Exploring 3D Printing LEGO Bricks: A Personal Experiment
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Chapter 1: The Experiment Begins
In this intriguing journey, I set out to determine if it's feasible to 3D print LEGO-compatible bricks from the comfort of home. The primary question: Can I replicate the iconic 2×4 red LEGO brick without excessive cost or expertise? Many have pondered this, and I was eager to find out.
I must express my gratitude to my good friend Andrew Gribben for lending me two of his three 3D printers and sharing his knowledge during my visit to Northern Ireland. My curiosity about this topic was sparked again by a recent video from my favorite LEGO YouTuber, Balázs (RacingBrick). His insights reignited my desire to explore the home printing of LEGO.
Section 1.1: The Challenge Ahead
I aimed to create LEGO-compatible bricks rather than official LEGO products. It's well-known that large manufacturers can produce these bricks with ease, but could I replicate that at home? Past attempts to 3D print LEGO bricks have largely been unsuccessful, but advancements in technology have made 3D printers more accessible and accurate.
The classic red 2×4 brick was my target, and I ensured it would be printed in red. The challenge was not just nostalgia but the necessity for it to interlock with a genuine LEGO brick. The most concerning aspect was ensuring the studs would meet the required specifications.
Subsection 1.1.1: Printer Choices
We utilized two distinct types of 3D printers: an Ender-3 V2 with an Endzilla upgrade for filament printing and an Anycubic Photon Mono 2 for resin printing. This allowed us to compare the effects of different materials on print accuracy and durability.
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Section 1.2: The Surprising Results
Over the course of a day, we managed to print three bricks. Our first attempt was a test run to assess the viability of the process. Despite our low expectations, the outcome was surprisingly promising. The initial brick was not perfect, but it functioned well enough to connect with an authentic LEGO brick.
The first print took just 22 minutes and yielded a surprisingly accurate result.
The second attempt involved increasing the resolution on the filament printer while simultaneously running a print on the resin printer. We were optimistic about the resin print due to its higher resolution capabilities.
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Chapter 2: Evaluating the Prints
The second PLA print, unfortunately, did not meet our expectations, resulting in a less accurate brick. Conversely, the resin print exceeded our hopes, showcasing a quality significantly closer to that of genuine LEGO bricks.
We conducted a series of measurements to compare our 3D-printed bricks with genuine LEGO bricks. Using a digital caliper, we gathered data on key dimensions, revealing that some measurements were alarmingly close to LEGO's standards.
The results indicated that while PLA printed bricks may lack the glossy finish of traditional LEGO, they can achieve remarkable accuracy. Resin prints, while smoother, exhibited some brittleness, particularly at the studs.
Ultimately, I found the process of 3D printing LEGO-compatible bricks to be feasible. As a result, I'm planning to purchase my own 3D printer in January to further explore this avenue. My goal isn't to create my own LEGO but to blend my love for LEGO with the innovations of 3D printing.
The potential for creating unique LEGO pieces is exciting, and I look forward to documenting my journey in future videos and blog posts. What are your thoughts on 3D printing LEGO at home?