3D Printer :: Ender 3 v2 Pro AMP (Augmented Massive Printer)

[Tex Koder]

So, I've been looking to get another 3D printer.. (ever since my 6yr old midget printer started having issues recently..)

Basically decided on a Creality Ender 3...
But, there are SO many different models, sizes and options.. and while researching into which one would be best for me, I found (happen to be local) a company that offers big mods to make the little Ender 3 printers capable of printing larger volumes called- Ender Extenders.

Their 400XL Kit offers to enhance your basic small Ender (220 x 220 x 250mm) to a Bigger print volume of = 400 x 400 x 500mm , YES!

And, just my luck a guy up the street from me is selling his "old" printer ,now that he's focused on resin printing.
He's already slap on the 400XL Kit to his Ender 3 and added a couple of other nice enhancement options:

• Ender 3 V2 printer
• Ender Extender 400XL Kit
• Dual Z thread rods w/bearings & Motors
• CR Touch ABL
• Latest Marlin Firmware
• Silicone level spacers
• EZStruder
• Capricorn Tubing
• PLA+ (half spool)
• Multiple Nozzles in many sizes

I'll be picking it up and will report back, soon!

 

[Tex Koder]

Look what the cat dragged in..

Got it home a few days ago.. Straight from the MCP.

Wanted to tinker with it for a bit before I posted.
Never worked with a Creality machine before, and the menus were all new to me.

First thing I did was rip into the hotend housing.
I Don't like it all covered up -couldn't easily see what's happening at the nozzle nor be able to tell if the Heatsink fan or Parts Cooler fan was working properly with a quick glance.. (AND I couldn't stand the fan noise this housing created..)

Close up look at Creatlity's version of BLtouch ABL probe (CR Touch sensor kit)-

This sensor using a metal probe vs a flimsy plastic tip on the BLtouch.
A much improved unit, IMO.

At the start of each print session, it would automatically probe the build plate , at 25 different points to form a build mesh.

.

 

[Tex Koder]

I went ahead and printed more specific housing (using my other printer) for this hotend that has dual cooling ducts and is much quieter.

 

[Tex Koder]

Let's get my gripes out of the way..
The most notable issues I have had to deal with so far:

1. Fan Noise!

a. Heatsink Fan & Parts Cooling Fan // which I have 'basically' taken care with the new 3D printing housing.​

b Control Board Fan​

c. PSU Fan (the LOUDEST culprit)​

2. Not being able to have the Printer Auto shutoff the Heatsink Fan, once the print is completed.

In fact, there is NO Way currently to do so -either through software or OEM hardware.​

I will have to come up with an external DIY solution, if I want to make this happen.​

3. Calibrating the Z offset

For which I spent the past 2 days trying to adjust and made a dozen or so prints trying to get it tune properly... Basically using a pair of calipers and trying the measure the distance from the gantry and fiddling with the height adjustment knobs under the print bed...​

Ultimately it was really just my lack of knowledge of using Creality's menus system and finding the setting & adjusting it from within the display menus.​

(So technically this isn't even a gripe.)​

 

[Tex Koder]

With that out of the way, here are the Pros:

1. The Print Volume (400mm x 400mm x 500mm) !! // With the Ender Extender 400XL Kit.
2. The Ender-Extender portion is locally developed in USA, in Ft. Worth actually. So I can get support or replacement parts fairly quickly.
3. ABL (Auto Bed Leveling) CR Touch // Using Creality's own BL probe design. Using a metal probe, you're not going to accidently snap it off that's for sure.
4. Stepper Motors & Digital Drivers are very Smooth & Quiet // Whatever they have on the motherboard is definitely an improvement.
5. Solid Open-Source frame design // I tend to tinker and modify things, so this is perfect for me.
6. Control system & Menus are more up-to-date and Open-Source // Uses Marlin.
7. Main control board and most components/parts are relative easy to obtain.
8. PDQ (Pretty Damn Quick) for it's size // With plenty of ways to make it even Faster = swap in Bigger Stepper Motors!

Underside of the printer..

Control board / Motherboard

 

[Tex Koder]

Since the control board and PSU cooling fans are all facing down and being so close to the table surface, I decided to install some lifted feet that can slide onto the extruded aluminum frame. (it has cup space to use the original rubber/vibration pads.)

My old workbench is slightly janked so I had to add a felt pad on this one side.

This should allow a bit more airflow to reach the hot components underneath.


**************

I'm still trying to figure out how to make those fans quieter, the PSU fan is just so Absurdly Loud once the print starts going.. And it never seem to spin down during the print, til it's completely done printing. The noise can drive you Nuts when you're sitting next to the printer or just being in the room.

 

[Tex Koder]

Alright.. I think I found the main reason why these Enders are so Absurdly Loud!!!

It's actually a major design flaw and potential fire hazard..IMO.
The "case" that the PSU itself is mounted in, covers 100% of the intake vents, which chokes off the exhaust fan from getting any fresh cool air to the heated components of the powersupply!
That's why that fan is screaming constantly during prints...
See photos >

These six vents were Completely covered...

*************************

I'm going to remove all that restrictive covering and try to open it up a bit ,and see if I can mount up a 120mm fan in its place.

 

[Tex Koder]

Here's what I'm going to do to make this POS PSU more ventilated..

Going to replace the stock fan with this 120mm slimline unit. And, come up with a custom mount to house it.

This should work.
Just need to wire it up properly so it can still be triggered by the temperature sensor.

.

 

[jondilly1974]

Here's what I'm going to do to make this POS PSU more ventilated..

View attachment 198843

View attachment 198845

Going to replace the stock fan with this 120mm slimline unit. And, come up with a custom mount to house it.

View attachment 198846

View attachment 198848

View attachment 198850

View attachment 198851

This should work.
Just need to wire it up properly so it can still be triggered by the temperature sensor.

.

Noctua fans are some of the best for low noise with good flow.

 

[RC-Dude]

Mostly you are best off with stock fans. I run fans at 20% with LW-PLA and 50-70% with PLA. Just helps with the bonding of layers.