Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer Upgrade Log - A Journey

[WYP]

Evening Forumgoers. It has been a while since I've had a Project Log. It may not be a PC, but this may be of interest to many of you.

That's right, Wyp is entering the world of 3D printing. thought that it would be good to document the process.

As you can see below, everything was very well packaged (OC3D coaster for scale), everything was sat within black foam and wrapped carefully.

Everything arrived in perfect condition, though maybe thicker foam would have been better, as this was shipped internationally from the Czech Republic. That said, the box arrived with no damage, so Creality clearly uses good couriers in Europe.

With everything set out, we can see that the bed of the unit is prebuilt (which makes the entire building process a lot less daunting) and thankfully all the unit's pre-assembled parts are level and correct.

The build process took around an hour, though I am yet to test the printer. The uni comes with 230V and 115V modes, so be sure that you have your printer set to the correct voltage mode.

I had to install the power supply in a different position than normal, as the magnetic print surface could interfere with the PSU when it was mounted in its standard position. I'm not sure why this happens, but the printer curved into the print bed slightly when tightened. I'm sure I could print a part that could prevent this in the future.

So far I have only built the printer. I hope to calibrate the printing surface and do some test prints tomorrow.

Anyways, expect updates on this as I print some things and learn more about 3D printing in general.

In total, this printer cost around £165.

 

[Bartacus]

Looks good man, can't wait to see what you do with it!

 

[WYP]

Quick Update - First Print

I printed the dog file that was on the unit's SD card and it was night perfect. Only one layer was off, but I think that was due to me hitting the bed when I tried to take a picture.

This model is 5cm tall.

Sadly, the white filament doesn't photograph that well, but you should see how accurate the printer is.

Bed levelling was very easy (you need to do that yourself with this printer). I followed the guide from CHEP on YouTube and got it right first time. (Link)

 

[hmmblah]

Time to start printing upgrades for your 3D printer! I haven't used mine in awhile, such a PITA to get it going. My next printer will definitely have an auto-leveling bed.

You should check out Octopi. Great program for running a printer over wifi. I have mine set up with a camera so I can remotely see progress of the print.

 

[WYP]

Time to start printing upgrades for your 3D printer! I haven't used mine in awhile, such a PITA to get it going. My next printer will definitely have an auto-leveling bed.

You should check out Octopi. Great program for running a printer over wifi. I have mine set up with a camera so I can remotely see progress of the print.

The main reason for getting an Ender 3 for me was the ability to upgrade it and make use of the huge level of community support that surrounds the design.

Thanks for the link. I have mostly been looking on Thingiverse so far for prints. I do have an old Raspberry Pi 3 sitting here, so wireless printing is definitely an option, as is a remote camera (not that I need that ATM). ATM it will just sit in my office. May need to see how I can reduce noise levels, but it isn't too bad ATM.

I have already made one minor upgrade. I have relocated the spool so I can locate the printer where I want it.

Before:

After:

I may relocate the spool again, but this will do for now. As you can see, I am still using the filament that came with the printer. I have a tie around it ATM to make it look better in the picture, as it isn't on a proper roll.

 

[AlienALX]

I might get one of these. Looks like fun.

 

[Bartacus]

How is the odor while printing? I'm guessing that's material-dependent.

 

[WYP]

How is the odor while printing? I'm guessing that's material-dependent.

I've only tried one filament so far, but the white filament that came with the printer hasn't produced any odor to speak of. I'll be sure to say if any filaments I use ever produce an odor.

Since the plastic is being melted, and not burned, it shouldn't produce much of a smell, but again I will get back to you on this.

 

[Tolemac]

I can't wait to see where this thread goes good stuff Mark.

 

[hmmblah]

The main reason for getting an Ender 3 for me was the ability to upgrade it and make use of the huge level of community support that surrounds the design.

Thanks for the link. I have mostly been looking on Thingiverse so far for prints. I do have an old Raspberry Pi 3 sitting here, so wireless printing is definitely an option, as is a remote camera (not that I need that ATM). ATM it will just sit in my office. May need to see how I can reduce noise levels, but it isn't too bad ATM.

