Design and Development of 3D Printer Using PVC Pipes Represents an Innovative and Cost-Effective Approach to Additive Manufacturing
Prof. S.R. Gayakwad1, Mr. Ratnadeep P Potdar2, Mr. Ashitosh G. Borhade3, Mr. Dharmendra R. Chaurasiya4, Ms. Dipti D Phalke5
1DEPARTMENT OF MECH ENGINEERING & SHARADCHANDRA PAWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, OTUR, PUNE
2DEPARTMENT OF MECH ENGINEERING & SHARADCHANDRA PAWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, OTUR, PUNE
3DEPARTMENT OF MECH ENGINEERING & SHARADCHANDRA PAWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, OTUR, PUNE
4DEPARTMENT OF MECH ENGINEERING & SHARADCHANDRA PAWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, OTUR, PUNE
5DEPARTMENT OF MECH ENGINEERING & SHARADCHANDRA PAWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, OTUR, PUNE
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Abstract - This paper presents the design and development of a low-cost, modular 3D printer utilizing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes as the primary structural framework. The use of PVC pipes, selected for their affordability, ease of procurement, and mechanical stability, enables a customizable and scalable printer architecture suitable for various build volumes. The mechanical structure is integrated with standard additive manufacturing components, including NEMA 17 stepper motors, lead screw or belt-driven linear motion systems, a hot end with thermistor and heating element, and open-source control electronics such as the RAMPS 1.4 board coupled with Marlin firmware. The PVC-based frame provides adequate rigidity for low- to medium-precision fused deposition modeling (FDM), while significantly reducing material costs compared to conventional metal or aluminum extrusion frames. This work demonstrates that PVC can serve as a viable structural material in entry-level 3D printer designs, offering an accessible platform for technical education, rapid prototyping, and experimental research in digital fabrication. The system's performance, limitations, and potential improvements are discussed, with a focus on its application in resource-constrained environments and STEM education.
Key Words: 3D printing, PVC frame, additive manufacturing, low-cost 3D printer, modular design, DIY 3D printer, FDM, mechanical stability, open-source electronics, RAMPS, Marlin firmware, stepper motors
