to cater to the open-source community in producing something even more streamlined, simple, and affordable. The IcePick Delta may get the attention of many due to the elimination of linear rods and bearings. With a natural and durable wooden frame, the 3D printer presents streamlined austerity and affordability. With fewer parts, there is less maintenance and expense all around, as well as the opportunity for a more user-friendly experience.

Based on the Firepick Delta, the IcePick Delta narrows the design down to Kimbal’s requirements after looking for a suitable 3D printer to build while avoiding the escalation in cost caused by expenses for linear rails and rods. The creators of the IcePick make special note that this printer was designed from ‘the ground up’ and before the FirePick Delta was released on github. Touted as buildable for under $300 and featuring ‘pick and placement’ machinery as well as operating as a 3D printer, the FirePick Delta is meant to produce electronic circuit boards. With multiple extruders and nozzles, it is able to function as a 3D printer.

The IcePick Delta is couched in terms such as “experimental” and “still under development.” TTN and Kimbal encourage those interested to follow their progress here as they work in developing some areas like higher print speeds and better acceleration. Featuring a current build height of 130 mm (which will likely be expanded) and a printable diameter of 200 mm, the IcePick is currently 3D printing objects, but Kimbal and TTN are still refining the firmware, and working on refining the upper arm homing angle. Pointing out the the IcePick Delta is a true non-linear robot, it requires mathematical equations to move it, and they are still refining different configurations in the code.

While bed leveling is not quite working and printing speed is still quite low, the IcePick has been capable of 3D printing. The current problem is that at higher speeds, breakdown becomes apparent in the quality of the 3D print. As long as the IcePick prints slowly, everything is fine, and the designers point out that there are “no fatal flaws” in the design as long as it is printing at a slow and steady speed. They are considering using braided fishing lines and/or different sizes and variations of pulleys. All discussion and suggestions are welcomed by the designers.

Most of the CAD drawings have been completed and files can be found on github, with the disclaimer that they are still testing most of the parts and processes for this 3D printer. Have you looked at the information regarding this printer and do you have any suggestions for the further development of the project? If so, share with us in the IcePick Delta 3D Printer forum over at 3DPB.com.