Mostly Printed CNC

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Mostly Printed CNC

Release status: Working

MPCNC.jpg
Description
Multi Use CNC Platform
License
CC-BY-NC-SA
Author
Contributors
Based-on
Categories
CAD Models
External Link


The Mostly Printed CNC is an inexpensive easily sourced CNC platform based on 608 bearings, EMT conduit, and 3D printed parts. All axis can easily be made to any length within reason depending on desired function. Vicious1.com

History

Code Named Melvin CNC

Originally envisioned as a large format 3d printer, the Mostly Printed CNC parts are copyrighted and designed by Ryan (Vicious1) of V1Engineering.com. While not changing its size, the large format 3d printer became the small format MPCNC with the addition of a palm router instead of a hot end and was named as three different systems:

  • "525" small format major revision 1 (discontinued)
  • "Burly" small format major revision 2 (discontinued)
  • "Primo" small format major revision 3

A large format system was added which is also mostly printed and is called the lowrider and it has been released as three versions.

Primo (link here) - small format MPCNC

Initially parts were improved and released weekly and then monthly the first couple years followed by the first three major versions that include the "525," the "Burly," and most recently the "Primo" of the small format MPCNC. Each was available in a different tube size. The "J" size was for 24.5 mm / 1" outer diameter tubing, the "F" size was for 25 mm outer diameter tubing, and the "C" size was for 3/4" (inner diameter) EMT electrical conduit primarily used in the US. Each part of each system has the conduit letter embedded or embossed in the printed components corresponding to the tube size. The first burly version files (23.5mm OD or 3/4" EMT) were released on Thingiverse.com March 14th 2015. A month later on April 24th 2015 an international version (25mm OD) was made to make this an more easily sourced machine world wide. On July 18, 2015 a large increase in rigidity was gained with the "Better Middle Z" part for both machines, the only part that required support when printing. On 5/25/16 a major revision was made to the middle and Z-Axis assemblies. The main advantages are increased rigidity, a more stable square gantry, and a universal tool mount for all sizes to decrease on tool mount design fragmentation. No supports are required for any of the printed parts. July 13, 2016, the first 1" OD (25.4mm) version was released "Mostly Printed CNC 525 MPCNC "J-25.4mm = 1" OD"". With the three designs complete, most anywhere in the world has access to common EMT conduit to build a machine.

In rapid succession June, July, and August of 2020, the primo was released with (link here) J, (link here) F, and (link here) C versions respectively for the different tube sizes and was also made available . The first files (23.5mm OD or 3/4" EMT) were released on Thingiverse.com March 14th 2015. A month later on April 24th 2015 an international version(25mm OD) was made to make this an more easily sourced machine world wide. On July 18, 2015 a large increase in rigidity was gained with the "Better Middle Z" part for both machines, the only part that required support when printing.

On 5/25/16 a major revision was made to the middle and Z-Axis assemblies. The main advantages are increased rigidity, a more stable square gantry, and a universal tool mount for all sizes to decrease on tool mount design fragmentation. No more support required for any of the printed parts.

July 13, 2016, the final 1" OD (25.4mm) version was released "Mostly Printed CNC 525 MPCNC "J-25.4mm = 1" OD"". With the three designs complete, most anywhere in the world has access to common EMT conduit to build a machine.

Lowrider (link here) - large format MPCNC

The original (link here) lowrider debuted in January of 2017 with the (link here lowrider 2 available in July of 2018. The (link here) lowrider version 3 was released in July 2022 (also available on (link here) printables).

Introduction

The intent of this design is to keep the cost low at less than $500 USD for the small format Primo, easily sourced (with the option to buy kits or self-source), no specialized tools required to build (other than the now readily available 3D printer), making it easy to get started in CNC. No need for a bunch of stand alone single function expensive machines when the MPCNC does many things well.

This is a micro-manufacturing CNC platform capable of most any functions a person or small business might need to aid in production or for rapid prototype both additive and subtractive. Common functions include CNC plasma cutting, 3D Printing, laser etching/cutting, drag knife cutting, plotting, and most importantly 2.5D milling with enough rigidity for light aluminum work.

Prior to the release of the lowrider v3, the smaller format Primo was more precise with its more rigid small area. All axes can be made to any length (within reason taking into account flex and required rigidity) and all axes are open ended so no precision cutting is required. This is easily built with basic tools and some patience.

Parts

MPCNC 525
The website has all the most current information Vicious1.com.

The precision parts are 3D printed to keep the important dimensions relatively accurate. PLA is the recommended material due to stiffness. Any control board will work, the Mini-Rambo is the most frequently used, followed by ramps 1.4, and smoothie boards. More recently the BTT SKR pro 1.2 has become the favored system to allow auto squaring with x and y end stops. 5 NEMA 17 steppers drive the machine 2 on the X and Y axis one on the Z axis. A small power supply, commonly 12V 5A. The rails are common hardware store 3/4" EMT Conduit, or 1" or 25 mm DOM or stainless steel tubing for rigidity. A completely mutually exclusive set of parts is available to print for each size depending on the tubing selected for the user's build. The bearings are the easily sourced 608 type, and off-the-shelf common hardware imperial or metric bolts and nylon locking nuts are sourced to complete the assembly. All parts except the table to which the system mounts is available the V1E shop or specified in a bill of materials so the user can self-source.

The tool head is easily changed out with a few screws when switching functions. A parasolid of a generic tool holder is available to make your own tool holder if one does not already exist for your preferred tool.

More

The frequent large builds created the need for a full sheet CNC inspired by crawlbot, the LowRider CNC was designed.

Video playlist, here.

Winner of Boca Bearings international innovation contest in July 2015.

3ders.org article Here.

4 head 3D Printer 3ders.org write up on the 4 head here.