Adding 3D printer ability to my CNC / advice needed please

[Boyan Silyavski]

I am confused about the heated bed platform. I saw these on ebay but they are the thermistor type : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3213363497...84.m1436.l2649

It doesn't matter. If you buy the thermocouple controller it has input for 2 thermocouples , so just add /screw, stick or whatever/ the second thermocouple to the bed

The better of the extruders (whichever that one is ?)

The bulldog XL already comes with the reduction motor so it seems better choice.

The setup i am suggesting seems will cope with all materials possible and i have heard only good things for the separate parts. However to be sure just ask before purchase is the prometheus will fit the bulldog.


Also check what they have at the bulldog site , to save on shipping, seems they have almost everything. Seems their hexagon hot end is also a good choice. http://forums.robo3dprinter.com/inde...-hot-end.1888/


This is the original seller web but in USA .


Some dimensiones and details. there is a good thing that it can be mirror mounted .


What i have not decided is bowen or direct setup/ extruder at the back of the machine or on the Z/

[dudz]

On the heated bed from the link above it contains a heating element that produces 144W.
Would I have to put the thermocouple into the underneath of the bed ?


Once I understand everything, I am planning to mount it all on the Z plate. I have enough room I think, If I slide my spindle out of the clamp to mount it all. Ofcourse I am not even sure how all the printing hardware mounts together yet

[dudz]

Cost of all parts to put 3D printing ability on my cnc, around 530 euros plus connectors / time / waiting for parts and shipping costs

Cost of a He3D RepRap Prusa i3 - 3D Printer Kit With LCD around 370 euros

Is it worth the extra cost ??

[Boyan Silyavski]

How did you calculate that 530 euros? Double head setup? 1 head setup is around 250 shipped to you. Look below. I suggest powering the bed and the hot end 220V via cheap ceramic elements the right size ~5 euro at ebay and using separate cheap PID control, look 2nd snip below. Thats much cheaper than dedicated board which needs 12VDc or 24VDC. The only thing thats left from my calc is the driver.

But you are absolutely right, 2 head setup will be that money. The suggested setup we were speaking above is Top notch, full metal heads and reliable extruders. I believe, yes its worth it if you will use it.

My line of thought is this. If you prototype or produce something with strange shape from plastic, it would pay on the second job. Imagine making something bulky from solid plastic, wow, it will be very expensive. Imagine then making it where necessary and only surface machine it later. Thats where the 3d printing will shine, though most of the guys are unaware of that cause they don't have CNC routers.


But if you want to play around and make a couple of parts, just prepare 2 head setup but buy one head, so if you need later just buy the second head.

[dudz]

No single.
Well that's certainly cheaper than what i looked at thanks.
The driver I am looking at is around 29 pounds, and I have to get a 4 axis Bob as mine is a 3 axis (has to be USB controlled 200khz as I have no printer port = 65 pounds)
To get a double head setup.....buy two extruders and 2x nozzles ??

I guess the bed on ebay is "slightly better" as it comes complete, but then there is an added post charge. Does nobody make larger heated beds ? I'd like one the same size as my cutting bed 500x300

Apart from all the parts above and a custom made Z plate adapter for all of it, is there any other hardware needed (apart from cable/connectors) ?

[dudz]

I wonder if these are any good

Extruder double ; http://sunhokeytech.en.alibaba.com/product/1961767180-222203505/Galvanic_couple_dual_extruder_3d_printer.html




http://ly3dtech.en.alibaba.com/product/1914798959-220596218/Reprap_3D_Printser_used_Heatbed_MK2a_300mm.html

[Boyan Silyavski]

yeah, the bed you can get from aliexpress . Here are the guys that actually make them , so they can make one for your exact machine but first check cause they have many sizes

I would rather start with only 1 good extruder and hot end than 2 bad ones. And build piece by piece the system if i dont have the cash to buy it right now.
I know its hard but you have to take the bullet if you want to sleep well in the future.

The better the system the better will look the final product and more precise.

[dudz]

Ok, Im in the oozest shopping cart. What filament size should I be starting with do you think ?
If I am using the bulldog extruder, I think it is 12V, so 12V PSU.

[Boyan Silyavski]

depends what size you will get cheaper. i would start with the thinner one b ut as i think it over 3mm will be better choice. cause later if you need some modification or whatever it can spit faster material. 12v PSU ATx from old pc is best then

[dudz]

I'm curious to know "after putting everything together" how much setting up and calibrating should I expect to do, to get the system running properly ?