Need Help! First CNC machine - 3D Printer


Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    26
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    I've been looking around here for a very long time and finally decided to get moving on a project. I need some help first though, and I'm hoping somebody here can guide me in the right direction.

    I have a CNC4PC electronics setup that I'm going to try to use for a 3d printer. The part I need help with right now is figuring out how to wire up the motors to do some motion testing without frying anything. The motors I have vary between 6-12v, but the KL-4030 drivers I have say they're 24-40v and I'm a little lost as far as where to look for information because most 3d printer stuff I find now is all about RAMPS or other solutions.

    I'm also looking for some info on what software to use to control this. I have used Mach3, but for a CNC router. I don't know that this will work for a 3d printer?

    Anyone have time to give me a bit of guidance?

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Registered rockcliff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    canada
    Posts
    175
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    As for your electronics wiring, read the documents as best as you can, wire it as best as you can, and BEFORE you apply power to it, post a few high resolution photo's here , and any documentation you have, to let the guys look at it.

    I actually prefer to use Mach3 for 3D printing, you should be able to find info on this here, our experience on it is here 3D Printing on a CNC Router Mach3 Emc

    and here https://www.rockcliffmachine.com/3d-print-guide-cnc/

    Rockcliff Machine Inc.
    [URL="http://www.rockcliffmachine.com"]http://www.rockcliffmachine.com[/URL]


  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    26
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    Well I have an older kit from CNC4PC that contains 4 KL-4030 motor drivers.
    Details: KL-4030 Bipolar Stepper Motor Driver, 40VDC/3A | Automation Technology Inc

    From what I can tell, the output on this is going to be 24v, but the motors I have are 2.8 and 6v.

    I have two of these: 42BYGHM809
    And one of these: VEXTA PH266-01

    I've got both 24v and 5v power supplies, and this breakout board: C10

    I guess what I'm confused about most right now is whether or not this equipment will work together or not.



  4. #4
    Registered rockcliff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    canada
    Posts
    175
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    You should be ok with the nema17, a little small for a cnc router but they will be compatible with the drivers, just one note, they are in the low range of what your drivers can output in current so make sure you set the driver current as low as possible to start, and raise it as needed to get motion, and not to overheat aka smoke the motors

    I am not sure about the nema23 you have

    in most cases for a cnc router you generally use the same size motors for all 3 axis's and sometimes it's easier to do that as all the settings and wiring are the similar

    Rockcliff Machine Inc.
    [URL="http://www.rockcliffmachine.com"]http://www.rockcliffmachine.com[/URL]


  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    26
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    I actually was able to get all three motors working this weekend and I was able to get this machine to draw something with LinuxCNC.
    I am having an issue with calibrating the steps per mm however. With Mach3 I was able to do a simple calibration.
    How can I easily sort this out? I have tried finding specific information for these drivers on the proper timing to put into LinuxCNC, but haven't been able to find what I'm doing wrong.

    I am trying to cobble together a mishmash of parts right now to save money and learn as I go. I'd like to get this working as a 3d printer, then print some parts for a desktop cnc router. I really appreciate the help.



  6. #6
    Registered rockcliff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    canada
    Posts
    175
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    good news !!

    if I remember correctly your nema17 motors are 0.9 degree step, so you have 400 physical steps per one turn X your driver micro-step setting = steps per 1 turn

    your nema23 might be 1.8 degree which would be 200 physical steps per one turn X your driver micro-steps

    Rockcliff Machine Inc.
    [URL="http://www.rockcliffmachine.com"]http://www.rockcliffmachine.com[/URL]


  7. #7
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    26
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    Well that all makes sense but my x and y axis are belt driven. I'm using gt2 2mm belt and 20 tooth gears. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out the math behind all of that.



  8. #8
    Registered rockcliff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    canada
    Posts
    175
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    I can explain the math of calculating "steps Per" for belt drives........if you want ?

    But it will be easier and probably more accurate to use the Mach Axis Calibration , I believe it's on the diagnostic page ? lower left

    Rockcliff Machine Inc.
    [URL="http://www.rockcliffmachine.com"]http://www.rockcliffmachine.com[/URL]


  9. #9
    Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    usa
    Posts
    711
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: First CNC machine - 3D Printer

    gt2 20t gear should move 12.7mm per rev

    200 steps / 12.7mm = 15.7480314961 steps per mm. multiply by number of microsteps = Steps per unit field.



Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

First CNC machine - 3D Printer

First CNC machine - 3D Printer