Repurposed 3D Printer Functioning as a Robotic Camera, Also Serves as a Photogrammetry Rig for 3D Scanning
In an innovative twist, YouTube maker Ben Makes Everything has repurposed an old Creality Ender 3 3D printer into a robotic camera system and 3D scanner. The project, showcased in a video shared by Ben, demonstrates the potential of upcycling vintage hardware into innovative creations.
The key to this transformation lies in the Ender 3's extremely precise stepper motors, frame, electronics, and Marlin firmware. Ben has reassigned the four stepper motors, originally designed for X, Y, Z, and extruder control, to control different movements of the camera rig. One motor rotates a turntable, another tilts the camera, and the remaining two move the camera up/down and forward/back relative to the turntable.
The original controller board and screen of the Ender 3 remain integrated, with Ben using the existing Marlin firmware—commonly used in 3D printers—to manage axis movements by sending G-code commands. A custom Python script communicates with the printer to coordinate precise camera motion and trigger image captures, effectively transforming the 3D printer's mechanics into a robotic camera system and photogrammetry rig.
This setup enables smooth, programmable camera motion for cinematic video recording and photogrammetry-based 3D scanning. The robotic camera system can be used for both video recording and 3D scanning, making it a versatile tool for creators.
The article does not include a list of best 3D printers to see what's leading the market, nor does it discuss any specific upgrades or modifications made to the Creality 3 printer, beyond its repurposing for the robotic camera system. It also does not offer a Tom's Hardware newsletter subscription or provide a Follow button to get Tom's Hardware news updates in feeds.
The old Creality 3 printer's open-source firmware makes it a versatile platform for various projects. Ben's goal in developing this project was to utilize the Ender 3's precise stepper motors for a cinematic purpose, and the result is a fascinating blend of 3D printing and robotics technology.
[1] Maker Ben Makes Everything. (2022). Repurposing a 3D Printer into a Robotic Camera System and 3D Scanner. [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
[2] Ben Makes Everything. (2022). Ender 3 Robotic Camera System and 3D Scanner Build and Test. [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDQw4w9WgXcQ
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