CNC router to 3D printer

[HereinCS]

I'm thinking of adding 3D printing as a function to my desktop CNC router. Is this possible? What software/controller would I need?

[Jesse B]

As far as I know, all you need is to add the extruder to the Z-Axis, and then have an extrusion controller combined with your standard stepper drivers. Checking out RepRap or Makerbot would be helpful.

[bonmotwang]

I think you will need CUT3D to do the multiple side cutting. That's is my plan anyway.

[HereinCS]

I'm looking at the makerbot site. The steptruder seems reasonable priced.

MakerBot Stepstruder

They use ReplicationG software however. It's on an Arnduino platform. How does this integrate with Mach3 and gecko drives?

[bonmotwang]

Originally Posted by HereinCS I'm looking at the makerbot site. The steptruder seems reasonable priced. MakerBot Stepstruder They use ReplicationG software however. It's on an Arnduino platform. How does this integrate with Mach3 and gecko drives?

What is the resolution this machine can do and how about the strength of the finished part.

I am using RedEye for my plastic 3D printing service for now. Expensive though.

[HereinCS]

I don't think the resolution for the Makerbot is anything close to Redeye.

[giz]

Also consider that these 3D printers have heated beds to keep the part from warping due to inconsistent cooling.

[HereinCS]

I saw that. They also sell a heating plate. Should be easy to make as well. I think that the hardest part would actually be the software. Seems that the ReplicatorG and Reprap software is specific to the motherboard.

[RedskinsJBS]

I think that RepRap has a Gcode generator... You just need to assign the extruder stepper as the fourth axis.

[HereinCS]

I read that reprap software can output to gcode. Then do I just put this into mach3 and my geckodrives will work?

[RedskinsJBS]

That should be the case. The Gcode simply creates spatial movement. Mach3 controls HOW that movement is translated in to the real world.

What I don't know is if the RepRap Gcode has any 'odd' pieces of code to it. As in, how does one control the temperature of the extruder with Gcode? You will have to d a little digging to sort that out.

[Jay C]

I have built a Mendel 3d Printer and own a CNC router. A few experience based opinions:

1. I think yes you can use your CNC machine as a 3D printer. I have my layers set to .34mm (.013") so keep in mind how long a print will take
2. You don't need a heated bed if your use PLA (poly lactic acid is a bio plastic from corn) material. IMHO it doesn't stink like ABS so it's better.
3. Look at the Makergear stepper extruder. It's bullet proof.
4. You will need to have a post processor to convert the extruder commands to a 4th axis like a, b, or c. The software I use that generates the slicing and Gcode is called Skeinforge.
5. There are specific M codes that need to be implemented to control the extruder heater. M104 is the set temp. Not sure what it would take to get Mach to do this. I don't use EMC2 but I understand it does do this. Otherwise, you may have to use a micro to manage the heater. The extruder needs to be 190C to 220C depending on material and the job.

Hope that helps.

My machine can be seen printing here and photos of prints and the printer are here.