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Author Topic: Using CNC as a 3D Printer  (Read 26865 times)

TommeyLReed

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Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« on: June 04, 2014, 03:58:22 AM »
This is my 3Dprinter I built last year, but always had problem with the open source software. I have a Sherline cnc and want to run my 3d printer.

I found a great way to convert any cnc into a 3d printer with just a few changes.

My video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht45siRVs74

memoryman

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2014, 02:20:40 PM »
Hi Tommy.
I have a 2-year old Ultimaker to which we are adding a hot bed.
My experience is 40 years in the cnc controller field.
Are you using Mach3 now?
I have some ideas that we can discuss re 3d printers (including building a uv resin with full color capabilities).
Bill

Marsing

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2014, 02:54:28 PM »

hi, memoryman,

is Mach3 open source software?..  , i still don't understand how this software can adopts/hook PC timing easily.

TommeyLReed

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2014, 03:09:50 PM »
Hi Bill,

 I am not running mack 3, but would work just fine. The Sherline CNC came with Qcad and other cheap software.

In fact I do use Mack 3 on my pc (windows 7) and transfer the gcode to the Sherline using memory sim.

I also have been looking into using composites like clay, fiber class and types of resin, even wood fibers with other type of materials.

I also think laser would work just fine for metals.

I also like the idea of using UV composites for fast drying effects, there could be something to it.

I think in the next 10 years, we might just print our own flat screen TV's, or any Electronics gadgets.

Just think we would just order the software to print a (i pod) or a electronic part for our car. These are the possibilities of a 3D printer.

Tom.


MarkE

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2014, 03:18:04 PM »
hi, memoryman,

is Mach3 open source software?..  , i still don't understand how this software can adopts/hook PC timing easily.
The microcontrollers have to take care of the real time positioning work.  The host software takes care of slicing the 3D structure into layers and calculating the motion that the microcontrollers then execute.

TommeyLReed

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2014, 03:30:43 PM »
One thing to remember is the extruder does not need to stop the feed of PLA or ABS while running, infact most cnc driver could turn it off/on by the mill motor control.

This also means that you could add a special extruder/ hot tip to any cnc and just reverse the z axis to move upward after each pass.

Anyone could see that using a CNC as a mill could easily convert it to a 3D Printer as I explain in my video.

I still have to work on the extruder driver and heated tip software that is a separate item, not a problem when I did it last year on the SmartScareCrow Show.



memoryman

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2014, 03:48:53 PM »
I also post as nge-pro.
No, Mach3 is a commercial product for low-end cnc machines US$175.00/license + US$50.00 for add-ons.
I am most familiar with Fanuc products, but have worked with Delta Tau hardware and software.
My financial situation does not permit me to do much experimentation at this time, but I can still discuss.
Bill

TommeyLReed

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2014, 04:16:04 PM »
 Financial situation is hard on most of us, even I cut corners to save a dime or two. This is why I keep increasing my knowledge to save dollars.

As someone that did mechanics on all type of engines for many years, every time I work on any engine of my own, it's like getting paid and not putting a dime out for labor.

No different in technology, anyone could do it in a cheap way and still be good enough to get the job done.

I always have this opinion that our limits are what we are willing to learn. Even when I did mechanical engineering in school I could not finish because of how they want you to think.

But this did not stop my studies in mechanical/electrical engineering. My point is knowledge is power, money is just a tool. I believe I can build just about anything I want, I would just need to do enough research to get it done.

Tom




Marsing

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2014, 04:45:22 PM »
The microcontrollers have to take care of the real time positioning work.  The host software takes care of slicing the 3D structure into layers and calculating the motion that the microcontrollers then execute.

No markE,
mach3 didn't use any micro-controller, all outside PC is just motor driver( without MC ) and censors, no MC is necessary, computing and real time timing for position is done by this software. amazing stuff of this software is  it has "window-driver" can hook interrupt 0.

LoL, i got you this time.

...


memoryman

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2014, 06:17:19 PM »
"and censors," we have too many 'censors' already; surely you meant SENSORS?

memoryman

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2014, 06:29:03 PM »
I designed a very low cost absolute scale specifically for low to medium cost cnc mills. It eliminates the homing and overtravel hardware/software costs.
Also added some unique features, but lack of resources means the design is shelved.
However I am willing to contribute my time and knowledge.
Bill

Marsing

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2014, 07:55:50 PM »
"and censors," we have too many 'censors' already; surely you meant SENSORS?

Yes, SENSORS is better or input signal.     :)

...
"but lack of resources means the design is shelved" , you meant  your design is censored ?  just kidding.

memoryman

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2014, 08:13:28 PM »
MiB censor everything I say and do; they even look at my shelving... :)

Marsing

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2014, 08:59:34 PM »
Well, nothing  we can do about that.  lol

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHpvlr_kG6U
« Last Edit: June 05, 2014, 07:23:05 AM by Marsing »

MarkE

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Re: Using CNC as a 3D Printer
« Reply #14 on: June 04, 2014, 11:00:40 PM »
No markE,
mach3 didn't use any micro-controller, all outside PC is just motor driver( without MC ) and censors, no MC is necessary, computing and real time timing for position is done by this software. amazing stuff of this software is  it has "window-driver" can hook interrupt 0.

LoL, i got you this time.

...
Yes you did.  How did someone manage to hook interrupt zero in a Windows machine?