
MDG CR-10 UPGRADE PROJECT
INTRODUCTION:
Hello, we are MAKERS DEVELOPMENT GROUP and this is our upgrade project designed specifically for the CR-10, CR-10 V2 and CR-10 V3 model 3D printers.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION NOTICE:
This page is under construction and will be updated on a frequent basis. Please check in regularly for the latest information.
Why upgrade the CR-10? What is the goal of this Project:
The goal of this project is to maximize the print reliability, print quality and print speed by upgrading the linear motion system on the X, Y and Z axis and eliminating issues associated with roller wheel wear and tensioning. Linear rails offer high rigidity, high precision and very low friction. There is a reason industrial grade high precision 3D printers use linear rails.
The MDG upgrades incorporate DUAL linear rails on the X, Y, and Z axis. DUAL linear rails offer exceptional rigidity, repeatability and are great for heated chambers. Additionally, CNC machined aluminum parts are used in areas that benefit from additional stiffness.
PROJECT SPECIFICATION & PERFORMANCE:
After completion of the MDG CR-10 project, your print speed will no longer be limited by the linear motion system, but rather be limited by the extruder. With the OEM CR-10V3 extruder we have seen under extrusion develop at around 220 to 240 mm/s. The print speeds below represent what is comfortably achievable.
CUSTOMER BUILDS & TESTIMONIALS:
At MDG we believe our upgrade kits are among the best, but don't just take our word for it. Take a look at some of our customer builds and feedback.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The MDG linear rail upgrades utilize both 3D printed and professional CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum parts that have been MIL-A-8625 type III hardcoat anodized. You have the option of downloading and 3D printing the FDM parts yourself and buying the CNC machined aluminum parts directly from MDG.
Below is an overview of each upgrade for converting your CR-10 V2 / CR-10 V3 in an MDG Edition.
DUAL X-AXIS LINEAR RAIL UPGRADE:
The MDG CR-10 DUAL X-Axis linear rail upgrade significantly increases the stiffness and weight carrying / load bearing capacity of the X-axis. The MDG dual X-axis linear rail upgrade features two (2) 400 mm linear rails secured to the MDG 400 MM Linear Rail Plate. The linear rail carriages are secured to the MDG CR-10 Tool base. The tool base has the GT2 timing belt clamp mounted to the back side while the MDG CR-10 V2 / V3 hotend mount is secured to the topside.
X-AXIS DUAL LINEAR RAIL PLATE
The MDG X-AXIS DUAL LINEAR RAIL PLATE, 400 MM, CR-10 is professionally CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and MIL-A-8625 Type III hardcoat anodized. Key features include CNC machine pockets for mounting and aligning the linear rails. These CNC machined pockets provide easy mounting and alignment of the MGNH linear rails and are machined to HIWIN specifications as outlined in their catalog. The MDG linear rail plate allows for two (2) types of Z-axis linear motion including roller wheels and MGNH linear rails. Allowing the use of roller wheels on the Z-axis can allow for a step-by-step upgrade approach to spread the project costs over time.
Even if you don’t have a CR-10, the MDG X-AXIS DUAL LINEAR RAIL PLATE, 400 MM can be used on any custom Cartesian motion 3D printer build that uses 2040 aluminum extrusion uprights that have an outside-edge to outside-edge dimension of 400mm.
MDG's tool base design allows for easy mounting of your extruder / hotend of choice. The MDG Tool base features ground and hardened locating pins and magnets make for quick and easy alignment when mounting a new extruder / hotend combo.
MDG has mounts available for:
e3D Hemera
e3D V6 - BMG
e3D V6 - TITAN
Slice Engineering Copperhead - BMG
Slice Engineering Copperhead - TITAN
Micro Swiss - TITAN
Phaetus Dragonfly BMO - BMG
Phaetus Dragonfly BMO - TITAN
Phaetus Dragonfly BMS - TITAN
OEM V3 Creality Hotend - TITAN
Mounts for the following are in the works:
Slice Engineering Mosquito
If your favorite is not listed above please contact us and make a request.
The MDG Hemera mount is for securing an E3D Hemera to the MDG CR-10 V2/V3 Tool base and features DUAL 5015 blowers for print cooling and an integrated BL Touch probe mount.


The MDG Copperhead mount is for securing an Slice Engineering Copperhead to the MDG CR-10 V2/V3 Tool base and features DUAL 5015 blowers for print cooling and an integrated BL Touch probe mount.



DUAL Y-Axis Linear Rail Upgrade with Solid Bed Spacers
The MDG DUAL-Y LINEAR RAIL KIT, CR-10 provides a dual linear rail Y-axis upgrade for the CR-10 V2 / CR-10 V3 3D printers. This upgrade features two (2) 450 mm MGNR12 style linear rails with four (4) H style linear rail carriages and the MDG DUAL-Y linear rail mount set.
The MDG DUAL-Y LINEAR RAIL MOUNT SET, CR-10 secures the OEM CR-10 V2 / V3 print bed plate to the linear rail carriages and is easy to install. Linear rail alignment can be easily accomplished by downloading and printing the MDG MGN12 Linear Rail 2040 Alignment Clamps. Since the MDG linear rail mounts are made of CNC machined aluminum they are prefect for printing inside an enclosure as they won’t deflect, deform or soften inside a heated chamber.
For the best 3D printing experience, we recommend using the MDG SOLID BED LEVEL SPACER SET in conjunction with a bed leveling probe such as the BL Touch.
DUAL Z-Axis Linear Rail Upgrade
The MDG DUAL-Z LINEAR RAIL KIT, CR-10 is for upgrading the CREALITY CR-10 V2 / CR-10 V3 with DUAL-Z linear rails. Dual linear rails on the Z-axis offer superior accuracy and precision.
The MDG Dual Z-axis linear rail upgrade features an upper and lower alignment block to ensure the rails are properly spaced and parallel. The lower alignment block also serves to true up perpendicularity of the Z-axis uprights. The Z rail carriages mount directly to the back of the MDG DUAL-X LINEAR PLATE, 400MM, CR-10.
COMPATIBILITY MATRIX:
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Below is a pdf copy of our MDG CR-10 Installation Instructions. This will provide a walk-through for installing MDG kits & components.
INSTALLATION & ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS
Below is a pdf copy of our MDG CR-10 Installation drawings. This will provide a walk-through for installing MDG kits & components.
MDG X-AXIS DUAL LINEAR RAIL KIT ASSEMBLY DRAWING
MDG DUAL-Y LINEAR RAIL KIT ASSEMBLY DRAWING
MDG DUAL-Z LINEAR RAIL KIT ASSEMBLY DRAWING
PREPERATION
Print two (2) MGN12-2040 installation tools in advance of any printer disassembly. This tool is helpful to properly align the Y-axis linear rails.
MDG - MGN12 2040 - Alignment Tool

BILL OF MATERIAL
STL FILES
Please visit the MDG github page for STL files, drawings, firmware and BOM's. This will be the main page for all the latest project files.
STL files can be downloaded on thingaverse by going here: MDG CR-10 V3 UPGRADE PROJECT - STL FILES
BUILD SUPPORT & COMMUNITY
Purchasers of MDG upgrade kits will be invited to our private users forum on Discord for direct access to MDG support, gain access to upgraded / optimized firmware, interaction with others in the MDG upgrade community, as well as access to the latest MDG news and developments.
OPTIONAL & RECOMMENDED ITEMS
Linear Rail Alignment Tools
Noga Dial Indicator Magnetic Base
MDG Recommended 3D Printer Filaments
3D Printing Accessories
USB 3.0 SD & Micro SD Card Reader