Multitool 3D printer
Use of 3D printer and Cnc machine is becoming common day by day. From a very small part to the building up societies both machines are playing an efficient role. Both the machines are providing multiple advantages to the society in different manner like cutting down delays of any project, performing
2025-06-28 16:34:14 - Adil Khan
Multitool 3D printer
Project Area of Specialization 3D/4D PrintingProject SummaryUse of 3D printer and Cnc machine is becoming common day by day. From a very small part to the building up societies both machines are playing an efficient role. Both the machines are providing multiple advantages to the society in different manner like cutting down delays of any project, performing job in an efficient manner, being a cost effective in such a way that cutting down large group of labours and many more. Considering the lack of space schools and universities often have to struggle with — a multitool 3D printer is a perfect choice. Instead of purchasing two or more different machines and wondering where to put them, it’s sometimes better to just buy one machine that has more than one workflow. You can 3D print with popular ones like PLA or ABS, but also less common materials like nylon, ASA or PC. Add to that materials for CNC milling like carbon, wood, lots of plastics and some soft metals and you have 48 materials for both professionals and amateurs.
Project ObjectivesA multitool machine enables the youth to learn the three workflows within just one device. It also allows them to materialize their ideas and virtual projects. Teaching and learning 3D printing is one thing, but actually working with the machine and tangible projects develops practical skills in young people. Scholars and students can also go through this to learn the principles of 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser engraving and cutting as an introduction to automation in technology and as a means to learn about its values in upcoming time of this developing world.
Project Implementation MethodManufacturing and implementing the design in real world is the process that starts from getting the first component which is the frame, assembling mechanical, electrical and control systems, to getting the final product as follow:
Starting with the frame, the frame should be made and assembling according to the shape and precise dimensions taken from 3D model of the design. The frame was made with small dimensions error percentage that does not exceed a few millimeters which is an acceptable one.
The following step is the mounting linear bearing, axes linear shaft and linear bearing shaft support the linear bearing, which has (8 mm) bore diameter, is mounted to X Z axes linear shafts that has the same shaft diameter, then holding linear bearing shaft supports (8 mm bore) to frame. Then mounting the combination of linear bearing and axes linear shafts to linear bearing shaft supports. This process should calibrate precisely to result in two parallel facing axes linear shafts to satisfy linear bearings sliding motion. The solid components are formed in a specific shape and dimensions to satisfy the design requirements. Such requirements like fixing stepper motors with frame to hold the 3D printer extruder, Y axis linear shaft and heat (Print) bed. The stepper motors and mechanical transmission systems installation: The X Y Z stepper motors installation process had done by mounting these stepper motors to frame using a specifically design solid components.
After illustrating the stepper motors, then installingthe components that used to transmit the motorpower to the load which is the mechanical transmission system. Two types of mechanical transmission systemsare used:
a. Belt, pulley and idler pulley mechanical transmission system:
This type of mechanical transmission system is used in our design for X and Y axes (for horizontal movements) This system consists of (GT2) timing belt with (6 mm) rubber width, (GT2) timing pulley and idler pulley with (5 mm) Bore, (20 teeth) and (10 mm) width.
b. Lead Screw and Nut mechanical transmission system:
This type of mechanical transmission system is used in our design for Z axis (for vertical movement) This system consists of (400 mm) length, (8 mm) shaft diameter Stainless steel lead screw with (2 mm) pitch and copper nut.
After that the installation and construct the electrical and control systems is taken place in the design 3D printer system. This process includes mounting (A4988) stepper motor drivers to the Reprap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield (RAMPS).Then mounting this combination to Arduino Mega 2560.Thereafter thewiring should be done according to schematic wiring diagram The minimum position limit switches are installed to 3D printer body
Finally, the mounting the extruder and heat bed is carried out. The extruder and heat bed can be mounted in different ways and to different axes. In the presented design theextruder is mounted to Y axis and Heat Bed is mounted to the Z axis.
