Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

Sign Up

How to modify a 3020 CNC into a 3D Printer machine

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by laoadam, Apr 25, 2021.

Tags:
  1. laoadam

    laoadam New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Hi,
    I have cnc machine model 3020, how to start easy to modify it as a USB 3D printer?
    Thank
    Adam
     
    #1 laoadam, Apr 25, 2021
  2. Corey Corbin

    Corey Corbin Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2016
    Messages:
    135
    Likes Received:
    62
    I would say not so easy my self. Different machines. I would by a 3d printer from china before I tried that.
    Maybe you have a goal in mind? Explain a little about your situation to understand the need to do this. So we can better help you.
     
    #2 Corey Corbin, Apr 26, 2021
    laoadam likes this.
  3. laoadam

    laoadam New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks.
    I bought a mini CNC3020 many years ago, and I built a larger one later on, so the 3020 never be used again. I added some thing on it before, just printed some little useless things.
    It's why I like to refurbishment it just for reuse it.
     
    #3 laoadam, Apr 27, 2021
  4. Corey Corbin

    Corey Corbin Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2016
    Messages:
    135
    Likes Received:
    62
    Sure, not saying it's impossible just thought better use of money to buy actual 3D printer.
     
    #4 Corey Corbin, Apr 29, 2021
    laoadam likes this.
  5. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,862
    Likes Received:
    1,528
    While I understand the desire to keep a good bunch of parts from going to waste, for about the half the cost of a new 3D printer you can turn it into... half of a 3D printer. The Z-axis is just too limited to provide meaningful results and if you start spending money on increasing the Z-axis you quickly get to the point where you should have just bought a new printer.

    I would suggest turning it into something else like an eggbot, a laser, or a mini cnc lathe/pen turning machine. You might just consider donating it to a public school or makerspace which is truly the best way to give old systems new life and help the next generation get their toes wet.
     
    #5 Rick 2.0, Apr 29, 2021
    laoadam and Corey Corbin like this.
  6. laoadam

    laoadam New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks.
    I'll take consider of your point of view.
    BTW. do you have a Brand recommendation of 3D printer at $300 - 500? Or the better cost performance.
    or what should be think over for a new buyer?
     
    #6 laoadam, Apr 29, 2021
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2021
  7. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,862
    Likes Received:
    1,528
    Hopefully someone else will chime in as I'm not the most up to date. @Keith Davis is generally a good source here but there are lots of other members that can answer better than me. One thing to keep in mind though is it will probably go the way of your 3020 after a few years. You'll outgrow it and want to build your own bigger and better system from what you've learned.
     
    #7 Rick 2.0, Apr 29, 2021
    laoadam likes this.
  8. Corey Corbin

    Corey Corbin Well-Known
    Builder

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2016
    Messages:
    135
    Likes Received:
    62
    I personally had 2 3D printers. Anycubic I3 Mega usb connection. And my current one Ender 3 you have to use a memory card to print your STL's. So far Ender 3 is my favorite.
     
    #8 Corey Corbin, Apr 30, 2021
    laoadam likes this.
  9. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2017
    Messages:
    14,028
    Likes Received:
    4,119
    Seeing as you have build experience, why not do your own? 3D PRINTER BUILDS | OpenBuilds - lots of inspiring examples
     
    #9 Peter Van Der Walt, Apr 30, 2021
    laoadam likes this.
  10. laoadam

    laoadam New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks.
    Checked the Ender 3, they have Ender 3 / Ender 3 pro / Ender 3 max etc, even Ender 5 / Ender 6, should I buy a newest one or just enough for me to use?
    I searched the following factors:
    1. ~300x300x400 print size;
    2. dual extruder or mix extruder;
    3. usb/ sd card/ WiFi;
    4. what else?
     
    #10 laoadam, May 1, 2021
    Last edited: May 1, 2021
  11. laoadam

    laoadam New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2021
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks.
    I was planed to convert a CNC into a 3D Printer because of time and space saving, just don't have time to build another one.
     
    #11 laoadam, May 1, 2021
    Rick 2.0 likes this.
  12. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,862
    Likes Received:
    1,528
    So show us exactly what you have to work with and maybe we can get you there...
     
    #12 Rick 2.0, May 1, 2021

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice