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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    138

    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

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=171203633804

    2) Chinese extruder and hot end all wired up. Gear for router conversions. $80

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=321171320184

    3) Euro Extruder with hotend and wiring. $130

    X-Truder - The Best Extruder On the Market! - Quintessential Universal Building Device - 3D Printers and Accessories Store

    4) MBE Extruder v9 - Single Extruder with hotend and wiring. $70

    MBE Extruder v9 - Single - Quintessential Universal Building Device - 3D Printers and Accessories Store

    5) Chinese 24x24 hotbed plate only. $40

    24V Robust 3D Printer Heatbed 20x20 Active Area with Top 4mm Mirror Base | eBay

    4) Spider 3D Printer Tool for CNC Machines, complete kit. Appear very basic.

    http://www.rockcliffmachine.com/prod...d-printer-tool

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    138
    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:

    DIY 3D printer using 20mm T-Slot Extrusions

    Gnexlab product itself:

    Extruder Controller (2 thermocouple type) - GnexlabStore

    PID Temperature control alternative:

    PID Digital Temperature Controller 0 to 400?? K Sensor with 25DA SSR ER99 Hot | eBay

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