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FAQ

You 3D printed a CNC?!

Yes and so can you!

Can an existing CNC be converted into a PrintNC?

Yes, the dual NEMA17 version of the PrintNC was designed specifically for anyone who already has an existing CNC build using Nema 17’s or 23’s and wanting to upgrade it to a more capable machine but keep the cost low by using their existing components

The NEMA23 version is recommended for anyone building from scratch.

Which version of the PrintNC should I build?

Decision tree

What size frame material do I need?

The PrintNC stl files are available for two frame cross sections:

75 mm x 50 mm for metric countries

3 inch x 2 inch for imperial countries

STLs can be generated for other cross section dimensions by modifying the publicly published STEP files or requesting custom STLs for a small fee in the store.

What is the working area of the PrintNC?

The linear kit for sale in the store provides an approximate working area of 1050 mm x 650 mm x 65 mm (41” x 25” x 2.5”)

Larger or smaller can easily be adapted without sacrificing performance.

How large can the PrinNC be scaled?

First of all the orientation of the X and Y axis (x wider than Y axis) in the standard size PrintNC was chosen to give you a better access to the work area without limitations to the rigidity. When scaling/planning the PrintNC workspace larger it is better to change the orientation in a way that the Y axis is the longer one of both to avid loss of rigidity and avoid chattering. Going on the X workspace larger than 1000mm (39") will, depending on the weigth of the used Z assembly (used spindle etc.), most likely cause a bit of sagging in the X steel beam and the chance of bending forces in Y direction. In that cases increasing the thickness of the X steal beam can avoid this to a certain amount. As seen in many other CNC designs planning/building the PrintNC in extreme dimensions will need some practical experience, trials and will be more the exeption in the main stream of builds.

How much will building a PrintNC cost?

The machine can be built for approximately $1000 USD including the parts not currently available from the Three Design Store. Everything you need to build a PrintNC except a spindle, steel box section, and stepper motors can be found for about $850 AUD(~$585 USD) plus shipping if you buy from the Three Design Store. The standard size kits will build a machine with an approximate working area of 1050 mm x 650 mm (41” x 25”).

The parts which would be purchased from the store includes:

1 linear motion kit ($549 AUD/~$375 USD)

1 printed parts kit ($195 AUD/~$135 USD)

1 assorted small parts kit ($35 AUD/ ~$25 USD)

1 aluminum face plate ($75 AUD/~$50 USD)

Estimates for the parts not available from the store:

5 stepper motors ($50-$75 USD)

1 stepper motor controller

RAMPS 1.4 + drivers($50 USD) Steel box section ($75-$175 USD) + shipping if applicable

Low cost spindle (~$100 USD)

Steel box section options:

Steel is ~3 stiffer than Aluminum. Wall thickness recommended for steel section is 2.5mm (0.1″) Do not go thicker than 5mm or 0.2″

  • 75 mm x 50 mm commonly available in 3 meter and 6 meter lengths
    • 1pcs 3 meter for 3x 800 mm
    • 1pcs 6 meter for 1x 1335mm and 2x 1300mm
  • 3 inch x 2 inch available in 24 foot lengths (quotes from a local purchase option in US)
    • Cost totals per gauge:
      • 14 gauge thickness(.078”) ~$75 USD (incl. cutting fee)
        • Not recommended for machines which will need to tolerate any significant forces
      • 7 gauge thickness (.188”) ~$170 USD (incl. cutting fee)
    • Purchase breakdown:
      • 5$ cutting fee to cut purchase to size moveable by car
  • 3 inch x 2 inch available in 1 foot lengths up to 7 feet (online option for US)
    • Cost totals per gauge:
      • 11 gauge thickness(.120″) ~$100
      • 7 gauge thickness (.188”) ~$130
  • Purchase breakdown:
    • 2pcs 7’(2133.6mm) for 1x 800 mm and 1x 1300mm [33.6mm leftover]
      • 11 gauge thickness(.120″) ~$31ea./7ft = ~$65
      • 7 gauge thickness (.188”) ~$42ea./7ft = ~$85
      • 1pcs 4’(1219.2mm) for 1x 800 mm, 1x 135mm, and 2x 70mm [144mm leftover]
      • 11 gauge thickness(.120″) ~$19ea./4f
      • 7 gauge thickness (.188”) ~$26ea./4ft
      • 1pcs 5’(1524mm) for 1x 1335 mm and 1x 135mm [54mm leftover]
      • 11 gauge thickness(.120″) ~$23ea./5f
      • 7 gauge thickness (.188”) ~$32ea./5ft