BLV mgn Cube | BLVprojects

BLV mgn Cube

3D Printer

Hi, my name is Ben Levi and This is:
"BLV mgn Cube"- an open-source 3D printer project.
building your own good and reliable 3D printer is the main purpose of this project. Basically, it's an open front structure CoreXY 3D printer, based on mgn linear rails for maximum accuracy, efficiency and high print quality.

GALLERY

Why?

Fast, reliable, accurate
The linear bearing and Delrin Wheel Gantry commonly used at most of the low-mid 3d printers as a cheaper solution for linear motion. well, ye.. it's cheaper but at the expense of accuracy and reliability. linear guided rails (mgn rails) are a way more rigid, extremely precise and smoother then linear bearing or Delrin. shorting print time without compromising on print quality. There seems to be a good reason why they are mostly used with high-end 3D printers. So, i found cheap Chinese mgn rails at Aliexpress and thought to myself why not?
Rigid open structure
I focused my efforts on designing an open front structure that will be rigid as a cubic structure but yet giving you easy access to your build plate and prints. the design includes a front belt tensioner to make it even more convenient. It came after spending tons of hours of software simulating and physical stress test.
Accessible
All the parts are easy to find, print or make. You will not find in the BOM an expensive CNC special machined parts or parts that are hard to get. most of the parts are printed or you can buy them online / locally. Notice that you can use your own electronics - as long as you have the knowledge to make your FW suitable for the build.
Open Source
You don't need to ask for the original CAD files since I already included it inside the project folder. I admire this community and believe that sharing is the main key in order to make this project even better. Feel free to download the CAD files (Step file) and modify, add, remix or improve it as you like. I would appreciate if you could please share it with this awesome community and mark the remixed parts as a "remixed" linked to this project page.
Build and print
I spent many hours adjusting the Firmware for this 3D printer and fine-tuning the best slicing profile (Simplify3D) for it. After building this printer you will only need to upload the config files, load your slicing profile and you are good to go.
More modular
The design is more flexible then you think. the printed parts and structure designed to be modular. Not only you can choose your Z height - But you can use a much bigger build plate. all you need to purchase a bigger aluminum profile and mgn rails. The provided CAD file will assist you to calculate the right measurements for your customized "BLV mgn Cube" 3D printer.
Easy to build?
To be honest, the installation of the rails will take 70% of the build time. you will have to be accurate and spend a few hours aligning the rails, but boy.. the joy you will feel when it prints, will worth every minute you spent installing them. To make it easy on you, I made a 3D animation videos as instructions, Information PDF, sketches and measurements.
balanced budget
The cost was important, therefore the BOM is balanced to give you the best money-value ratio, without compromising on quality. you will find The best 32bit board a 3D printer can have. Excellent stepper motors, sensors and so. you get to choose if you want to have a 5" PanelDue touch screen or save 80$ and use your smatphone or Tablet screen without losing features.

WHY

Online 3D viewer

To your convenience, I have added below an Online 3D viewer links. you will be able to explore, measure, isolate or view parts and components using your browser.

BLV mgn Cube - Full 3D viewer

Isolated Frame - 3D Viewer

Isolated Panels/Walls - 3D viewer

EXPLORE

Explore

Super quiet and fast tmc2660 drivers!
Efficient cooling system
Hepa/Carbon air scrubber
Rigid Aluminum Open front frame
Option for Dual extrusion
Front belts tensioner
Mesh Auto-Leveling
Internal LED light

Linear rails MGN12H for high accuracy
Firmware config + S3D Profile included
Bed: 300 X 300, Height: 365/465/565mm
DuetWifi 32 Bit board
Full web interface via Smartphone/Tablet/desktop
Electronics at the back
Clean and elegant design
open-source design cad file is available

FEATURES

Features

CHOOSE YOUR BED SIZE:

300mm X 300mm
350mm X 350mm (custom)

CHOOSE YOUR HEIGHT:

365mm
465mm
565mm
665mm

BUILD

VOLUME

Build Volume

Read, understand and prepare yourself

Start with reading the Thing description and "more info links" section, watch the 3d animations, explore the printer 3D model with the 3d viewer, read the pages I linked in the "more info" sections and make sure you understand the printer structure.
Get the parts