I have already made one minor upgrade. I have relocated the spool so I can locate the printer where I want it.

Before:

After:

I may relocate the spool again, but this will do for now. As you can see, I am still using the filament that came with the printer. I have a tie around it ATM to make it look better in the picture, as it isn't on a proper roll.

It's kind of the ongoing joke about 3D printing. Most people end up only printing upgrade parts for the 3D printer itself, myself included. I've gotten most of my 3D print files from Thingiverse as well, great site.

Octopi gives much more control over the printer. Once it's up and running on a Raspberry Pi you access it from a browser on your phone or computer. It really opened a whole new word on my 3D printer as the on-board menu and controls are kind of ... clunky.

 

[Warchild]

Id love to have one. And print a GPU power cable shroud, similar to EVGA power links. Or custom mounts for my pumps etc.

Or even miniature painting quality of life improvements.


.... Wheres my wallet

 

[SPS]

Wanted a printer for ages now but just can't justify it right now.
Print quality looks decent.

Id love to have one. And print a GPU power cable shroud, similar to EVGA power links. Or custom mounts for my pumps etc.

Or even miniature painting quality of life improvements.


.... Wheres my wallet

Do it

 

[Warchild]

This is how you do 3D printing :O

Destiny 2 The last word.

 

[NeverBackDown]

This is how you do 3D printing :O

Destiny 2 The last word.

 

[WYP]

This is how you do 3D printing :O

Destiny 2 The last word.

Did you make that yourself? If so, wow. If not, still wow.

My only problem with the Ender 3 ATM is that it is quite loud. Considering dampening the motors and changing the circuit board to lower the unit's noise levels.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Did you make that yourself? If so, wow. If now, still wow.

My only problem with the Ender 3 ATM is that it is quite loud. Considering dampening the motors and changing the circuit board to lower the unit's noise levels.

Do it! Bust out those mechanical engineering skills! Lately I've been doing a lot of hand work and it's been enjoyable. So definitely say you should too

 

[WYP]

Do it! Bust out those mechanical engineering skills! Lately I've been doing a lot of hand work and it's been enjoyable. So definitely say you should too

The thing is that I barely need to use my skills. The models already exist online for the most part. The Ender 3 is a popular printer and others have shared the models/parts for the mods.

May try to do something later down the line to stiffen up the structure, or something a little more unusual. A second lead screw for the Z-Axis could be good. Accidentally touching the Z-axis bar is the main thing that forces me to re-level the print bed.

 

[Warchild]

Did you make that yourself? If so, wow. If now, still wow.

My only problem with the Ender 3 ATM is that it is quite loud. Considering dampening the motors and changing the circuit board to lower the unit's noise levels.

No. I wish i had that skill. I found it online when googling masterwork 3D printing


This one looks awesome!

 

[WYP]

No. I wish i had that skill. I found it online when googling masterwork 3D printing


This one looks awesome!

That printer looks awesome. Though the price on that thing is insane.

 

[WYP]

Ok, after owning the Ender 3 for a few weeks now, I will post a few early impressions of the printer.

1, I'm very happy with the accuracy and print speed. Yes, faster printing would be nice, but 3D printing is very rewarding if you are willing to wait.

2, I can stare at this time printing for ages. It's mesmerising.

3, While the printer isn't stupid loud, I would love the printer to be quieter. I am working to fix this with some updated electronics.

4, Be levelling is a pain. It's not that it takes too long, it is that it is very easily upset. It needs reconfigured a lot because of the printer's X-axis. I plan to fix this with some custom modifications.

I'll try to update this thread with some of my early 3D prints later tonight. May start a new thread to act as an Ender 3 modification log.

Test Print - Cat

AA Battery Holder

My upgrade plans are as follows.

1, Upgraded Electronics to reduce noise levels. New motherboard with better stepper motors.

2, I'm considering motor dampers to further reduce noise levels.

3, Upgrading the printer to support fo dual lead screw setup. This will allow both sides of the printer's X axis to remain parallel to the printer's frame and retain stability. This increase printer stability and hopefully reduce the need for bed re-levelling.

Do you guys think the Ender 3 upgrades deserves its own thread?