DIY: Impressive 3D-Printed 3-Axis Modular Time-Lapse Motion Control System

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Looking to lighten up his current load while out photographing time-lapses, photographer Doug Urquhart 3D printed and pieced (read: hacked) together a brilliant 3-axis modular time-lapse motion control rig that is 50% lighter than his previous setup.

Making use of 72 inches of carbon fiber in combination with a 3D printed Pylyamide–12 (nylon) 3-axis motion control system, this setup offers dolly, pan and tilt capabilities all in a package more portable and durable than his previous offerings, which consisted of aluminum and heavier motors.

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The entire project was just as much about experimenting and getting creative with 3D printing and the setup of his motion control system, but the end result shows that the experimentation was well worth it, offering more features with less weight.

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The process is rather lengthy and technical, but if you’d like to read (and possibly follow) along with Urquhart’s documentation of his efforts, you can do so by heading over to Instructables at the link below.

You can also check out some test-footage shot with the rig here.

3D Printed, Ultralight, 3-axis Modular Time-Lapse Motion Control System [Instructables via Reddit]


Image credits: 3D Printed, Ultralight, 3-axis Modular Time-Lapse Motion Control System by Doug Urquhart

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