The waiting - is the most frustrating part. make sure you got all the needed parts. prepare spares of T-nuts, screws and so on. If you have decided to use your own electronics, make sure you know how to correctly configure the firmware of your board.
build

now the building process begins... Know that it isn't going to be easy as building a pre-made kit. Prepare all the tools you need and please use a good corner alignment tool, it is crucial to have a precise structure for excellent printing results. it is advised to use also the provided JIGS, the assembly will be much easier. Don't forget to tap holes on the corners and check if its an M5/M6 screw (depends on your extrusions manufacture). Take your time when fixing the rails to the extrusions. I found a good quick video tutorial made by 3D distributed, showing an easy way to align parallel rails. Don't forget to reward yourself after the rails installations - you deserve it :)
Electronics installation

Install your Electronics carefully. Check your connections and wiring diagram closely and make sure everything hooked up correctly. don't take any shortcuts and use the right tools and parts. the Power cable should be the last thing to connect.
Software, Tests and Calibrations

Update your DuetWifi board to the latest version and upload all the provided config to the sd-micro card, then insert it to your board and power up the system. make sure that the Mini IR sensor blinks 4 times right after powering the printer. please don't move the axis before checking endstop response. Try to home the printer - the printer should move to the left and then to the rear for the printer. if it isn't - check ou motors wiring and config. calibrate your Z height and check your sensors reading (temp). Please make sure to do a PID calibration for both the bed and the hotend sensors - This is very important, otherwise your prints will fail. if everything looks good load filament and print a calibration cube and so on.
print

Enjoy your printer and give her love when needed :)

maintain your printer by greasing the rails with a Synthetic grease with PTFE or sewing machine oil. Keep the rails clean and the belts tight. Also, Clean your PEI build plate with alcohol after every print. If you are using the Air scrubber - please replace the HEPA filter when needed.
Post an "I made one" pictures

Show the world your new 3D printer and be proud of your creation:)

I would appreciate it if you could please upload your newly built 3D printers pics. Knowing that it helped you create your own 3D printer - for me, it's worth all the hard work and many hours that I spent in this project.
Remix & Share

I am 100% sure that there are many ways to make this printer even better. this is why I gave you the source file of the Printer. Make it better by sharing your remixes with this awesome community :)

WHERE

TO START

Where To Start?

Requirements

passion for 3D printing

3D Printing knowledge

Technical ability

Spare Time

Budget

REQUIREMENTS

BOM

FULL KITS

BUY

FULL KIT

Optional:

recommended Frame Reinforcement for higher Z axis builds (465mm+)

1 x 2020 aluminum extrusion 496mm
4 x aluminum 2020 Brackets 20x20 \ 20x17

Other:

2 x T Shape Bracket 60x60
14 x Corner 90 degrees Angle Bracket for 2020/2040
100 x aluminum 2020 Brackets 20x20 \ 20x17

Getting the frame Kit:
notice that you may be able to get a much cheaper price for the extrusions locally.

Screws and bracket kits:

Notes:

Please be precise and use the correct extrusions without shortcuts. using the 2020 profile instead of 2040 may reduce the frame rigidity.
The BOM below is for 365mm Z height, If you wish to build a different size, then use the Calculator excel file named: "BLV_mgn_Cube-Frame_calculator.xlsx" can be found at the project Zip file.
It is recommended to use normal extrusions with mgn rails and NOT V-slot.
Please let me know if you found any typo/mistake and I promise to fix it ASAP.
The Blurolls store from Aliexpress has started to offer a Kit for the project. It contains most of the needed electronics, frame, screws, pre-crimped wiring, panels, tube, brackets and more. I think its a pretty convenient solution, especially when part of the deal is genuine Hiwin rails!
New cheaper BLV mgn Cube (lite) kit based on SKR + tmc2209 spotted on Aliexpress.

Frame

BLV mgn Cube - FULL KITS available!

An Aliexpress store named Blurolls has started offering BLV mgn Cube full kits for sale:

I personally bought a kit and found it's actually very good and recommended!

the best thing is that genuine HIWIN rails (BEST!!!) included, along with many high-quality parts.

they are currently offering two options for the kits:

BLV mgn Cube - full kit with all the accessories including panels, Duet-Wifi 32bit board,
4.3" LCD, Led's, Panels, cables, screws, high-quality CNC machined bed, and more...
BLV mgn Cube - Lite kit with SKR board and all the needed parts without the
fancy stuff such as LEDs, panels...
BLV Metal kit - replace all your printed parts with Metal parts!!

Just to clarify: I am the seller, not selling anything, and certainly have no profit here.

