FxTrip's Ender 3
| FxTrip's Ender 3 Print/Laser/EDM | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Owner | Fxtrip |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Status | In Progress |
| Started On | February 2025 |
| Cost | TBD |
Overview
My Ender 3 is a heavily modified original V1 model, upgraded for high-speed, high-quality printing with modular capabilities in mind. It’s equipped with a BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0 mainboard, which offers quiet TMC2209 stepper drivers and Klipper compatibility thanks to its 32-bit architecture. I’ve replaced the stock extruder with a Sprite Pro direct-drive system, enabling better control over flexible filaments and high-temperature materials. The printer is controlled via a Raspberry Pi 4 running Klipper, Moonraker, Mainsail (for the web interface), and KlipperScreen, which outputs to a BIGTREETECH PITFT50 V2.1 5" touchscreen for local access.
My setup is optimized for manual tuning first—focusing on filament flow rate and pressure advance—before implementing accelerometer-based input shaping. The long-term goal is to rival the speed and quality of printers like the Bambu A1 Mini while maintaining full control over the system. I’m also developing a modular quick-change toolhead system that allows me to swap between the 3D print head, a small CNC spindle for aluminum machining, a Rack Robotics EDM head, and a laser engraver. Each toolhead will have dedicated connectors for clean, tool-specific wiring. The frame is stabilized with a foam base and weighted platform to reduce vibration during fast movements, further improving print consistency.
Features
🔧 Mechanical & Frame Upgrades
✅ Replaced all motion axes (X, Y, Z) with linear rails for smoother, more precise movement
✅ Added frame supports/bracing to reduce wobble and improve stability during high-speed printing
✅ Mounted printer on foam base with heavy paver for vibration damping
✅ Reinforced gantry and frame alignment for better long-term dimensional accuracy
🛠️ Electronics & Wiring
✅ Replaced stock mainboard with BIGTREETECH SKR Mini E3 V3.0
32-bit board with TMC2209 silent stepper drivers
Supports UART mode for advanced motor control and sensorless homing
✅ Completely rewired the board to support modular toolheads with clean routing
✅ Added labeled connectors for tool swapping (extruder, CNC, EDM, laser, etc.)
✅ Integrated Raspberry Pi 4 for headless control and local processing
✅ Installed BIGTREETECH PITFT50 V2.1 (5") display running KlipperScreen for local touchscreen control
📦 Firmware & Software Stack
✅ Flashed firmware to Klipper for higher precision and faster print speeds
✅ Installed and configured:
Moonraker (API + printer status layer)
Mainsail (web-based UI for remote access)
KlipperScreen (for the PITFT50 touchscreen)
✅ Manual tuning of:
Filament flow rate
Pressure advance
🔜 Plan to add an accelerometer for input shaping and resonance compensation
🧰 Toolhead & Multi-Mod Functionality (Planned)
🔁 Developing a manual quick-change system to swap between:
3D print head (Sprite Pro)
Small CNC spindle (for light aluminum work)
Rack Robotics EDM head
Laser engraver
✅ Designed system with separate cable connectors per toolhead for clean transitions
🔧 Planning firmware macros and config swapping per tool using Klipper’s flexible config system