The World’s Smallest 3D Printer Is Not Bigger Than a Match
3D printing is rapidly evolving and new innovations in the industry are not slowing down. And this project from the YouTuber “My N Mi” is a perfect example. He claims to be the inventor of the world’s smallest 3D printing machine. The miniature solution, which is smaller and lighter than a matchbox measures 1.8 x 3×4 cm and weighs 17 grams.
The designer demonstrates how the device works by printing a small model. It can only print parts with a volume of approximately 11 x 11x 17 mm. However, it is still impressive in terms both of the implementation and quality of the parts. Thanks to a small motor that moves the printing plate and an LCD screen that polymerizes the resin, the mini 3D printer can design small detailed objects – meaning that the solution uses photopolymerization. Because the resin tank itself is so small, you will need to add the material one drop at a time. According to the inventor, the printer was designed for 3D microprinting and can be used in other applications to create tiny components.
The part created by the mini 3D Printer (photo credits to My N Mi).
Although the author has not made any plans or schematics available for the printer, the demonstration video has generated a lot of interest in the 3D printing industry. Many believe that the printer could be a valuable tool to engineers and researchers who work on projects that require very small parts. Of course, it won’t be able to print medium or large series, but this supposedly smallest 3D printer is still quite original considering its size and features. Its specifications show that it can print with accuracy of 0.135mm on the XY-axis and layer resolutions between 0.005 mm and 0.3mm.
It was made with a combination commercial components and printed parts. Although it isn’t yet commercially available the inventor may release it or publish the plans to design it at home. We’re not convinced it will be a huge success – it’s still a gadget, but this project deserved to be covered!
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*Cover Photo Credits – My N Mi