DIY 3D Printed CNC Machine Can Cut Metal – Complete Build | HTMCNC

In this tutorial we will learn how to build a CNC machine with a step-by-step guide so you can easily build one on your own. 

This is a Fully 3D Printed CNC machine or a CNC router that I designed with two specific goals in mind, to be as rigid as possible, and to be as simple as possible to build.

Overview

Being rigid directly affects the performance of the machine and besides engraving and cutting wood, I wanted this CNC router to be capable of engraving and cutting aluminum. It turned out it can do that quite confidently.

Here’s an example of machining a propeller out of aluminum. With just a little bit of sanding the propeller surface finished turned out super smooth.

I also did some accuracy tests by cutting various shapes out of aluminum. If we use appropriate feeds and speeds, we can get the aluminum parts within 0.05mm accuracy.

I think that’s a descent accuracy considering it’s a 3D printed CNC machine, using a trimmer router, and an Arduino UNO and GRBL for the motion-control. 

Engraving aluminum is a breeze. I did a few keychains engravings with very small details under 1mm, and they came out great.

I also tried engraving brass which also turned out great.

This 3D printed CNC router is even capable of cutting steel.

My second goal for this CNC machine was to be as simple as possible to build, which meant that I didn’t want to use any power tool for making the machine, no cutting aluminum extrusions with a saw, no drilling, no tapping…. Nothing.

Literary, you can build this CNC machine with just a set of Allen keys, because I specifically designed it to utilize just standard components that can be easily sourced from sites like Amazon, AliExpress or any other store of your choice. So, it’s almost like a DIY kit that you just have to assemble it. Below you can find the complete list of components needed for this CNC build.

Though (there is a caveat of course), you need a 3D printer in order to make this CNC machine, but I don’t think it’s a big deal, as if you don’t have one, nowadays there are so many 3D printing services from where you can easily get the 3D printed parts for it.

I’m calling it a fully 3D printed CNC machine, as the entire CNC structure is based on 3D printed parts, including the X and Z-axis plates, the router mount and even the ball screw bearing blocks are 3D printed.

The design was optimized to get the most out of the fact that we can easily print complex parts with a 3D printer. In combination with some 20x40mm aluminum extrusions, 15mm linear rails, and 16mm ball screws, I think I managed to get a decent performance out of it. It’s capable of engraving and even precision parts out of aluminum, and the wood projects are a breeze; it can easily cut any hardwood, and the wood engravings are just perfect. Just take a look at this 340x340mm 3D relief in beech hardwood. It looks stunning.

The work area is 450x350x110mm, but the coolest part is that we can easily scale this CNC machine.

We can simply use longer components for some of the aluminum extrusions, the linear rails and the ball screws, and we instantly get larger work area while all other components and the assembly process itself remain the same.

Below can find details about which components define the work area of the machine, so you can get your desired work area by choosing the right components.

3D Model and STL Download Files

You can view the 3D model of this DIY CNC Machine directly on your web-browser with Onshape.

You can get the 3D model of this DIY CNC Machine, as well as the STL files for 3D Printing from Cults3D.

Bill of Materials

Currently working on the complete list, it will be available soon. Please check tomorrow.

This website article is also not completed… more details coming tomorrow.