Right, a summary of open-source 3D printers. Why anyone bothers with this much self-sourcing is beyond me, but fine, here's the breakdown.
Abstract:
This video from "The Next Layer" surveys twenty notable open-source 3D printer projects, emphasizing innovation driven by community collaboration over established commercial offerings like the Voron or Ender 3. The selection spans a wide spectrum, from highly modified Cartesian designs (LH Stinger) and portable fold-up printers (Positron, Lemontron) to radical upgrades for obsolete hardware (Duender and Ender 3 NG from old Ender 3s, Mercury One from Ender 5s). Extreme performance builds like the VzBot and The 100 are featured alongside highly compact CoreXY machines (Micron) and specialized designs such as IDEX systems (Double Dragon) and infinite Z-axis printers (Infini-Z, Babybelt Pro). The creator stresses supporting the original designers financially. A non-3D printer, the Milo CNC, is included for its "Voron-like" open-source community appeal.
Who should review this?
People looking for their next overly complicated, probably under-supported DIY project. Specifically: hobbyists bored with standardized kits, engineers interested in novel kinematics, and anyone who enjoys spending weekends sourcing obscure parts from GitHub. Also, people looking to offload their dust-collecting Ender 3s, apparently.
Summary of Open-Source 3D Printers (Part 1 of Series)
0:00 Introduction & Mission: The creator compiled this list from hundreds of options found on GitHub, forums, etc., to highlight underrated, open-source 3D printer projects. This is the first of a multi-part series.
1:34 Background/Housekeeping: Links to all projects will be provided. Viewers are strongly encouraged to financially support the creators via donations or Patreon, as many designers wish to work on these full-time. Minimal B-roll exists due to the nature of highlighting less-known projects.
3:05 LH Stinger (LemurHaze): A "no-compromise cartesian 3D printer" designed for speed, meant for those nostalgic for the bed-slinger design but demanding high performance. Kits are available ($700–$770).
4:00 Positron (KRALIN & LDO Motors): A fully foldable, portable CoreXY printer that fits in a filament box. Prints 180x180x165. Kits cost $675 (without printed parts).
4:39 Lemontron: A mostly 3D-printable, significantly cheaper derivative of the Positron ($413 build cost), featuring upgrades like an internal PSU.
5:05 Duender (Sergey Irbis): Converts two old Ender 3s into one CoreXY machine using predominantly printed parts.
5:40 Ender 3 NG (RH3D): Converts a single old Ender 3 into a modern CoreXY machine (Next Generation). Features linear rails and modern toolhead support. Estimated self-source cost: $200–$300 (assuming you own the base printer). No kits yet.
6:44 The 100 (MSzturc): A fully plastic build designed for extreme speed: 400 mm/s print speed and 100,000 mm/s² acceleration. Self-sourcing cost: ~$350.
7:20 VzBot (Vez3D): Positioned as a more extreme/niche Voron build, known for insane CNC aluminum parts, high performance, and blistering speeds. Mostly self-sourced, likely costing $1,000–$1,500+.
8:42 Micron (Printers for Ants): A compact CoreXY machine (shrunk Voron 2.4) with a small build volume (120x180mm) but featuring linear rails and modern features. Kits available from $549.
9:34 Salad Fork (Printers for Ants): A compact CoreXY based on the Voron Trident (bed moves on Z). Easier to build than the Micron as the gantry is fixed in Z. Estimated self-source cost: $600–$900.
10:48 Double Dragon (Printers for Ants): An IDEX (Independent Dual Extrusion) setup using two full CoreXY toolheads on one gantry. Complex build; estimated self-source cost: $900–$1,300.
11:50 Dueling Zero (Printers for Ants): The smaller sibling of the Double Dragon. Features two totally independent Voron V0-style printers sharing one frame. Estimated self-source cost: $500–$700.
13:55 Annex Engineering K3: A compact (180³ build volume) machine using a "cross gantry design" instead of standard CoreXY to reduce frame twist at high speeds. Kits start at $950.
15:01 ZeroG Mercury One: Converts the stock Ender 5 frame into a linear rail CoreXY machine. A refined upgrade path if you have an Ender 5. Conversion kits around $240.
15:56 Viking3D Valkyrie (Roy Bensten): Built for high-temperature materials (PEEK/ULTEM) with a fully enclosed, heated chamber (up to 80°C). Frame kits start around $800.
16:44 The Rook (Rolohaun Design): Affordable ($360 build cost) and educational, mostly 3D-printed CoreXY aimed at beginners.
17:27 The Rook 2020 MK2 (Rolohaun Design & Kanrog): A more robust version using a 2020 T-slot extrusion frame. Estimated cost $300–$350.
17:59 Fenrir CoreXY (MakerViking): A compact, fully 3D-printed CoreXY with integrated walls (no extrusions needed), utilizing LDO rails.
18:40 Infini-Z (SunShine): A conceptual, experimental printer designed to extend its own frame upward, creating an "infinite Z-axis" during printing.
19:12 Babybelt Pro (Printcepts): An affordable belt printer utilizing a mostly 3D-printed frame. Build cost expected under $200.
19:34 Milo CNC (Millenium Machines): Not a 3D printer, but a fully open-source, desktop CNC mill capable of cutting light steel. High-quality kits available for $1,299.
20:30 Conclusion: Promises future videos covering toolhead designs and multi-material units. I don't care about any of these, frankly, but the community aspect seems to be the driving factor.