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whiteAnt 3D Plastic Printer/CNC Machine - Build Objects of 160mm x 190mm x 125mm

whiteAnt 3D Plastic Printer/CNC Machine - Build Objects of 160mm x 190mm x 125mm

Note: The whiteAnt is being discontinued in January 2016 to make room for our newer 3D printer, the blackAnt. The whiteAnt page will remain here as a resource for those who own it and we will still provide support for it.

Here is your chance to build a machine that can form 3D plastic models that builds objects up to 160mm x 190mm x 125mm, literally from the bottom-up.

Traditionally called an FDM machine (Fused Deposition Modeling), the whiteAnt will create 3D models by "depositing" extruded plastic from a nozzle, "fusing" the plastic, layer-by-layer, starting from the bottom of the model to the top. Change the form factor of the machine, by lowering the frame, inserting a Dremel, and you have a mini-CNC milling machine.

The easiest way to get started is to buy the book!! For those that did purchase the book, the plans are here. The book guides you through the entire process of building this machine from scratch. Moreover, and the most exciting part of this book, is that it will help you master the electronics wiring (Gen 4) and software setup (ReplicatorG) for all of these types of machines (including the makerbot). You will dog-ear the heck out of this book!

The current kit provides hardware, structural components, motors, and mechanical components. The travel for each axis is: X-160mm, Y-190mm and Z-125mm.

What the three (3) kits include:

Base Kit:

  • All hardware to assemble the kit
  • All mechanical components (drive pulleys, bearings, lead screw, anti-backlash Nut, etc.)
  • 4 NEMA 23 Stepping Motors (1 for the Extruder and 1 motor for each axis)
  • Structural components
  • Rails

Gen4 Bundle:

  • One (1) Main board
  • Four (4) stepping motor drivers
  • Three (3) end stops (with cabling from end stop to main board)
  • One (1) extruder controller

Complete Kit

  • Everything the Base Kit
  • Everything from the Gen4 Bundle
  • One (1) Arduino Mega 2560
  • One (1) 3D Printer Extruder
  • One (1) 12 volt Power Supply for use with 3D Printers

Below are the electronics that can be purchased separately.

3D Printer ExtruderArduino Mega 2560

Book Resources

whiteAnt Original Plans


STL file for the model in the banner image.Plastic whiteAnt logo3.stl

Configuration file with configurations related to the mechanics of the machine:whiteAnt xml (configuration) file for use with generation 4 electronics

Resources for whiteAnt specific machine skeinforge profiles:whiteAnt skeinforge resources (whiteAnt_skeinforge.zip)

View full details

Instructions

1
Step 1
The video is a demo of the machine working. The machine is creating a model of Thom York that can be found on Thingyverse.com (Ting number 1218).
2
Step 2
Assembly Instructions (for kit): The following videos are provided as the guides to assemble the whiteAnt 3D Printer. The book can be used as an alternative to these videos for the purposes to assemble the kit; however, these videos pertain only to the kit and not to a scratch built machine. The book is the only guide to scratch build this machine. 1. Z-axis Motor Mount:
3
Step 3
2. Dremel Mounts (for CNC):
4
Step 4
3. Extruder Hinge:
5
Step 5
4. Z-axis:
6
Step 6
5. Z-axis:
7
Step 7
6. Z/Y Plate Assembly:
8
Step 8
7. X-axis:
9
Step 9
9. X-axis:
10
Step 10
10. Y-Axis:
11
Step 11
11. Hot End (Gen 4):
12
Step 12
12. Gen 4 Electronics:
13
Step 13
13. Gen 4 Electronics:
14
Step 14
14. Gen 4 Electronics:
15
Step 15
15. Gen 4 Electronics:
16
Step 16
16. Gen 4 Power Supply:
17
Step 17
17. Limit Switches:
18
Step 18
18. Software:
19
Step 19
19. Software:
20
Step 20

Questions & Answers

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  • CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME HELP OR POINT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO INCORPORATE MK 7 EXTRUDER WITH BOOK PLANS FOR 3D PRINTER?

