Show HN: Nomad – A foldable 3D printers which turns into a suitcase (WIP)

Hey y'all! presenting you Nomad - a 3D printer that turns into a suitcase and can be carried anywhere.
Yeah, you heard that right. A foldable 3D printer.
So… here we go!

drumroll... 🥁
nomad!

Nomad is a Cartesian-style 3D printer with a folding mechanism that transforms it into a compact suitcase-sized form. It’s built to be portable, functional, and just plain cool.

You can spot the X, Y, and Z gantries, the bed, the extruder, a few motors, and this oddly shaped container — which becomes the suitcase shell.

What’s happening here?

• The Z-axis protective covering is hinged — so it flips up.
• The Y-gantry rides on telescopic rails, like kitchen drawers (yep, that’s where the idea came from lol), and slides outward.
• Once unfolded, it works just like a regular Cartesian 3D printer.

It’s simple-ish, modular.

I’m working on a full documentary showing the build process + final result. Will link it here as soon as I finish building the physical version and upload the full video to YouTube

This project wouldn't have been possible without Hack Club.

Not just the financial support (which was HUGE), but also the environment and inspiration from Hack Club’s awesome community.

Massive shoutout to YSWS Infill - the event that encouraged building unique and wild 3D printers.
And to Alex (@qcoral) for organizing it all - you’re the GOAT. 🐐

Thanks for scrolling all the way down!
o7
~ Manan