AnyCubic X Mega Pro Upgrade Advice?
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I have a new Anycubic Mega X (300X300X305) that I want to upgrade to print metal if possible. Any advice with regard as to what is needed and sources for acquiring what is needed please advise....all recommendations are welcome.
I am fairly new to this and time is critical for me to be learning on such a steep learning curve. Thanks if you can help.
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The best advice would be to invest in a professional commercial machine that will cost probably 100x what you bought your mega x for.
Even with some filaments like the BASF 316L, that MH sells, your machine doesn't exactly meet the heatbed requirements. Link to the MH page with said filament:
Ultrafuse 316LXSorry to be curt, but there is no simple and straight forward path that takes you from hobby machine to industrial machine. Good luck.
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This other guys very helpful I see.
100 x $599 CAD | $499 USD = a whole lot more than a metal 3d printer costs.To possibly provide a bit more of a helpful answer this is the heat info you need on your machine:
- Use a Glass Bed with Dimafix for proper adhesion.
- 225°C +/- 10°C is the optimal printing temperature for most machines. Never exceed 250°C.
- A heated build plate at 110°C +/- 10°C is nominal for improved adhesion.
- Use an abrasion resistant nozzle that's clean of any other material.
The info on the filament can also be confirmed here:
https://www.matterhackers.com/store/c/3d-printer-filament/metal-3d-printing-filament-from-basfPros to this machine:
The nozzle will print upwards of 250 so the 225°C +/- 10°C - this temp is not an issue.The cons to this machine is "stock and unmodified" the Bed only heats to 90 - you need it at 110
The bed is also not glass so you need another printing bed.
and the nozzle is certainly not abrasion resistant.A few extra 100$ bills and I'm sure you could print some metal. I can guarantee though its not going to cost you almost $50,000 (100x what you paid for the Mega X)
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Upgrading your AnyCubic X Mega Pro can enhance its performance and capabilities. Here are some recommendations to consider:
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Firmware Upgrade
Upgrading the firmware can provide improved features and bug fixes. Ensure you use the official firmware from AnyCubic's website or reliable sources in the 3D printing community. -
Bed Leveling Sensor
Adding an auto bed leveling sensor, such as a BLTouch, can significantly improve print quality by ensuring the bed is perfectly leveled. This upgrade requires some firmware adjustment and wiring. -
Better Print Surface
Upgrade the print surface to a glass bed or a PEI sheet for better adhesion and easier print removal. These surfaces provide a smoother bottom layer and are more durable. -
Enhanced Cooling
Improve cooling by installing a better part cooling fan. This can help with bridging and overhangs, resulting in cleaner prints. -
Extruder Upgrade
Consider upgrading to a direct drive extruder or a more efficient Bowden extruder. This can improve the printer's ability to handle flexible filaments and reduce issues like filament slipping. -
Hotend Upgrade
Upgrading to an all-metal hotend can expand the range of filaments you can use, including high-temperature materials like PETG and ABS. -
Dual Z-Axis Kit
Installing a dual Z-axis kit can improve stability and print quality, especially for taller prints. This modification ensures that both sides of the X-axis are lifted uniformly. -
Enclosure
Building or buying an enclosure for your printer can help maintain a consistent temperature, reducing warping with materials like ABS. It also provides a safer, quieter environment for your printer. -
Stepper Motor Dampers
Adding dampers to your stepper motors can reduce noise and vibration, leading to a quieter and smoother printing experience. -
OctoPrint Setup
Setting up OctoPrint allows you to remotely monitor and control your printer. This can be done using a Raspberry Pi and provides a range of plugins for enhanced functionality. -
Lighting
Install LED lighting around the print area for better visibility. This can be particularly useful for monitoring prints and making adjustments in low-light conditions.
Conclusion
Each of these upgrades can enhance different aspects of your AnyCubic X Mega Pro's performance. Prioritize based on your specific needs and the type of printing you do most frequently. Always follow safety guidelines and thoroughly research each modification before proceeding.
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