Hi everyone, I plan to start business. My goal is to be able to print 3d stuff in maximum dimensions of 1x1x1m. The same with cutting and engraving. I know on CBeam I can put the laser module for engraving with laser diode. Also, I can put other, rotor module for metal cutting. I wonder can I use CBeam for 3D printing? Or maybe I could build some myself based on th builds already made? All Your ideas are welcome.
If you try to build a machine that does all three things, it will not do anything great. If it were me, I would build a solid machine using Cbeam that has a rotary tool for cutting and add a laser to it. Here is an example: Workbee CNC Router/Laser/Plotter Then I would build a 3D printer separately and have it in a completely different room because the dust from the other machine would mess up the 3D printer and any prints you have going. They are finicky. Also If you are printing such a large item as you want (1m x 1m x 1m) you would not be able to use the machine for anything else for a week or more because 3D printing is sooooooooooo slooooooooooooooow... So, no other income for you while you wait for a print to finish, and hopefully it doesn't fail or warp and you have to start all over.
Use 3D printer for small jobs and CNC router for large jobs. I'm in the process of building a model car from scratch using plywood for large parts like the body and 3D printed small parts like window cranks and gears.
Well I must say I agree with You. This would be better solution. Anyhow, for the CBeam I see no problem with the software, cause I believe there are some software to choose from. But if I build the 3D printer with the base of CBeam, how then would I control it? What software could handle CBeam moving frame + 3D printer as one single mechanism? This question is kind of a pain to me at the moment.
Any 3D printer software is capable of moving the frame of a Cbeam sized machine, you just need larger stepper motors like the NEMA 23s Openbuilds sells and a good power supply of 24 volts like this one. You will then need a controller board that can handle all the various outputs and controls the 3D printer has. A 3D printer does XYZ moves but it also needs to control a 4th axis, the extruder. Plus it needs to be able to control bed temperature and hot end temperature and other add-ons you choose. All things a CNC router does not really need. So, you would need a controller board built for 3D printers. If I were you I would ask your 3D printer questions here: 3D printers and also look at the builds people have done to get ideas on how to do it. Also check out this thread Designing 3D Printers -- Book excerpts and discussion for more knowledge. This is a detailed build of a very large 3D printer. BAFP 3D Printer
