Ultimaker is one of the big name producers of 3D printing equipment for hobbyists and tinkerers. In homage to the manufacturer, a software engineer from Austin, TX, designed and built a 3D printer based on the Ultimaker2 utilizing aluminum extrusions as its frame. By adding an aluminum frame, he was able to create a printer that shared the same gantry/drive system as the Ultimaker 2 model.
The engineer ordered 20 x 20 inch extrusions from Misumi USA for the project, which took four months to complete. Other parts were either ordered from China and 33 of the required parts were 3D printed by the engineer himself. The use of extrusions not only provided a more aesthetically pleasing look, but also allowed for a simpler design and easier assembly.
Those interested in putting together their own Ultimaker 2 Aluminum Extrusion 3D printer can download free instructions—with photos and diagrams for each part and assembly directions—from the engineer on Thingiverse.