Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: aolshove on April 05, 2015, 12:21:46 PM
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I'd like to know if it's possible to convert a CNC router bed to a 3D printer. I currently have a home-built Kleinbauer 7th Sojourn. It was a great project to teach me the basics of CNC and GCode. Now I'm thinking that it would be a good platform to learn 3D printing.
I'm aware that I can buy or build extruder heads and I figured that I already have the basic platform of a 3D printer, I just need to pop some new parts onto the 7th Sojourn base and reconfigure Mach3. The problem is that I'm not 100% sure that Mach3 can support that tech or that your average 2.5D router bed can support it either.
So, I'm here doing research and would appreciate any fast-tracking to the appropriate info to give me a head-start or head me off if I'm on a wild goose chase.
My machine is driven from an XP via parallel to a HobbyCNC controller board driving NEMA 23 steppers with Mach3. The bed is 9" x 14" with a 3" Z range. Thanks!
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Hi, I have 2 3D Printers which I consider myself to be more knowledgeable with them than my CNC Mill.
3D Printers, although following the same motion principles as a CNC Mill is a different beasties altogether.
I stand to be corrected but although both 3D Printing and CNC Milling uses the same code family (Gerber G-Code) they are two completely different flavours.
You will need to control both Hotbed and Extruder temperatures infinitely. Temperature control is a critical element to the printing process.
For my money I would purchase a Controller Board from Fleabay (circa 40 quid) a heated Bed plate and a half decent Extruder. And using a GNU public licenced software package like ReplicatorG (Free !!) you should be on your way. Good Luck!
as an additional thought, there are plans and drawings dotting about on the web which will give you some insights into building a DIY Printer, some are a bit Heath-Robinson but one or two are quite well designed.
Keith
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If it's any help...
Quite a bit of information on 3D printer operation / construction / software and associated links here http://www.openbuilds.com/forums/3d-printers.31/
Tweakie.
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Thanks guys!