# 3D Printed Camera Slider ## Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbgCHubxCK0 In this project, we'll show you how to use a supported slide rail and 3d printed parts to make a portable slider. Our 19" (500mm) slide rail is made of stainless steel features plenty of mounting holes that can support up to 5 pounds. The sliding ball-bearing platform slides smoothly along the railing. These 3d printed feet slide onto the ends and secured into place with machine screws. This keeps the sliding platform from coming off the railing. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/848/medium800/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1404685413) ## Parts & Supplies - [Supported Slide Rail](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1861 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1861") - [Slide Railing Platform](https://www.adafruit.com/products/1866 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1866") - 4x #6 32 x 1 in screws with nuts - 2x #6 32 x 3/4 in screws with nuts - [Fluid Video Head](http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-128RC-Micro-Fluid-Connector/dp/B000JLO6RS/) - [3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2392) - [Shoe Mount / Bracket](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2410) - [Swivel-Head Pan Tilt](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2464) - [1/4" Screw with D-Ring](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2629) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/870/medium800/3d_printing_parts-screws.jpg?1404695931) ## Tools • [3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=3d+printer) • [Screw Driver Set](https://www.adafruit.com/products/822 "Link: https://www.adafruit.com/products/822") ## Prerequisite Guides • Build Plate Preparations ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/868/medium800/3d_printing_hero-on-rocks.jpg?1404695804) # 3D Printed Camera Slider ## 3D Printing ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/849/medium800/3d_printing_3d-parts.jpg?1404689973) The legs and plate mount are printed in PLA, but can easily print in ABS for heaver camera loads. No supports or rafts are required for printing. Print the plate with the 1/4" tripod hole groove facing upwards. [Download STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:387208) **Build Plate Preparations** There's a great [video tutorial](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDnBXpFa7DY "Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDnBXpFa7DY") by Dr. Henry Thomas who demonstrations a great technique for preparing acrylic build plates for awesome prints. Wipe down the plate with a paper towel lightly dabbed in acetone. Use another paper towel and apply a tiny dab of olive oil. Wipe down the plate so a small film of oil is applied, this will allow the parts to come off the plate easier. # 3D Printed Camera Slider ## Assembly ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/852/medium800/3d_printing_plate-nuts.jpg?1404690421) ## Mounting Plate Start off by prepping the mounting plate. Insert the #6-32 nuts into the plate grooves. They should have a tight fit, you can use your thumb or the handle of the screwdriver to pop each one into place. The nuts will secure the screws that will hold the railing platform to the fluid video head.![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/853/medium800/3d_printing_head-thumb-screw.jpg?1404693842) ## Camera Screws You will need a [1/4''-20 male thread](http://www.amazon.com/Smallrig-Tripod-Monopod-Release-Camera/dp/B00AIJ60FM/ref=pd_cp_p_1) to attach the plate to the fluid video head. If your video head has a smaller thread you can use a 1/4" to 3/8" converter. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/854/medium800/3d_printing_plate-on-head.jpg?1404693867) ## Attach Mount to Tripod Head With the screw nuts facing down on the fluid head, attach the 1/4''-20 male thread screw with a flat head or a coin. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/855/medium800/3d_printing_attach-head.jpg?1404693877) ## Screw it Flush Make sure to fasten the 1/4''-20 screw until it is flush with the surface of the plate. [Edit Slider](http://www.123dapp.com/123D_Design/DIY-Camera-Slider/2534276) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/862/medium800/3d_printing_bearing-cover.jpg?1404694553) ## Install Platform to Slider Slide the platform onto the slide by having the railing push out the plastic holder. Info: ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/856/medium800/3d_printing_align-plate-mount.jpg?1404694063) ## Tripod Head to Platform Turn the video head upside down and align the plate to the railing platform. Keep it level by moving the platform to the middle of the rail. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/863/medium800/3d_printing_screw-mount-plate.jpg?1404694733) ## Secure Platform to Tripod Mount Add the four #6 32 x 1 in screws and tighten each with the screwdriver. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/864/medium800/3d_printing_screwed-mount-plate.jpg?1404694990) ## Slide Railing & Platform With the platform securely mounted to the slider, it should freely slide along the railing. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/858/medium800/3d_printing_feet-attach.jpg?1404694124) ## Install Legs to Railing Position the legs onto the ends of the railing and slide them in until the hole on the railing and legs line up. They should have a snuggle fit when attaching them. