3D Printing Projects — DIY builds from the TinkerNews archive
Every 3D Printing build featured in TinkerNews, the weekly DIY electronics newsletter. Each entry was selected for a published issue and summarizes a real project, with a link to its original source for the full instructions, parts and code. New builds appear here as issues are published.
3D Printing builds
Build an Open-Source RP2040 Logic IC Tester
Bench testing gets a practical companion in the OD-PT74, an open-source RP2040 tester for 14-, 16-, and 20-pin 74xx TTL and CMOS chips. Its OLED, rotary encoder, selectable test modes, complete PCB files, and editable 3D-printed enclosure make it a reproducible workshop instrument.
Read the build on pcbway.com: Build an Open-Source RP2040 Logic IC TesterYertle: A 3D-Printed Quadruped for Locomotion Research
Four printed legs give Yertle a practical robot for studying locomotion. Its open-source files cover the mechanical build, while C++ and Python connect hardware with control, simulation, and machine-learning work. Expect assembly, electronics, programming, and calibration—not a ready-made machine.
Read the build on github.com: Yertle: A 3D-Printed Quadruped for Locomotion ResearchMedusaHC: Open-Source Python Toolchanger for Klipper
MedusaHC adds automatic hotend changes to a Klipper printer through an open-source mechanical system and Python controller. The beta project coordinates pickup, parking, feeding, priming, cleaning, and sensor checks, while keeping familiar commands. It suits careful makers testing multi-material setups, but requires mechanical work, calibration, and the repository’s installation guide.
Read the build on github.com: MedusaHC: Open-Source Python Toolchanger for KlipperBuild a Low-Cost 3D-Printed AirFlow Microreactor
At about £100, the AirFlow microreactor uses a printed chamber, forced hot air, and Arduino control to hold LAMP reactions near a steady temperature. The Biomaker project hub presents it as an evolving open build, with downloadable files and practical notes for classrooms, community labs, and DIY researchers.
Read the build on biomaker.org: Build a Low-Cost 3D-Printed AirFlow MicroreactorConverting a K1 SE Toward K1C Features
A community discussion records one maker’s work adding K1C-like cooling and temperature sensing to a Creality K1 SE. The changes involve fans, a thermistor, wiring, firmware, and Klipper configuration—not just printed or mounted parts. It also warns against assuming K1C firmware will work safely on every K1 SE.
Read the build on github.com: Converting a K1 SE Toward K1C FeaturesWhat Happened When Resin Printing Got Another Test
Six years after shelving SLA printing, the author tests a new resin printer against 2020 expectations. The results include good-looking parts, failed jobs, setup headaches, and software friction. Fluidd’s open browser workflow makes a useful contrast with slicer APIs, cloud services, authentication demands, and vendor-controlled access.
Read the build on hackaday.com: What Happened When Resin Printing Got Another Test