Genmitsu 3018 Pro Z Limit Switches

Genmitsu 3018 Pro Z Limit Switches

Note: This is just one of many easy enhancements I have posted for the Genmitsu 3018 Pro CNC Router. None of my enhancements require any modifications to the stock hardware. Just bolt them on and go. If you look under my postings you'll see others including the Cable Chain, X,Y & Z Limit Switches, Vacuum Adapter, Cushion Feet, Clamping Set, E-Stop Mount and more.

Limit switches are not required but it does add some level of functionality that is nice to have. When the CNC moves the spindle in any direction it has no idea where the limits are. It will move and keep moving as directed until it smacks the wall. Then you hear the motors ratchet and try to go further but they can't. Limit switches allow the controller to know when an edge is hit. It can then use these to "Home" the spindle. That means it can move the X, Y and Z all to a starting position. Also then as you work the machine if it ventures out of the working table area a switch will let the controller know something is wrong and it will stop. All good things to have.

The Z axis limit switches consist of two 3D printed parts, The "Cable Chain Mount" is the same one that is in the Cable Chain files. Only one of these is needed. The other is the LimitZ file which is mounted to the Cable Chain Mount using four m3x8mm self tapping screws.

I 3D printed everything using PETG filament with 15% infill and no supports. It probably doesn't matter what filament is used but I find that PLA tends to melt and malform sometimes with temperatures and ABS can be a little brittle when trying to snap the chain links together.

Also I design everything in OpenSCAD which is a free CAD program. I have included all of the source files I made which you can modify as you'd like.

You can purchase the limit switches from Amazon. They are item B0B3DRXDRL. Be sure to get the right ones. There are two types, one has three wires (not the correct one), and the other has two wires. Even though the 2 wire says its for the 3018 ProVer you got to trust me - that's the one you want for the 3018 Pro. I am including a picture of my controller board here. You can see the 2 pin limit switch connectors along the bottom of the board. Please check to make sure your board is the same model as there are several of these.

Mounting consists of securing the switches to the arms using the screws and then secure the Z Limit bracket to the Cable Chain bracket with four screws.