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I 3D Printed My Own Bartop Arcade Machine
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I 3D Printed My Own Bartop Arcade Machine

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I grew up in the 80s, probably the glory days of arcade gaming, so I have always wished I had an arcade machine of my own with real arcade joystick and buttons.

Fairly recently, I built a 3D printer from kit, so I thought I should put it to good use and make myself a desktop arcade machine.

Over a few weeks, I ordered all the electronic parts I needed, like the controller, LCD display, Raspberry Pi 3, etc. I then did all the 3D modelling and spent over 100 hours printing the parts. Also, I wanted my arcade machine to have a lot of detail, so I also created things like a faux coin slot, etc. To give it the professional finish, I also designed the artwork which I sent to a commercial printer to have it printed on vinyl sticker.

Do take a look at the video and photos below to see how much effort I put into making a small dream of mine come true!

More info: hackaday.io

The completed arcade machine. There’s even backlight for the marquee on top!

It started with 3D modelling. I had to break it down to smaller parts so that it can be printed on my 3D printer

Over 100 hours were spent 3D printing all the parts

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Test assembly to make sure the parts fit

Almost done printing

Primed and sanded to give it a smooth finish

Then I painted it matte black and waited a few days for the paint to cure

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The back panel with ventilation holes. This was added later because I realised I forgot to put in any vents

The 8″ IPS LCD and driver board used for this project

The display installed

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Controller installed

The speakers and LEDs behind the marquee

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Final assembly

The insides of the machine

Created the artwork and had it professionally printed on vinyl sticker

The result!

The joystick + buttons were based on actual arcade layout with just a minor change, and I ensured there was sufficient room to rest my palm

The whole journey from start till finish

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Christopher Tan

Christopher Tan

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Christopher Tan is an internationally renowned nano brick artist with over 60,000 fans on Facebook.

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Christopher Tan

Christopher Tan

Author, Community member

Christopher Tan is an internationally renowned nano brick artist with over 60,000 fans on Facebook.

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louiiiise avatar
Louiiiise
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I had a 3D printer, I would print a 3D printer. Random thought of the day =D

cathyshift avatar
atlantike avatar
Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nicely done...but if I may it would have been far easier (and with less plastic) to use wood and laser cutter ;)

chris_71 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Indeed, that would have been easier =) ... and I actually considered that option first, but unfortunately, I don't have access to a laser cutter. Also, doing it with 3D printing does have certain advantages in terms of how some of the parts are designed. Ideally, I would have the main parts done in wood and the detailings 3D printed ;)

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louiiiise avatar
Louiiiise
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I had a 3D printer, I would print a 3D printer. Random thought of the day =D

cathyshift avatar
atlantike avatar
Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nicely done...but if I may it would have been far easier (and with less plastic) to use wood and laser cutter ;)

chris_71 avatar
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Indeed, that would have been easier =) ... and I actually considered that option first, but unfortunately, I don't have access to a laser cutter. Also, doing it with 3D printing does have certain advantages in terms of how some of the parts are designed. Ideally, I would have the main parts done in wood and the detailings 3D printed ;)

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