What to buy for CNC Router to 3D Printer conversion
Hello, I am trying to decide which kit or individual components I can buy in order to use my existing CNC router as a 3D printer. My CNC router has a 4 axis controller using DQ542MA stepper motor drivers.
Based on my research the following items are mandatory.
Extruder w/ Stepper
Hot End w/ 24v Power Supply
Heat Bed w/ Controller and Power Supply.
I noticed that some of the extruders come with a hot end and wiring while others do not. Below is a list of items I have found online and I am hoping to get opinions on what I should buy while at the same time sharing this information with others who may be attempting the same thing.
My goal is to buy stuff that will perform well and reliably with the ability to use both soft and harder filaments with nozzle changes.
1) Highly machined all metal extruder with hot end wiring. $300 USD
As I continue my research I learn more, especially from those blogs who have done this before.
Sadly a wonderful product from Gnexlab has been out of stock for a long time which offered a great solution to control and monitor the temperature of the hot end and hot bed with a digital display. Allowing MACH3 and slicer to handle G-code. The only option I can find to replace such a product would be a "PID Digital Temperature Control Controller 0 to 400℃ + K Sensor + 25DA SSR ER99" which can be found on EBAY for around $20, one for the hot end and one for the hot bed.
Great conversion example using the Gnexlab product: