A desktop 16mm contact printer and film transport platform made using 3D printing and aluminum extrusion.
Developed with support from Filmwerkplaats at WORM and SPECTRAL.
Special thanks to Esther Urlus, Hrvoje Spudić and Nan Wang.
Magnetic clutch design inspired by Clyde Shaffer's Shaffer Linear Processor.
This contact printer is designed to make 16mm prints using affordable electronics and 3D printing. It is not intended as a replacement for professional printers like the Bell & Howell Model C. This project is for DIY filmmakers, independent artists and small film labs to have a machine that can produce reasonable-quality work prints with a small footprint on short lengths of film easily.
Contact the first print made on the prototype during a residency at Filmwerkplaats. Soundtrack applied by the opt_snd soundtrack recorder system by Hrvoje Spudić.
Below are estimates based on per-unit costs found online. Actual price of a full build may be higher.
| Part | Qty | Cost (USD) | Minumum |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4 hex bolt 40mm | 4 | $2.44 | 10 for $6.09 |
| M3 sliding t slot nut | 25 | $1.43 | 105 for $5.99 |
| M3 hex cap bolt 8mm | 25 | $2.25 | 100 for $8.99 |
| M3 hex cap bolt 6mm | 8 | $0.59 | 100 for $7.26 |
| M3 hex cap bolt 12mm | 1 | $0.09 | 100 for $8.36 |
| L298N Motor driver module | 1 | $2.88 | 4 for $11.49 |
| ESP32 GPIO breakout board | 1 | $6.00 | 2 for $11.99 |
| ESP32 Dev board | 1 | $6.67 | 3 for $19.99 |
| 608-RS Ball Bearing | 1 | $0.18 | 100 for $17.79 |
| 250RPM DC geared motor | 2 | $29.98 | 1 for $14.99 |
| 2020 Aluminum extrusion mm | 1880 | $11.41 | 12200 for $73.99 |
| 100RPM DC geared motor with encoder | 1 | $16.19 | 1 for $16.19 |
| --------- | ------ | -------- | --------- |
| TOTAL | 1950 | $80.11 | $203.12 |