Like many, my hobbies have evolved over time, yet a fascination with components has remained constant. From paintball gear to cars and computers, I’ve always been drawn to upgrades and customizations. This inherent interest naturally led me to 3D printing. However, unlike previous hobbies, my intrigue wasn’t about purchasing pre-made parts for the printer itself, but rather the ability to create custom parts. Working in video production, we often encounter situations requiring specialized, low-volume components. It’s not uncommon to face hefty prices for seemingly simple items, like a $250 viewfinder cable or a $300 adapter to bridge connections between different manufacturers’ equipment. Furthermore, these off-the-shelf solutions are often inflexible. Displeased with a microphone mount? Unless you possess an expensive injection molding setup and the original design files, modifications are impossible.
Discovering 3D printing, particularly Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), opened up a world of possibilities. The fundamental process is surprisingly straightforward. Filament, a continuous strand of plastic on a spool, is fed into a heated nozzle. This nozzle, mounted on a движущийся carriage, melts the filament and precisely deposits it layer by layer, guided by digital blueprints. Imagine a 2D printer gaining the ability to build upwards – that’s essentially FFF 3D printing. To bring an object to life, you start with a 3D model, process it through “slicer” software which divides the model into stacked layers and generates movement instructions for the printer. The printer then interprets these commands, meticulously laying down melted filament, layer upon layer, until the final 3D printed part emerges. There are different approaches to engaging with 3D printing. You can certainly utilize a 3D printer by downloading ready-made models online and feeding them into the slicer software. However, for those seeking more than just a novelty, like myself, this approach quickly becomes limiting. The real power lies in using the printer as a tool for creation and problem-solving. This realization prompted me to learn Computer-Aided Design (CAD). CAD software, the industry standard for design and manufacturing, empowers you to create your own 3D models and parts. Mastering CAD has unlocked the true potential of 3D printing, enabling me to prototype and even manufacture custom parts for our video production needs at PEG office. What have we created so far with our 3d Printer Projects? Initially, my focus was on addressing gaps in available equipment – creating parts that simply didn’t exist commercially. For example, we invested in compact timecode synchronization devices for streamlining multi-camera shoots. Surprisingly, these devices lacked a proper mounting solution for cameras, with the manufacturer suggesting double-sided tape as the primary attachment method. Unacceptable for professional use! To solve this, I designed a custom case that securely attaches to the camera, allowing the timecode device to slide in and lock firmly in place. This 3D printed solution is far more robust and elegant, eliminating the unreliable and messy double-sided tape.
Looking ahead at our custom fabrication plans, I envision a shift from simply “filling in the gaps” to developing entirely original creations. First on my list is a fully wireless dolly system, a project with significant potential for enhancing live event stage-follows. Stay tuned – the prototype is already taking shape in my mind.