    Mounting the extruder to the whiteAnt can be done a couple of ways. One is to take the 4 mounting holes located at the lower portion of the z-axis rail support and use long screws protruding out. Take a thinner material and drill the four holes matching the locations of the 4 screws and screw on nuts to hold it in place. The other option would be to use the metal bracket and fasten to the edge of the rail support.

  • I purchased the driver boards and MB shield for the White Ant. None of the headers are labeled. Is there a diagram showing which headers is for which axis? Is there also a diagram showing which pin on the driver is ABCD? I have watched the vids and the boards in them do not match what was sent to me.

    The axis and connection information for the 3D Printer Main Board can be found here in the instructions below the product information. https://www.buildyourcnc.com/item/3D-Printer-Component-electronicsAndMotors-3d-printer-mainboard-FDMElectronics-3dprintermainboard

  • I ordered a WhiteAnt on Dec 5 (saturday). I have never received an order acknowledgement nor a shipping date, but my credit card has been charged. I don't think that is usual. Can you provide an update, please?

    Once your place an order you should receive an confirmation email automatically. If you did not receive it please check if you entered your email address correctly or if it may have gone to a junk/spam folder. Generally with certain items we specify a lead time and once orders are ready to ship you will be automatically notified with an shipment notification email, assuming your email address was correctly entered. If you have any questions pertaining to orders please contact sales@buildyourcnc.com

  • I currently have my whiteant build complete. But when I go to print the 20mm x 20mm box I seem to be having issues. The Z axis does not seem to move. Also the X axis hits the limit and does not move of of it. What is the best way to trouble shoot this issue?

    When you press the x-axis limit switch, does the LED emit light?

  • I am having difficulty with the wiring on the White Ant. The latest electronics that I received don't seem to be anything like the book or even the tutorials. For instance, the three stepper drivers need 6 pin connectors and ribbon cable. How are they wired? There was no thermocouple wire included. Thanks,

    The whiteAnt is no longer sold; the information on the website is to support legacy customers. We have spoken with you and are sending the materials that you need.

  • How do I connect a heated bed to the whiteant

    Connecting a heater bed to the whiteAnt is currently unavailable with our current version electronics, as we have tried to get around that issue here! We do not have the available slot for another thermocouple, so reading the temperature will not be possible for the heater bed. Also doubling the heater bed and extruder is not recommended, in which our current electronics will not be able to work with the additional heater bed.

  • Hola, me interesa comprar un juego de Spindle y su controlador. La pregunta es �Si tienen env�os para M�xico?

    Yes, we can send shipments to Mexico.

  • Hi, wanted to know if the whiteAnt can produce PCBs? If so, wich is the precision?

    It is best to use a subtractive fabrication method, or a chemical method to product pcbs. The subtractive method generally requires the use of a CNC router with a pcb isolation routing end mill that generally has a very sharp point to remove the copper material. The chemically etching method is where an acid is used (ferric chloride, or another acid) to dissolve copper where needed. If there is a method where a highly conductive material, mixed with a plastic that maintains a conductive property after the mix, and can use the standard deposition extruder, then the whiteAnt will be able to make PCBs.

  • Have you heard of the requirement to cut the Reset Enable trace on the Aruduino Mega for a Makerbot Thing-o-matic? Does this apply to the whiteAnt 3d printer? The trace on my Arduino board is definitely connected and I am experiencing issues with connectivity. Please advise.

    I have not hear of this. This cold be an issue with using later firmware, but I have not come across having to cut the trace for the reset enable on the Arduino board.

  • HAVE 3D PRINTER THAT WANT TO MAKE CNC ROUTER ,IS THERE ANY GUIDES SHOW ME THE WAY

    What 3d printer do you have? Additional Information: whiteant

  • filament size for white ant

    The filament size for the whiteAnt's nozzle and extruder is 1.75 mm diameter.