CNC 3020 Pro Max

Warning: This page is still work in progress, please contact Yichen Zhang (Spacezhang) or Phier on Slack if more information are needed.

Warning: Beware of the dangers of CNC machines! Use at your own risk and only if you know what exactly you are doing! To use this machine the "CNC beginner training" workshop is mandatory!

   

CNC 3020 Pro Max Release status: experimental [box doku]
Description	Milling/Engraving Machine
Author(s)	Yichen Zhang (Spacezhang)

General Introduction

A small but full-featured cnc running GRBL donated to the lab for use, brought to you and maintained by Yichen.

What is the CNC 3020 Pro Max V2?

The CNC 3020 Pro Max V2 is a generic engraving machine. This machine can be used to cut anything from wood to aluminium and is very good for getting started and learn how to use a CNC machine and how It works.

Course Material

Presentation:

• https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NS1xfhTIXEuVdcnjwpMWEHYqScKhUuR0/edit#slide=id.p1

Handout: TBD

Basics and Tutorials

Here are some excellent resources to begin your journey with the machine. It's highly recommended to explore them if you can.

General CNC Basics

• CNC Dummies For Routers , A humorous introduction to the absolute basic concept of CNC Machining by This Old Tony
• Beginners Guide to CNC Bits - Including Speeds and Feeds from James Dean Designs
• Beginners guide to desktop CNC software from James Dean Designs

Machine Specific Introduction & Review

• Genmitsu 3020-PRO MAX V2 CNC Router Review from Doresoom Tool Reviews
• Sainsmart Genmitsu 3018 Pro review and tutorial from Teaching Tech

Guides & Tutorials

• Intro to Carbide Create and Making Gcode by Carbide Create

Advanced Guides

Using the machine with Fusion360:

• 3018 CNC/PRO - New (updated) beginner's step by step guide

This is where I started, although it is for the CNC 3018 the procedure is the same, the CNC 3020 is just a slighly bigger, more safe and more beefed up version of the CNC 3018.

Software Setup & Introduction

Software

Working windows software bundle for controlling the machine and for PCB Milling: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bQ-ewmTWgRL_v9L2HsZoTOGtxflSw3Ma?usp=sharing

This is Preferred if you are using Windows as we can guarantee it works. Windows Driver also Included

CAM Options

Name	Details	Link
Carbide Create V6	Software for 2D Routing Free, Tested, Recommended, WIN/MAC Use version V6 as later version requires subscription)	https://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/download6
Openbuilds opencam	Free, Tested, Web-Based or Local, WIN/MAC/LINUX	https://cam.openbuilds.com/
Fusion 360 CAM	For proper 3D Routing Free*, Tested, Recommended More advanced and requires more time to learn, but very powerful and is a requirement for the big CNC	https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal

others

• https://grid.space/kiri/ A new web based free 3D CAM option! Kiri:Moto (Still TBT)

Tutorial coming soon, till then please search on youtube or ask for instructions on slack

Some Gcode Sender options

Control via your computer

To control the machine like positioning and execution of the instructions, it is required to run specific software and connect to the machine via USB - which provides a serial connection. It might be required to manually install a driver in order to use the serial connection.

Search for a driver called CH340 or CH341 provided by manufacturer WCH. The instructions provided by Sparkfun might be helpful [1]

For Windows users, the GRBL Candle software is a good choice for controlling and sending GCode to the machines. It is technically also usable on linux and mac, but it is untested.

For Mac's which are newer, GRBL Candel might not work due to some newer mac features. Instead, the universalgcodesender or the openbuilds Gcode Sender could be used.

Name	Details	Link
universal gcode sender	Free, Open Source, WIN/MAC/LINUX (Tested with Mac)	https://universalgcodesender.com/download/
bCNC	Free, Open Source, WIN/MAC/LINUX	https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC
Openbuilds Control	Free, Open Source, WIN/MAC/LINUX	https://software.openbuilds.com/

alternative option

There is also a offline Gcode Sender avaliable for use where Gcode can be loaded onto the SD Card and send to the machine.

Instructions for different materials

Wood Engraving / Milling

[Detail comming soon]

PCB Engraving

[Detail comming soon]

Acrylic Engraving / Milling

[Detail comming soon]

Test Gcode

[Detail comming soon]

Maintanence

[Detail comming soon]

Material settings

• For now, please use the rough estimate till we figure the value out for each bit!
• 3.175mm Bits:
  • MDF & Softwood: 3.175mm single flute no nore then 400mm/min, 2mm single flute no more then 300 mm/min, double flute double the Feedrate
  • Acrylic: 3.175mm single flute no nore then 300mm/min, 2mm single flute no more then 200 mm/min, double flute double the Feedrate
  • Aluminium: 2mm double flute 20mm / min, plundge rate 20mm / min(More testing need to be done)

Spindle speed: 10000 (Not actually at this speed, but for controller)
Plundge rate: 200mm / min to 400 mm / min Pass depth: half the bit cutting size

• Engraving Acrylic: Use 25deg Vbit spiral cutter,
  • Feedrate: 300/min, Plundge rate: 200mm/min, cutting depth: 0.3mm

Soft Wood (MDF, Plywood, Fir, spruce and pine etc.)

