In the pursuit of creating a more capable machine for CNC use I have created a series of upgrades based off previous forum discussions and analysis of the machines weaknesses. I will post updates to what I have done and the results achieved from my modification. My hope is that this discussion will help others with the same desire to improve their Snapmaker 2.0 and for feedback on how we might improve our machines as a community.
(Links Provided For Either Thingiverse Files or Off The Shelf Products That Are Already Available)
Here is a list of the modifications I have done to my unit for CNC rigidity:
Bed (Y-Axis) Ranforced External Linear Guide Rails (For Bed Z Stability To Eliminate Rocking)
Top Stabilizing Brace Between Z-Axis Modules (For X Sway Stability {2" aluminum angle})
This roller brace design is something I have been working on for the last year as the Snapmaker 2.0 (SM) can develop a good deal of slop in its linear modules. Some may say “you just need to open up and tighten the internal rollers in your linear modules” but believe me when I say that is not entirely the issue… It is a pretty well known fact in the community forums that these machines have a number of shortcomings especially when it comes to the rigidity and constraints of motion in its linear modules while using the CNC functionality. Therefore I have created this mod which is very easy and cheap for anyone to implement! The goal of this specific mod is to remove the rotational slop of the X-Axis by bracing it at the connection points to both Z-Axis linear rails. This effectively reduces the “splaying out” of the tool when making CNC cuts which improves the tolerance of the end product and prolongs tool life. However if you are really serious about removing all slop from your SM you will want to add a top brace across the the two Z-Axis linear rails and another brace from the mid/top of the Z rails down to the baseplate but both of these braces are much less important than the design I have supplied here. Finally I would also recommend adding exterior linear guide rails to supplement the support of the build plate because it tends to rock back and forth and causes issues with both 3D printing and machining larger pieces that cover farther out to the front and back of the buildplate.
I’ll be working on posting detailed info about all the mods and guides on how to do everything so stay posted! It might take me awhile to go through everything thoroughly to make sure that my steps are repeatable. I also want to be sure all the needed information is included so that everyone who wants to can get similar results with out too much trial and error. I will keep updating the original post with links to Thingiverse designs and off the shelf products I have used in my upgrades.
Finally a tool head brace! This is the second addition to my roller bracing set and works in conjunction with my Z-axis brace. The goal of this specific mod is to remove the rest of the slop in the tool head by bracing it on either side. It took awhile to figure out how to make it strong enough without having to make it out of solid aluminum. For rigidity it has a hex bolt inserted all the way through the part to keep it from bending/flexing too much. After adding this part my machine finally feels like it has the same strength as a much more robust CNC so I am going to attempt machining some aluminum parts with it now.
So I can see how it supports the head laterally (which is definitely awesome), but does it also support the head vertically against the x-axis (the purpose of the double-rollers on each side?)?
BTW, I already really love your designs and plan to use them on my machine; SO much easier and even more aesthetic than trying to add support rails to the X and Z axes. GREAT WORK!
The heatsinks are adhered to the stepper modules with a thermal glue. Its pretty strong and holds well but can be removed easily if you need to. https://a.co/d/5Pfm8jI
Thanks! I spent a lot of time coming up with a design that is easy to reproduce and looks good. The brace provides a lot of lateral support but it does also help with the vertical bracing thanks to the double rollers. I was thinking about trying to include more support the the vertical movement but I am happy with the results this achieves.
One thing I just thought of that I can’t tell from the pictures, but I assume you worked out: is there any loss to the full range of motion in the Z and X rails with the mod brackets running into each other or off the ends of their respective rails?
Also just had the thought that maybe the x-brace could be somewhat easily modified itself to fit and work as a y-brace. Might make a good alternative to installing the SBR support rails for some people.
With all this in mind, considering all the time and effort you have put into such a great design, I think there are plenty of people who would happily pay you for it, including me. Have you considered offering it up on Cults3D or somewhere similar for some nominal price?
There is no loss to the range of motion, however the wheels do just slightly come off the end of the rails while homing the machine. That is at the extremes though and doesn’t cause problems or come into effect while running a bed leveling calibrations or within the bounds of the work area.
I have though about creating a simpler roller option like these for the Y-axis (Bed) but it would lead to problems while using the CNC function as dust and chips build up. With the X and Z rails the wheels run on a vertical surface so it should not lead to any jamming of the wheels. If you purely used the 3D print and laser functions it wouldn’t be a problem, but honestly for the price and ease of adding guide rails to the machine I would just stick to that.
As for listing the designs for sale, that’s something I will defiantly think about in the future. For now I really just want everyone to have free access to the my roller brace designs because I know its a common thing that a lot of people have been looking for a solution to and I enjoy helping out the community!
Good morning ,
and first of all thank you for your design I can’t wait to print them, before doing so do you plan to modify them in the near future?
not having Aluminum Bushings I would like to replace it with long hex nuts
Hey @kikzdlanight thanks for your interest, I don’t plan on doing more modifications on these braces as they seem to be working great so far. The reason I used the aluminum bushings on the Z-Axis Roller Braces is because It is a common part that usually comes with the V roller wheels in a set. The only issue I see with using the long “coupler” nuts is that they might be wider than the current brace design has space for, but you can defiantly try to modify it to make it work.
I actually just uploaded the STEP files to my Thingiverse designs so have feel free to do whatever modifications you want.
Just released the final version of my enclosure air intake dust filter. Its defiantly not a mod for everyone as it is really not required but since my machine is in my dusty garage where I also do woodworking and other things that make a mess it helps keep the 3D printer module fans and intake screens clean for longer. This just ensures that part cooling performance stays consistent when running for long periods of time. However this filter will not be very effective unless you take measures to adequately seal up the enclosure so that the filter is the main entry point for air ingress. I got my enclosure sealed up using additional weather stripping around the doors along with 3D printed clamping latches to hold it sealed shut (credit to BrienAllison with his amazing door latch design https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4635181). I also used gaffers tape to add shielding to the hinges to further block any gaps.
The filter assembly simply fits into the enclosure hole where the touch screen was originally designed to mount so no modification is required. I just moved the touch screen controller back to the mounting spot on the machines base plate.
For the Y-axis guide rails I used a 20x40 aluminum extrusion that I bolted to the base of the unit which I had to drill alternating holes in. I then attached a set of 800mm HGR20 rails with HGH20CA bearing blocks on top of the extrusion and used a custom spacer block and some shims to get them all at the perfect height at all 4 corners of the bed. I was thinking of releasing some more detailed plans on the matter but for most people I think 3Dnate’s designs or brvdboss’s remix on Thingiverse with the smaller SBR16 rails are perfect as the HGR20’s are super overkill. Here are some pictures of my build that might help. You can also go check out the “Minimize Rocking” discussion for some more ideas because a lot has been shared on there by other people doing the same thing.
Hi there, awesome job with the genius idea for the braces. Have you tested aluminum milling already on the machine? I’m very interested in this topic and you might just have gotten my snapmaker back to life with this.
Hey @pastitas thanks for your interest in my designs. I haven’t started milling aluminum yet because I am currently sidetracked on building a chip/dust collection system for my machine as well as a air cooling jet to try and keep the milling bit from overheating. I’ll be sure to post an update and a video when I actually get around to milling aluminum in my A350. I defiantly have more confidence in the machines milling abilities now because there is almost zero flex/slop in the toolhead even with a considerable amount of force applied.
