<p>Were I to build a frame now, I might use 1" square steel tubing members, welded together.  You could also use aluminum, but for the same cross-section, the steel will be stronger.  It is also easier to weld.  If welding is not available, you are limited to shapes which can be bolted together.  This is not impossible, but it requires more thoughtful design.</p>

<p>For the guides for moving or sliding elements, stainless steel drill rod is good.  Because it is round, it doesn't constrain rotating motion, so you might need two drill rods, spaced as far apart as your design allows.  The twisting force will be harder to manage with rods than it would be with a solid element.  If the parts are moving during printing, you could consider stainless steel tube or aluminum rod to keep down the weight.</p>

<p>If you have the machining ability, instead of rods you could use a T cross-section (<a href="https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=1803&amp;step=2&amp;top_cat=1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">steel</a> or <a href="https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=12974&amp;step=4&amp;showunits=inches&amp;id=235&amp;top_cat=60" rel="nofollow noreferrer">aluminum</a>) with wheels rolling on the two outside elements of the T.  Machine is likely needed to adjust the profile of the edge to more closely match the wheels (which could be /V\ shaped), and to make the separation be accurate enough that you wouldn't need a spring element to clamp to the T.</p>

<p>There are many materials and forms that could work.  You are limited only by your fabrication ability and access to materials.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-03-27T20:53:47.550Z
2018-03-27T20:53:47.550Z
cmm
<p>I am building a 3d Printer here:</p>

<ul>
<li>Build Volume: X:300mm, Y:300mm, Z:400mm</li>
<li>Mechanism: 1 motor, 2 leadscrew, 4 rod Z-axis; CoreXY head movement</li>
<li>Belt: GT2 6mm Steel Core</li>
<li>Pulley &amp; Idler: 20T 6mm, Bore 5mm</li>
<li>Extruder: E3D Titan, Pancake NEMA 17</li>
<li>Hotend: E3D V6</li>
<li>Motors: XYZ: 0.9deg NEMA 17 34mm</li>
<li>Electronics: Mega2560 + RAMPS 1.4, TMC2100, Opto-endstops min &amp; max</li>
<li>Electrical: SSR, Silicone Heat-mat 600W 300x300mm</li>
<li>Bed: 3-point aluminium</li>
</ul>

<p>Problem is, I can't get V-slots or T-slots easily where I live.
I can get Steel Rods or Seamless pipes, and Bearings &amp; Drylin bushings.</p>

<p>What aluminium profiles can I use to construct a rigid frame and accurate movement?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-12-14T12:30:20.963Z
You want stability, not only in regard to compression and tension, but also bending and torsion (and shear and fatigue). There is a good reason why more expensive and/or precise printers use the structural members they do. The profile is at least as important as the material. If you're serious about your build, invest in good structural angle stock - although t-slot like [80/20](https://8020.net) is easier to use. We used 80/20 for our prototypes before designing custom extrusions.
Davo
<diy-3d-printer><printer-building>
What else can I use for a 3D Printer frame?
RishabhX3576
# What else can I use for a 3D Printer frame?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-12-11)

I am building a 3d Printer here:

* Build Volume: X:300mm, Y:300mm, Z:400mm
* Mechanism: 1 motor, 2 leadscrew, 4 rod Z-axis; CoreXY head movement
* Belt: GT2 6mm Steel Core
* Pulley & Idler: 20T 6mm, Bore 5mm
* Extruder: E3D Titan, Pancake NEMA 17
* Hotend: E3D V6
* Motors: XYZ: 0.9deg NEMA 17 34mm
* Electronics: Mega2560 + RAMPS 1.4, TMC2100, Opto-endstops min & max
* Electrical: SSR, Silicone Heat-mat 600W 300x300mm
* Bed: 3-point aluminium

Problem is, I can't get V-slots or T-slots easily where I live.
I can get Steel Rods or Seamless pipes, and Bearings & Drylin bushings.

What aluminium profiles can I use to construct a rigid frame and accurate movement?

**Tags:** diy-3d-printer, printer-building

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: You want stability, not only in regard to compression and tension, but also bending and torsion (and shear and fatigue). There is a good reason why more expensive and/or precise printers use the structural members they do. The profile is at least as important as the material. If you're serious about your build, invest in good structural angle stock - although t-slot like [80/20](https://8020.net) is easier to use. We used 80/20 for our prototypes before designing custom extrusions.  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-03-27. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

Were I to build a frame now, I might use 1" square steel tubing members, welded together. You could also use aluminum, but for the same cross-section, the steel will be stronger. It is also easier to weld. If welding is not available, you are limited to shapes which can be bolted together. This is not impossible, but it requires more thoughtful design.

For the guides for moving or sliding elements, stainless steel drill rod is good. Because it is round, it doesn't constrain rotating motion, so you might need two drill rods, spaced as far apart as your design allows. The twisting force will be harder to manage with rods than it would be with a solid element. If the parts are moving during printing, you could consider stainless steel tube or aluminum rod to keep down the weight.

If you have the machining ability, instead of rods you could use a T cross-section ([steel](https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=1803&step=2&top_cat=1) or [aluminum](https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=12974&step=4&showunits=inches&id=235&top_cat=60)) with wheels rolling on the two outside elements of the T. Machine is likely needed to adjust the profile of the edge to more closely match the wheels (which could be /V\ shaped), and to make the separation be accurate enough that you wouldn't need a spring element to clamp to the T.

There are many materials and forms that could work. You are limited only by your fabrication ability and access to materials.


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