3D printer to cnc router

I have a prusa clone 3d printer that I want to turn into a cnc router. It has an ATmega2560 with integrated RAMPS 1.4 board. I don't know anything about programming arduino or gbrl. I am looking for someone to edit the printers firmware so that I can run it as a cnc router. I will pay money for this. If you are willing just name a price and I will gladly pay it. Let me know and I will supply the link for the source code. Thanks

Top Replies

Fred27 over 5 years ago +1

A 3D printer will make a terrible CNC router. 3D printers need to be fast. CNC routers need to be strong. Even when someone tries to design a machine from the ground up to do both (and it happens often…
Fred27 over 5 years ago in reply to tensecondsdown +1

If you're building a router from scratch and just reusing the stepper motors then that might work - depending on the size of the steppers. You shouldn't need to change the firmware. gcode is gcode. You…

Fred27 over 5 years ago

A 3D printer will make a terrible CNC router. 3D printers need to be fast. CNC routers need to be strong. Even when someone tries to design a machine from the ground up to do both (and it happens often) they turn out to be awful.

The best place to spend your money would be on a separate machine. Much like 3D printers, there are a few on eBay that are good value for money as long as you have reasonable expectations.
Cancel
Vote Up +1 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
tensecondsdown over 5 years ago in reply to Fred27

I don't want the machine to do both. I have an actual Prusa to do my printing. I have completely taken the printer apart and am making a new frame for the router. I really only plan on using the steppers and board for the router. I am not making a huge machine just a small desktop and I only want it to machine drone frames out of carbon fiber and maybe machine some circuit boards, so I don't need anything stong.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
Fred27 over 5 years ago in reply to tensecondsdown

If you're building a router from scratch and just reusing the stepper motors then that might work - depending on the size of the steppers.

You shouldn't need to change the firmware. gcode is gcode. You just need to generate the appropriate gcode to mill the parts. Try something like CamBam - although there are plenty of other options.
Cancel
Vote Up +1 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel
tensecondsdown over 5 years ago in reply to Fred27

Ok, thanks. Would I need to change some of the machine parameters like x and y axis size?
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel