April 22, 2026
Description
I created this slider for macro photography. It uses widely available 3D printing hardware for the most part, and it's fully open source!
You can see the design workflow and the slider in action here:
The best part of using a 2020 aluminum extrusion for the base is that the slider's length is completely modular.
I chose a 150mm profile that results in just a bit over 100mm of travel, but you can make it longer (just keep in mind that the longer you go, the more rigidity you lose).
With this slider, you can achieve precise Focus Stacking. Here is a macro shot taken using this exact setup:
Enjoyed the build?
You can support the channel and my R&D here: [Donation]
Huge thanks for the support!
Print Instructions:
Layer height: 0.2mm
Perimeters: 5
Infill: 40%
Here's the full BOM: Google Sheets
Hardware | M3 Heatset Insert | 2 | M3x5x4 | ||
M3x8 BHCS | 14 | ||||
M4x10 BHCS | 2 | ||||
M5x8 BHCS | 2 | ||||
M2x5 Self Tapping Screw | 1 | ||||
M3 T-Slot Spring Nut for 2020 Profile | 4 | M3 | |||
M4 T-Slot Spring Nut for 2020 Profile | 2 | M4 | |||
M5 T-Slot Spring Nut for 2020 Profile | 2 | M5 | |||
8mm bar collar | 1 | ||||
Frame | 2020 T-Slot Aluminum Extrusion | 1 | 150 | 150mm (Standard configuration) | |
Motion | Linear Rail MGN9H | 1 | 150 | 150mm (Standard configuration) | |
F688ZZ Bearing | 2 | 8x14x4mm | |||
T8 Lead Screw, 200mm (2mm Pitch, 8mm Lead) | 1 | pitch 2mm | 200mm length (Standard configuration) | ||
T8 Anti-Backlash Nut (2mm Pitch, 8mm Lead) | 2 | Use only the spring from the second nut, | |||
GT2 20T Pulley (8mm bore) | 1 | Bilateral cut | Remove top flange (lead 2mm) | ||
Miscellaneous | SmallRig Arca Swiss Mount DBC2506B | 1 | |||
Arca Swiss Bottom Plate (Long) | 1 | PU60 | This plate attaches to the 2020 extrusion | ||
Arca Swiss Camera Plate | 1 | PU40 | Buy this plate only if you don't have |
I hope you enjoy the build! Please post a 'Make' if you make one, I'd love to see your macro setups!
License:
GNU General Public License v3.0
salveo