Benefits of the ProjectMULTITOOL 3D PRINTER simple and easily interchangeable toolhead is equipped with 3 different workflows of 3D printing + CNC milling + laser cutting and engraving. Works with almost 50 different materials, saving workspace without compromising output. Need extra space? Worktables can also be switched out for a larger workspace depending on your needs. It believes in providing a holistic learning experience and offers more than just a 3D printer. MULTITOOL 3D PRINTER dedicated slicing software – FUSION-360, lets you perform advanced features such as color blending, image mapping not found in other software. Its open material concept allow you to print with special 1.75mm filament to suit your applications. Print with filaments that gives you the best price to performance ratio.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableGreatest challenges in designing MULTITOOL 3D PRINTER is finding a balance between the requirements of both CNC and 3D printing. The mills are usually slower because of the ball-screws and trapezoidal propulsion systems. Especially at high speeds and high torques machine lose steps during work. Due to vibration plastic structure may be loosen or may get damage while milling or engraving. Heat bed for 3D printing may not be in level all time or bed for milling or engraving disposition after performing any activity.
Slowing down of mills due to ball-screws and trapezoidal propulsion systems can be solved out by replacing them with faster low-elastic4ity double belt drive reinforced with steel rods — far more durable than single belt drives used in standard 3D printers. In addition to the double belt drive, features an encoder-based error correction system called Closed Loop System. This solution, more known among single-purpose CNC machines, makes sure that the machine doesn’t lose steps during work, especially at high speeds and high torques. we also improved and reinforced its construction by lowering the number of plastic components. With aluminum and stainless steel parts, we’re sure that the machine can withstand high torques without suffering mechanical damage when recommended materials are being used. To level the heat bed for 3D printing and engraving or milling proximity sensor will be used to resolve this leveling issue.
Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry ManufacturingOther Industries Education , Medical , Health Core Technology 3D/4D PrintingOther Technologies Wearables and ImplantablesSustainable Development Goals Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 79810 | |||
| STEPPER MOTOR (NEMA 23) | Equipment | 5 | 3000 | 15000 |
| 8mm LEAD SCREW (500mm) | Equipment | 3 | 1700 | 5100 |
| SMOOTH ROD 500 mm | Equipment | 4 | 300 | 1200 |
| SMOOTH ROD 300 mm | Equipment | 2 | 200 | 400 |
| LINEAR BEARING BOX | Equipment | 4 | 400 | 1600 |
| LINEAR BEARING WITHOUT BOX | Equipment | 4 | 200 | 800 |
| RADIAL BEARING WITH COVER | Equipment | 1 | 300 | 300 |
| ADJUSTABLE SPRINGS | Equipment | 4 | 25 | 100 |
| HEATED BED WITH TEMP. SENSOR | Equipment | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| MK8 EXTRUDER | Equipment | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| LINEAR RAIL GUIDE | Equipment | 2 | 250 | 500 |
| GT2 BELT | Equipment | 2 | 190 | 380 |
| GT2 PULLEY | Equipment | 1 | 200 | 200 |
| ARDUINO MEGA 2560 | Equipment | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| RAMPS 1.4 | Equipment | 1 | 600 | 600 |
| 2HSS57 STEPPER DRIVER | Equipment | 5 | 3000 | 15000 |
| ENDSTOP | Equipment | 6 | 180 | 1080 |
| J HEAD HOTEND | Equipment | 1 | 1800 | 1800 |
| SMART LCD | Equipment | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| BRASS NUT MOUNT | Equipment | 1 | 750 | 750 |
| STEPPER MOTOR BRACKET | Equipment | 5 | 150 | 750 |
| LINEAR RAIL | Equipment | 2 | 1500 | 3000 |
| COUPLER | Equipment | 5 | 250 | 1250 |
| BALL SCREW | Equipment | 4 | 1500 | 6000 |
| 3x3ft METAL SHEET | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2900 | 2900 |
| LASER CUTTING | Miscellaneous | 1 | 2900 | 2900 |
| ALMUNIUM PROFILE 20x20 | Miscellaneous | 1 | 4200 | 4200 |
| SPINDLE (ROUTER) | Equipment | 1 | 8000 | 8000 |
| GRBL | Equipment | 1 | 400 | 400 |
| ARDUINO UNO | Equipment | 1 | 600 | 600 |