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Using Mach3 with a 3d Printer

PostPosted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 3:36 am
by awesomenesser
Does anyone know if it is possible to use Mach3 for a 3d printer (Hadron ORD Bot)? I know that it can handle 4 axis so I would think that it would be possible for motors and limits. The temperature control of the extruder and heated build platform could be controlled by a adjustable PID system.

Can anybody think of any advantages, disadvantages, or serious problems?

Re: Using Mach3 with a 3d Printer

PostPosted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 3:47 am
by bdring
I would think so. You could get a few cheap external temp controllers that talk to Mach3 via Modbus . A guy at PS1 was working on a a 3D printer using and industrial controller. It had temp control and a g-code processor built in. It was doing some ridiculous temp control like reaching temp in 1/3 the temp and being rock solid. I guess it was about $2K of parts. I think he was an intern at the controller company and got to play with it all day.

Re: Using Mach3 with a 3d Printer

PostPosted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:26 am
by jregholdsworth
Yes it is possible but see these sites;

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5233
http://cnc2printer3d.wordpress.com/

I've got a mach3 based cnc router and also a foam cutter.. I'm number 179 in the ORDbot purchaser list as well

Re: Using Mach3 with a 3d Printer

PostPosted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 2:23 pm
by JeremyBP
There was a guy building a reprap with a PLC for control, but that isn't very close to mach3.
I have seen people using emc2 to control repraps. The two hardest parts seem to be implementing extruder controls and all the weird m-codes reprap uses.