Motion System

Rails

5 x Mgn12H Carriage + 400mm Rails (Use Frame calculator for other Z sizes)

Update: Thanks to Jerry.h now we have two good options for rails:

Set of cheaper rails for 17$ each (i bought it first).
Set of Hiwin rails which are the best rails that exist on earth or Single Hiwin rail
one of the biggest stores on Aliexpress is authorized Hiwin dealer and decided to
offer a full kit of Hiwin rails for 38$ each rail. in my area ii sold 80$ for one rail. if you can afford it - That's a steal! even E3D chose to use Hiwin rails with their builds. (Notice: Hiwin rails should be tested with a load on the carriage). Click here to watch a video of the HIWIN rails I made

Stepper Motors (Please ask them to give you a full D-cut shaft!)

2 x X/Y Stepper motor: 17HM19-2004S Nema17 0.9deg 46Ncm 2A
2 x Z stepper motors: 17HS19-2004S1 59Ncm 1.8deg 2A
1 x Extruder stepper motor: 17HS16-2004S1 Nema17 45Ncm 1.8deg 2A
2 x GT2 Pulley 16 Teeth 5mm bore / excellent GT2 pully 16 Teeth (for X/Y steppers)

Where to get the Steppers kit

LDO Motor Kit for BLV mgn Cube 3D printer - One of the Best steppers I have personally tested. Much more cooler, excellent torque, and superb cost-efficiency ratio. recommended!
Moon motors kit for BLV project - high-quality steppers
stepper kit for BLV mgn Cube - stepperonline store - not tested yet
Stepper motors kit from Blurolls store
Note: ask for a full D-cut! or shave X/Y stepper's shaft with a Dremel/file (2 min work).

Belts system (check assembly section):

24 X F623 ZZ Flange Ball Bearings - number 2 or 3 option
I recommend flipping the belts at the rear (check the belt system image), please do not use the geared GT2 16T.
note: There is an Amazon seller who sells low-quality 623zz for triple the price!. his bearings are loose and it will ruin your printing experience.

Belts & Threaded rods

Main Electronics

1 x DuetWifi 32bit mainboard - The best board available for your 3d printer
1 x PanelDue 5" screen (not the "5i") OR save 80$ and use your phone/Tablet !
1 x Mini differential IR Auto leveling sensor / Mini differential IR height sensor
1 x Power Supply DC 24V 20A/30A - i use it / Meanwell PSU 24V 450W
2 x 3-Pin endstop switch KW11-3Z / Omron high-quality endstop switches
1 x Heat Insulation 300mm for the bed
3 x NeoPixel Ring 16 LEDs WS2812 Module
1 x 5M Silicone Wire Flexible 14AWG Stranded Copper Cables black\red
1 x 22 AWG wire 4\5 wires 5m
1 x 16mm Momentary switch with led 110V/220V (wall voltage)- power icon
2 x 16mm Momentary/locking latching switch with led 12/24V - optional
3 x best 4010 24V-2Pin DB Bearing OR Cheap fan 24V add 4 for small air Scrubber.
1 x 5015 Blower fan 24V ball bearings - 24V-2Pin DB Bearing
2 x 4010 blower fans (dual ball bearings) 24v - only for the new twin blower shield
1 x 24V to 12V 15A Step Down Converter(only if you got Anet E12 bed)
2 x 120mm fan 24V ball bearings 3000RPM (for the bigger Air Scrubber
Note: Choose your PSU according to your specs

Hotend options - 4 options:

Note: For Triangelab hotend change the M305 raw in config.g file
to this: "M305 P1 T100000 B4725 C0.0000000706 R4700"
more info about it under the "Additional Notes" section on this page.

Hotend optional upgrades:

Heated bed system, choose one of the 2 choices:

Note: For those that prefer Duet clone:

Additional Mechanics

Screws

note: Usually a large quantity of screws is sold in bulk so I rounded the quantities.

