While entry-level 3D printers can certainly be cheaper than the Lemontron, they are much larger than the Lemontron – although considering that the Lemontron requires access to a 3D printer to build anyway, it’s more likely that you’d be better off using it on the go rather than being someone else’s or otherwise the first or main 3D printer. However, compared to other DIY options that cost over $699, this is still quite good, especially considering how straightforward it is to transport.
The process of building the Lemontron is quite complicated, but luckily the debut video gives a pretty good overview of the process. There is also something in the works written guide support, although both may be best if you decide to tackle this project yourself.
Some readers may notice that the 3D printer appears to be upside down – and this is not a mistake. Following the trend of other Positon-style 3D printers, the Lemontron is designed to make inverted 3D prints. As Lemontron (person) explains in a blog post about inverted prints, “the basic principles of 3D printing remain the same. The printer continues to follow the sliced model data layer by layer. The effect of gravity on the molten material is minimal because it solidifies almost immediately after extrusion, regardless of whether it is facing up or down. You can even try it on any printer, go ahead and flip yours over while printing, you’ll see they don’t care!”
While we take no responsibility for encouraging anyone to try this on their own 3D printers, the principle seems sound and has been shown to work quite well with Lemontron.
Otherwise, the only thing we can really point out is that it’s impressive to see an effective DIY 3D printer at a (relatively) low price as DIY 3D printers go – and in such a form that it may actually be perfect for some uses of it by artists and the like. While its usefulness as a starter or entry-level 3D printer is of course questionable when its parts need to be 3D printed at all, this project is aimed at the DIY-minded person who most likely already has a 3D printer, perhaps one of the best printers anyway 3D.
