Hello Guest it is March 28, 2024, 03:16:11 PM

Author Topic: running a 3d printer from mach4/pokeys57CNC  (Read 1979 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

running a 3d printer from mach4/pokeys57CNC
« on: March 20, 2020, 11:44:45 AM »
I have the following equipment ;
Modern PC running Windows 10
licensed copy Mach4
A Pokeys 57CNC
Creatity Ender 5 3d printer w/ single extruder head.

I have spent years learning LUA . Pokeys and the Mach4 system
Would like to use mach4/Pokeys57CNC  on the 3d printer.
What I would 'like' to do is connect and run the steppers and end switch's
directly from the Pokeys 57CNC. That part seems simple.
QUESTIONS ;
How could I  run a extruder step motor from mach4/pokeys. How could the extruder know how much filament to extrude.

How could I control the two heaters (base plate and extruder) from mach4/pokeys. There are several thermistors on the printer to feedback temperatures.

I am hoping if I cannot run it all from MAch4, I could use the Smoothie board for the heaters and extruders and  mach4/pokeys for the Steppers.

Existing control system. The original  board in the printer was replaced with a network smoothie board and Smoothieware software
After much trial and error it works but pain in the  ....

any hints , ideas greatly appreciated.  stay safe.
Re: running a 3d printer from mach4/pokeys57CNC
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2020, 03:43:07 PM »
Hi Machiner,

what´s about your extruder`? solved or under construction`?
Normaly an extruder is an rotatory axis and you can calculate the length of the filament over the diameter of your extruder weel.

hopfully it helps.