YouTuber Turns ABB Robot Arm Into Big 3D Printer

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January 12, 2026 Hardware 9889

YouTuber converts decommissioned ABB robot arm into large-format 3D printer

A decommissioned industrial robot arm can become the basis for a large-format 3D printing system. Brian Brocken has converted an ABB IRB6400, an industrial robot arm weighing around two tons, for this purpose. Depending on the configuration, the model can move 100 to 200 kilograms. In comparison, a 3D print head is hardly significant. Brocken uses a Creality Sprite unit as an extruder.

Mechanically, the conversion seems straightforward. The new hardware is mounted on the robot arm via a printed bracket. The real effort lies in the control system. According to the description, there is no ready-made Klipper profile for the IRB6400. In addition, the approximately 26-year-old controller does not understand G-code. Brocken therefore has to supply the arm controller with commands in the ABB RAPID dialect, line by line. At the same time, a RAMPS board receives the G-code for the extruder.

The main hurdle was reliably synchronizing both worlds. It is precisely this coupling that is currently slowing down the system. With more complex models, there is frequent stop-and-go action, even though the arm itself could work faster. This affects the print quality. Brocken offers the software developed for this purpose for sale and is thus targeting users who operate a comparable ABB arm.

The next step is to make greater use of the robot controller. According to Brocken, it has enough memory for a small buffer, even if it cannot accommodate a complete print job. This could smooth out the processes and reduce interruptions.