IDEX Conversion for CreatBot F430

Warning

Extensive electrical and software modifications are required in addition to these mechanical changes.

CreatBot F430 IDEX

Upgrade your CreatBot F430 to an IDEX printer compatible with more modern toolheads.

The x-axis geometry is based on the geometry used in Voron printers, making most toolheads compatible with minimal modifications.

Make sure you print these parts in a material that can withstand the high temperatures inside the printer chamber. I have had success with performance ABS but ultimately chose to have these parts SLS printed in a high temperature nylon.

Parts List

| Qty | Description | | --- | --- | | 1 | 20mm T-Slot (or V-Slot) Extrusion, 590mm Long | | 1 | MGN12 Linear Rail, 550mm Long | | 2 | MGN12H Carriages | | 2 | NEMA17 Stepper Motor | | 2 | GT2 Pulley 20t, 6mm Wd | | 24 | F623 Bearing | | 4 | M5 BHCS x 10mm | | 2 | M5 BHCS x 12mm | | 8 | M3 BHCS x 6mm | | 4 | M3 BHCS x 8mm | | 4 | M3 BHCS x 10mm | | 10 | M3 BHCS x 12mm | | 8 | M3 BHCS x 22mm | | 8 | M3 BHCS x 30mm | | 2 | M5 Hex Nut | | 18 | M3 Heat Set Inserts (Voron Style, 5mm OD x 4mm HT) |

This parts list does not include any parts for the x-axis carriages or toolheads. Additional components are required depending on the toolheads you choose.

Electrical

The F430 ribbon cable breakout boards will need to be removed and new cables will have to be made for the toolheads. Toolhead boards like the BigTreeTech EBB can help make this easier if you're using Klipper.

For the additional x-axis motor, the F430 motherboard should have an unused stepper driver. The unused axis may be populated with a voltage regulator for a cooling fan that will have to be removed. I opted to replace the cooling fan with a 24V fan and wire it directly to the motherboard power.

Software

Obviously the original firmware does not support the new x-axis stepper driver, so it will need to be updated. Firmware can be modified from the original CreatBot F430 firmware found here: https://github.com/kForth/Marlin/tree/Creatbot-v6.1

I have converted my F430 to use Klipper and a BTT Octopus Pro, so I don't have firmware ready to go for the original motherboard. Reach out and I'd be happy to help you with the modifications to Marlin, or to upgrade to Klipper.

Category: 3D Printer Parts