Open-source development logs, printer builds, and 3D printing knowledge from NorthForge3D.
utting raw 2020 aluminum extrusion for a custom 3D printer frame, using dimensions extracted directly from the Voron Trident BOM. The focus here isn’t on showing the only way to do this, or the “best” tooling — it’s on producing consistent, square frame member
Understanding Voron Trident Frame Dimensions and Misumi Part Numbers Introduction: Yes, You Can Build a Printer Frame From Scratch If you’re building a Voron-style printer, you can build your own 3D printer frame from raw aluminum extrusion. In many builds, the frame shows up as a finished component — pre-cut, pre-drilled, and ready to assemble. […]
Most modern 3D printer frames rely on blind corner joints.They’re clean, compact, and very strong in static compression. From a pure strength standpoint, they’re rarely the limiting factor. But strength isn’t the same thing as stiffness. When you start pushing higher accelerations, heavier toolheads, and — in this case — two independent gantries, a different set of problems shows […]
As development continues on the NF3D Trident proof-of-concept, one question naturally comes up: Is a 48-volt motion system actually worth it?More specifically:Do TMC5160 Pro drivers running on a 48V rail provide meaningful real-world advantages over TMC2209 drivers on a 24V system? The short answer is yes, but the benefits are specific and the trade-offs are […]
A 0.9° extruder motor is most beneficial in printers built with precision in mind, where the extrusion system, motion system, and melt zone are all refined to a high standard.
When people talk about 3D printer performance, they usually focus on: But the truth is simple: None of that matters if your frame moves.A printer can only be as accurate as the structure it’s built on. This is especially true when you start pushing into high-end print speeds, IDEX systems, and dual-gantry motionlike we’re exploring with our Trident-based […]
Trident proof-of-concept is now underway. Tonight we began the CAD work for the redesigned frame stiffeners, a new skirt system, and a clean inverted electronics bay. These changes form the structural backbone of the dual-gantr
a dual-voltage motion system with 48V rails, powered by TMC5160 drivers on a BTT Octopus Pro H723 board. This isn’t a gimmick or an attempt to be “cutting-edge for the sake of it.” Other high-end modders and industrial machines have used 48V motion for years.
Tuning filament means calibrating your slicer + printer parameters so each spool flows, melts, and deposits material as cleanly and consistently as possible. The result: stronger, cleaner, more accurate prints — with fewer failed prints and far less wasted filament.
3D Printing – Where the Z Axis get Techinal. Trade-offs for ultra Precision. Why We Slowed It Down to Speed It Up In 3D printing, the Z axis is rarely the star of the show. People obsess over toolheads, hotends, belt paths, and accelerated motion on X/Y — all the flashy parts of a high-performance […]