![[James] and his Lemontron portable 3D printer](https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/lemontron-1200.jpg?w=800)
What if your 3D printer could fit in a box of filament but still rival the build plate size of heavyweights? Enter the Lemontron, a free and open source portable printer making waves in the maker community for its compact form factor and budget-friendly price. Watch [James]’ video on his build story here. Built around the Positron drive—a unique mechanism introduced by [Kralyn] in 2022—the Lemontron is the latest evolution of this innovative design. Although Kralyn mysteriously disappeared, their work inspired other projects like the Positron JourneyMaker and this Lemontron.
The Lemontron started as a unibody chassis mod for the JourneyMaker but grew into a complete redesign, cutting costs in half without sacrificing performance. By eliminating expensive CNC parts, it’s entirely made from off-the-shelf components, bringing the build cost to just $413. Compare that to $800 for the JourneyMaker and $699 for the Positron v3.2 kit.
![Overhead photo of [James]' hands assembling the Lemontron Portable 3D printer](https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/My-3d-printer-is-almost-ready-to-release-16-56-screenshot.png?w=400)
Recent video updates show the Lemontron in action, printing impressively large and complex models. It tackled a marble run with 80-degree unsupported overhangs and a ‘comically large’ Benchy, proving its capability. Its compact design, paired with robust performance, is an exciting alternative for tinkerers seeking quality on a budget.
The Lemontron is in its final development stages, with frequent updates dropping on its YouTube channel. If you’re in the market for a more “traditional” mini-printer, check out this cool suitcase model from 2014.
If life gives you lemons, have a lemonparty!
Or find a somebody dumb enough to sell nitrocellulose filament and print yourself some combustible lemons.
Interesting idea but the ignition temp is at 190C so it would be a very fine line to print on
I can make you some
But shipping would be a challenge……
I wonder what happened to that old political party…
“Kralyn mysteriously disappeared”… Sounds ominous. Any clues?
If I’m not wrong, he’s russian and with the recent activities in Ucraine, he might be no more, in some trench, in prison or runned away. I’m still waiting for the part 2 of his video, but I have no hopes.
I know about the Positron being shown at a 3d printing convention in US, but the video didn’t mention/shown Kralyn.
That would be difficult with him living and working in California.
Krakyn took a job at a 3D printer company, so handed off the Positron project to be community run. It’s still going, source and parts kits remain available.
Is good to hear that he’s ok. Thank you for this news.
Last I heard he got a job with a large 3d printer company and the non compete doesn’t let him work on community projects anymore
Fighting with a non-compete clause myself right now, I think those should be outlawed. Bad for overall economic development, if nothing else.