dot matrix dissection

Recent videos from Make magazine inspired me to want to make a 3-D printer. How far I get remains to be seen, but for now you can find me taking apart old electrical devices to salvage parts.

I got an old coffee table that someone threw out when they moved out. After realizing it was solid poplar under the stain, I decided it would make a good base to anchor down components (my dad says I am a good German).

I've amassed a pile of LEDs (some that change color!), screws, and most importantly, stepper motors. A stepper motor differs from a simple electric motor in that you can tell it to turn a discrete intervals, which is how the printer positions itself to spray ink everywhere.

Last week I dissected an old keyboard and a inkjet printer. Tonight I took apart an old dot matrix, and it was the most exciting thing yet. The thing was built like a tank, and a little more adventurous since it previously leaked ink everywhere. Looking inside was awe inspiring. The folks at Xerox put in tons of little gears, at least a dozen LEDs, and 3 stepper motors, one of which powers a little ink pump! The printer pumps ink to an ink pad, which apparently is used by the print head. The little pump is bound to be useful for something - I posted a picture so you can all share in my joy :)