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/859/medium800/3d_printing_feet-screw-in.jpg?1404694161) ## Secure Legs to Railing Tightly fasten two #6 32 x 3/4 in. screws with nuts to hold each leg on to the rail. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/860/medium800/3d_printing_feet-nut.jpg?1404694178) ## Add Screw Nuts To ensure the screws don't get loose, add screw nuts to the bottom of the legs. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/861/medium800/3d_printing_slide-setup.jpg?1404694385) ## Grease It Up If the slider isn't smooth enough for your liking, you can try using a few drops of [Reel Butter Bearing Lube](http://www.amazon.com/Ardent-Reel-Butter-Bearing-Lube/dp/B001H54MCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404698646&sr=8-1&keywords=Ardent+Reel+Butter+Bearing+Lube "Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ardent-Reel-Butter-Bearing-Lube/dp/B001H54MCO/ref=sr\_1\_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404698646&sr=8-1&keywords=Ardent+Reel+Butter+Bearing+Lube") for making it really smooth! # 3D Printed Camera Slider ## Usage ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/865/medium800/3d_printing_hero-beach.jpg?1404695022) ## Slide Tips - Position your hand over top of the platform and apply force down while sliding - pushing / holding the camera causes shakes and stutters. - Practice easing in and out at the beginning and end of slides. - Get multiple takes sliding back and forth. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/867/medium800/3d_printing_hero-flowers.jpg?1404695044) ## Framing Tips - Frame up your shots with the length of the railing in mind. - Hide behind something to reveal shots makes slides feel longer. - Pan while sliding across your scene to cover more in the shot. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/866/medium800/3d_printing_hero-desert.jpg?1404695036) - Avoid wide shots that may appear to have no movement when sliding. - Get close up to mid range shots for best results. - Use a lens with a zoom. - Try different angles like up and down / backwards and forwards. - Take note of the weather conditions. Too much sun can cast nasty shadows casted by the camera ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/869/medium800/3d_printing_hero-on-rocks.jpg?1404695843) ## Slide it up! There's lots of room for improvement. You can add another railing for making it longer. Try adding a motor to make it into a automated slider! # 3D Printed Camera Slider ## Customization ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/874/medium800/3d_printing_adjust-parts.jpg?1404703859) ## 123D Design Project All the parts are completely editable in 123D Design. The project file includes a sample of the slider railing, two different sizes and the original paths. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/875/medium800/3d_printing_adjust-legs.jpg?1404703873) ## Customizing Legs You can easily adjust the height of the legs by editing the facing in the 123D Design model. The default legs are 104mm wide, but can be as slim as 62mm. [Edit Slider Legs](http://www.123dapp.com/Project/DIY-Camera-Slider/2534164) ## 123D Design Steps - Select the object and click on one of the faces on ends the legs. - Hover over the gear icon to select the Press/Pull option. - Click on the interactive arrow to increase the height of the object or enter a value in the distance input box. - Export the STL by selecting the option in the top 123D menu. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/017/876/medium800/3d_printing_adjust-groove.jpg?1404703890) ## Customize Mounting Plate You can easily adjust the 3d part in 123D Design. Simply push the groove down by an increment of .2 or .4 millimeters. - Select the object and click on the face you need to manipulate. - Hover over gear icon and select Press/Pull. - Enter a value in the distance input field or interactive with the arrow manipulator. - Export STL by selecting it under the top 123D file menu. [Edit Mounting Plate](http://www.123dapp.com/Project/DIY-Camera-Slider/2534164) ## Related Guides - [How to 3D Print molds for custom Stamps @ustreasury](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-3d-print-molds-for-custom-stamps.md) - [LEGO® compatible Battery Case](https://learn.adafruit.com/brick-compatible-battery-case.md) - [Gmailbox](https://learn.adafruit.com/gmailbox.md) - [CircuitPython Motorized Camera Slider](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-motorized-camera-slider.md) - [GoPro Hero 5 NinjaFlex Case with Tripod](https://learn.adafruit.com/gopro-hero-5-ninjaflex-case-with-tripod.md) - [PyPortal Air Quality Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-air-quality-display.md) - [Circuit Cookie Roller](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-cookie-roller.md) - [Automatic Dice Roller](https://learn.adafruit.com/automatic-dice-roller.md) - [PS4 Gamepad Display Mount](https://learn.adafruit.com/ps4-gamepad-display-mount.md) - [LEGO Compatible Crickit Rover](https://learn.adafruit.com/lego-compatible-crickit-rover.md) - [Rack and Pinion Bot](https://learn.adafruit.com/rack-and-pinion-bot.md) - [DIY Projector for the Nintendo Switch](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-projector-for-the-nintendo-switch.md) - [3D Printing on Diffraction Grating Sheets](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printing-on-diffraction-grating-sheets.md) - [LED Trampoline](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-trampoline.md) - [Adafruit IO Time Tracking Cube](https://learn.adafruit.com/time-tracking-cube.md)