300 x M5 10mm Button Head Socket Cap Screw (buy at least 300~350)
2 x M5 16mm Button Head Socket Cap Screw
4 x M5 35mm Button Head Socket Cap Screw
200 x M5 washers
4 x M4 40mm Flat Head Machine Screw - only using CR-10 24V bed
2 x M4 30mm Hexagon head
78 x M3 8mm Socket Head Cap Screw (buy at least 100)
4 x M3 40mm Flat Head Machine Screw - only if using Anet E12 12V bed
2 x M3 50mm Socket Head Cap Screw
13 x M3 35mm Socket Head Cap Screw
2 x M3 30mm Socket Head Cap Screw
1 x M3 16mm Socket Head Cap Screw
5 x M3 16mm Socket Head Cap Screw - Only if NOT using Block cover
8 x M3 18mm Socket Head Cap Screw - Only if using the Block cover
3 x M3 25mm Phillips round head
1 x M3 22mm Phillips round head
4 x M3 40mm Socket Head Cap Screw
11 x M3 14mm Phillips round head
2 x M3 18mm Phillips round head
3 x M3 25mm Socket Head Cap Screw
2 x M3 10mm Socket Head Cap Screw
8 x M3 22mm Socket Head Cap Screw
8 x M3 12mm Socket Head Cap Screw
4 x M2.5 12mm Flat Head Machine Screw
283 x M5 T-nut (buy at least 300)
2 x M4 Nut
40 x M3 T-nut
62 x M3 0.5mm Washer (put 2pcs of 0.5mm or one of 1mm washer) (buy at least 100)
26 x M3 Nut (buy at least 50)
16 x M3 Nyloc

Useful Links

Optional & More

easy fast wires connectors
1M Corrugated tube
optional: Mayitr Black Wrap Braided Cable Sleeve Wear Resistant like Prusa
solid state relay SSR-25DA to turn ON the printer with button
SSR Heatsink
optional: DC step-down module LM2596 (if you are going to use 12V fans/ Led strip)
5M LED strip 5050 60leds/m 44key waterproof
Wago Compact Wiring Connector
activated carbon filter (for the bigger air scrubber)
500pcs replacement 3/32'' G10 Hardened Precision Steel balls for mgn12H rails
100K NTC 3950 Thermistors (replacement if broken)
Hepa Filter for ilife vacuum robots for the smaller air scrubber
Hepa Filter for eufy robovac 11c for the bigger air scrubber
Soundproofing Foam Acoustic Sound Absorption Tile
Brass brush for Hotend cleaner

Filaments I used

Walls & Enclosure

How I created the walls / semi-enclosure?

Well, it's cheap and very easy..

You can choose one of those options:

4mm Cardboard sheets (cheap)
KAPA foam boards (cheap)
aluminum composite panel
4mm Plywood sheets

Then apply this adorable Carbon Fiber Vinyl on the board.
you can use M3/M5 screws to secure the board to the panels.

Tools

MUST have: 90 Degree Corner Clamps if you want good printing results.
Cable Cutter
SN-28B Dupont Crimping Tool
Tapping Kit M3,M4,M5,M6 - mainly for the corners holes
PTFE Tube Cutter
Set Wire Copper Terminal
10 pairs JST Plug Male to Female Wire Connector for Dupont wires.
dehumidifier (moisture absorb) for your dry box The best i have tested in my dry box.
Stainless Steel Digital Caliper
Set Dupont Wire Jumper Pin Header Connector Housing Kit Male
Cable Organizer
TS100 Soldering iron (my favorite)
Belt Tension Meter/gauge - 3d Printed tool

BOM

All the parts were designed to be easily printed and most of them would not require support. in order to make it more convenient I added two tools that can help you decide how to print the parts:

1. Print Orientation guide - The image below visualize exactly how you should place all the parts on the build plate. Some of the parts will require support such as the Tensioner idler holder, so pay attention before hitting the start print button. you may notice that on some of the parts has text such as X90, Y-90.. its the rotation value in order to set the part on the build plate correctly.
PDF fils/Images - down below you will find a few sketches of the main components. Each part has his name on with the recommended infill percentage and material to print with.

Common print settings:
Personally, I would recommend printing all the parts with PETG, especially with parts located in hot areas (heated bed, hotend..).
Using at least:
5 or more walls/outer parameters
5 or more top/bottom layers
and the recommended infill/material suggested below.

WHAT & HOW

TO PRINT

What & How to print

Assembly Instructions

All the parts were designed to be easily printed and most of them would not require support. in order to make it more convenient I added two tools that can help you decide how to print the parts:

1. Print Orientation guide - The image below visualize exactly how you should place all the parts on the build plate. Some of the parts will require support such as the Tensioner idler holder, so pay attention before hitting the start print button. you may notice that on some of the parts has text such as X90, Y-90.. its the rotation value in order to set the part on the build plate correctly.
PDF fils/Images - down below you will find a few sketches of the main components. Each part has his name on with the recommended infill percentage and material to print with.

Common print settings:
Personally, I would recommend printing all the parts with PETG, especially with parts located in hot areas (heated bed, hotend..).
Using at least:
5 or more walls/outer parameters
5 or more top/bottom layers
and the recommended infill/material suggested below.

ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS