The process to build a PrintNC can be broken down into several steps :
graph TD
A[Size your build] --> C[Identify some metal suppliers to source your steel tubes and aluminum];
C --> D[Download the Fusion 360 Model and enter the parameters];
D --> F1[Get the size for steel tubes and hardware];
F1 --> F2["Buy the assembly kit and assembly tools"];
F1 --> G1[Order steel and aluminum];
F1 --> G2["Order the rest of the electronics (control enclosure, breakers, DIN rails, etc…)"];
F1 --> B[Source / build a workbench];
G1 --> H1[Measure steel tube fillet radius];
H1 --> H2[Verify your parameters with the calibration tool];
H2 --> I[Extract printed part and print them];
F2 & I & B --> J[Start the frame assembly];
J --> K[Disassemble & paint];
K --> L[Reassemble]
G2 & L --> M[Wire the printNC];
M --> N[Setup controller];
N --> O[Configure your software + tune the build];
O --> P[Success !!];
click A "/v3/planning/sizing"
%%click B "/v3/planning/"
click C "/v3/metal"
click D "/v3/fusion"
click F1 "/en/v3/planning/sizing/steel"
click F2 "/en/v3/buying"
%%click G1 "/v3/"
%%click G2 "/v3/planning/sizing"
click H1 "/en/v3/planning/steel/fillet_radius"
click H2 "/en/v3/printing/tools#calibration-tool"
click I "/en/v3/printing"
click J "/en/v3/assembly"
click K "/en/v3/painting"
%%click L "/v3/"
click M "/en/v3/wiring"
click N "/en/v3/Controller"
%%click O "/v3/planning/sizing"
%%click P "/v3/planning/sizing"
- Size your build
The first step will be to identify the size of your future build. The PNC is a tool : build the tool that fits your requirements and space constraints.
- Source a workbench
A standard PrintNC build weights around 60kg and the precision of the machine will be impacted by the sturdiness of your table. So you need to source or build a table large and sturdy enough to host your future build
- Evaluate your electrical options
The PrintNC requires several sources of electrical power. It is used to power the electronics and the router or spindle. In a residential North American situation, you will have access to 120v and 240v power. Of particular note is power for the Spindles.
- Identify some metal suppliers to source your steel tubes and aluminum
You'll need to find a local supplier that can provide steel tubes and aluminum.
- Download the Fusion 360 model and enter the parameters
You'll need to load the Fusion 360 model in order to do several tasks, such as changing your build dimension or exporting the parts to be 3d printed.
- Get the size of your steel tubes and hardware
With the Fusion 360 model updated with your dimension, you'll then be able to extract the length of your steel tubes.
- Order steel and aluminum
With the correct steel tube and aluminum dimension, you'll be able to ask a local metal suppliers for a quotation and select one in order to order your steel!
- Measure steel tube radius
When you recieve your steel, you'll be able to determine the fillet radius, which is the last information to add in the Fusion 360 model.
- Verify your parameters with the calibration tool
Using the calibration tool, check if your parameters entered in Fusion 360 are correct.
- Buy the assembly kit and assembly tools
When you have all the parameters for your build, you'll be able to buy the assembly kit from ThreeDesign. You'll need also some additional tools in order to build your PrintNC.
- Extract printed part and print them
How to extract all the 3d printed parts from the model and to print them.
- Start the frame assembly
Step by step guide to building the PrintNC.
- Disassemble and paint
Disassemble your PrintNC, prepare it for the painting process, then paint it!
- Reassemble
When the paint is dry, you can reassemble your build.
- Wire the PrintNC
This page will explain all the elecronics part of the PrintNC and how they are wired together.
- Setup the Controller
This page will guide you thrugh setting up the controller, which could be a computer or an embedded device.