Work in progress. Comming Soon (Targeting June 2024)

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Hard Wood (oak, maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany, ash etc.)

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Soft Plastics (PE, PVC, PU etc.)

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Hard Plastics (PET, PP, ABS, POM etc.)

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Acrylic (Also known as Plexiglass)

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Aluminium

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Brass

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Copper

Bit Type	Number of Flute	Shank Diameter	Cutting Diameter	Recommended Feed Rate	Recommended Plundge Rate	Recommended Depth of Cut	Example Bit Name
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example
Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example	Example

Acceptable work piece materials

Engrave/ Cut

• MDF / HDF
• Softwood, Hardwood, Plywood
• Acrylic
• PCB
• Aluminium, Brass & More

Technical Documentations

The Machine:

• https://www.sainsmart.com/products/3020-pro-max-v2

Spindle currently in use:

• https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09VK9DQNY

Official Resource Page from Saintsmart:

• https://docs.sainsmart.com/article/3batun0e7p-3020-pro-max-v-2

Specifications

Mechanical Specifications

• Type: Milling / Engraving machine
• Machine dimensions: 484 x 394 x 388mm (19.04” x 15.49” x 15.28”)
• Working area: 300 x 205 x 78 mm (11.81″ x 8.07″ x 3.07″)
• Max Speed: 2000mm / min
• Frame: Extruded Aluminum, All Metal
• Motion: NEMA 17, 47mm Stepper motors
• Stepper Driver: TB67S109
• Power Supply: 48V 8.3A
• Running / Reposition Accuracy: <= +- 0.1mm
• Materials: Woods, Plastics, PVCs, soft aluminum (6061), Nylon, Acrylic, PCBs

Spindle

• Motor: 300W 52MM DC 12-48V CNC Spindel Air cooled 12000U/min
• Cooling Fan: Internal
• Overall Size: ‎20,5 x 6,8 x 6,8 cm; 867 Gramm
• Collets: ER 11
• Actual measured Spindle Speed (Without Load): 13500 U/min

Speedcurve between set speed (0 to 10000 in Candle) and actual measured speed

Routing Bits

• Currently mostly 3.175 mm (1/8 Inch) Bits Available
• V Bits 20 / 30 / 40 / 60 degree
• Multifunctional cutting bits 0.8 – 3.175 mm
• Single flute upward cutting bits 3.175mm, 2mm
• 3.175mm Ball end double flute bits
• More are comming

Controll Board

• Genmitsu custome control board
• Running GRBL 1.1f ARM32
• Interface Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
• Height Probe, Hand Wheel & Air control connection
• Up to 4A Laser connection avaliable

Current GRBL Settings

$0=10 (step pulse,usec)
$1=25 (step idle delay,msec)
$2=0 (stepport invert mask)
$3=2 (dirport invert mask)
$4=0 (stepenable invert,bool)
$5=1 (lims pin invert,bool)
$6=1 (probe pin invert,bool)
$10=1 (status report mask)
$11=0.010 (junction deviation)
$12=0.002 (arc tolerance,mm)
$13=0 (report inches,bool)
$20=0 (soft limits,bool)
$21=1 (hard limits,bool)
$22=1 (home cycle,bool)
$23=3 (homing dir invert mask)
$24=100.000 (homing feed,mm/min)
$25=500.000 (homing seek,mm/min)
$26=250 (homing debounce,msec)
$27=2.000 (homing pull-off,mm)
$30=10000 (maximum spindle speed,rpm)
$31=0 (minimum spindle speed,rpm)
$32=0 (laser mode enable,bool)
$100=800.000 (x axis pulse:step/mm)
$101=800.000 (y axis pulse:step/mm)
$102=800.000 (z axis pulse:step/mm)
$110=2000.000 (x axis max rata:mm/min)
$111=2000.000 (y axis max rata:mm/min)
$112=2000.000 (z axis max rata:mm/min)
$120=50.000 (x axis acceleration:mm/s^2)
$121=50.000 (y axis acceleration:mm/s^2)
$122=50.000 (z axis acceleration:mm/s^2)
$130=300.000 (x aixs max travel:mm)
$131=200.000 (y aixs max travel:mm)
$132=80.000 (z aixs max travel:mm)
ok

Change Log

Note: Aiming for Middle 2024 to finish the documentation. Till that time, if you have any questions in regards of this machine, please contact @spacezhang on slack.

• 16.11.2023: Machine has been assembles and brought to the lab.
• 11.12.2023: Wiki Page has been created
• 27.12.2023: New Spindle Arrived, runout improved from 0.11 to 0.03, Spindle Speed manually measured
• 25.01.2024: New Eurobox container has arrived and the machine is now on the bottom shelve in the workshop! (As discussed in Plenum)

<\br> Also: We have more new bits for use!

Feedback and suggestions

If you have any feedback, request or suggestions in regard to this project and wiki page, please feel free to contach me or simply edit this section of wiki.