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1 Attachment(s)
Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi All,
Just signed up this forum, i am currently designing a small (Large Desktop?) sized CNC Router for our business, it will primarily be used to machine 1mm Intumescent Fire Sheet, but also for producing one off parts for some of our older machines (Aluminium, Steel etc?). We have two much larger CMS Routers already that we use for production of which i create C Based programs for. I have a pretty sophisticated knowledge of building 3D Printers but this will be my first router, i had found this design online and really like how robust it looked:
https://jeremyyoungdesign.com/2016/0...inal-assembly/
So the design is heavily based on that machine.
So far it is looking to be built from the following:
Frame - Genuine Rexroth Extrusions & Connectors.
Gantry - 18mm Aluminium - Bespoke Plates, Would need to have these made (Pricey?!).
Low Profile L1016 Linear Rails & Carriages from Automotion Components - On all Axis
4NM Nema 23's on All Axis ( This Kit: https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/CNC-Kits/S...-4-Axis-Nema23 )
Dual RM2010 Ballscrews on X Axis
Single RM2010 Ballscrew on Y Axis
Single RM1605 Ballscrew on Z Axis
Appropriate Fixed & Floating Blocks on each Axis.
Ebay / Chinese 2.2kw Water Cooled Spindle
So that is the rough spec of the machine currently, the main things i am concerned about so far are:
- Controllers - The motor & driver kit comes with a parralell breakout board, however i want the machine to be compatible with newer Laptops (Windows 10 x64), when building 3D Printers i tend to use Clone Smoothieboards, would these also be suitable for this CNC Build? They perform well and are cost effective, also have stepper signal breakouts.
- Endstops - Mechanical endstops are common practise on 3D printers, i see many Router builds done using proximity sensors or hall effect sensors, are any recommended for maximum repeat-ability?
- Resolution - Will the 10mm pitch and 5mm pitch provide me with a balanced resolution / speed combination, i was advised previously that 2005 screws on the X & Y might hold back achievable speeds - or that i might be disappointed with the feed rates they would achieve.
- The build this is based on uses Aluminium for the majority of the Gantry and Z Axis plates, would steel also be acceptable? I was worried about making he gantry too heavy.
- I was considering buying the ballscrews from china, if they arrived with runout evident, could they be straightened, or might they straighten out once fixed in position?
- Might anyone recommend a company / individual who cold produce the bespoke plates.
Any help / criticism / heads up on missed items would be greatly appreciated.
Attachment 22441
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hello! I don't have many answers to your questions but I can give you a big thumbs up!
Looks like you did good research and I'm fairly certain you will build an awsome machine!
Ballscrews with 10mm pitch is good for router speeds ie wood and plastics. If you were to use it as mill for steel and such then 5mm pitch is better.
If ballscrews are bent then maybe you could straighten it. Much worse if the end machining for the bearings are off center :)
Steel is good for gantry and plates as well as aluminium, you just don't have to use as thick stock!
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
Hi All,
Low Profile L1016 Linear Rails & Carriages from Automotion Components - On all Axis
4NM Nema 23's on All Axis ( This Kit:
https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/CNC-Kits/S...-4-Axis-Nema23 )
Dual RM2010 Ballscrews on X Axis
Single RM2010 Ballscrew on Y Axis
Single RM1605 Ballscrew on Z Axis
Appropriate Fixed & Floating Blocks on each Axis.
Ebay / Chinese 2.2kw Water Cooled Spindle
So that is the rough spec of the machine currently, the main things i am concerned about so far are:
- Controllers - The motor & driver kit comes with a parralell breakout board, however i want the machine to be compatible with newer Laptops (Windows 10 x64),
- Endstops - Mechanical endstops are common practise on 3D printers, i see many Router builds done using proximity sensors or hall effect sensors, are any recommended for maximum repeat-ability?
- Resolution - Will the 10mm pitch and 5mm pitch provide me with a balanced resolution / speed combination, i was advised previously that 2005 screws on the X & Y might hold back achievable speeds - or that i might be disappointed with the feed rates they would achieve.
- I was considering buying the ballscrews from china, if they arrived with runout evident, could they be straightened, or might they straighten out once fixed in position?
Any help / criticism / heads up on missed items would be greatly appreciated.
Attachment 22441
Thanks
Alex
Welcome to the forum Alex.
Some comments: Kits of parts are never a good idea, I hope you have not purchased them yet.
Nema 23 4nm are overkill I would use and have done several times nema 23 3.1nm from the same source now then that kit is using a 36v power supply you really need about 68v to get the best out of the motors so build your own (look up Joe's excellent vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WISDqx-e23M ) go for AM882 drives from China as they have stall detection etc (you will need that if you are putting two motors on one axis)
Linear rails and ball screws can be got from Fred at BST [email protected] China very reliable guy.
Just email him for a quote and mention the forum. You may need to have the F length on the screw to be altered from standard 15mm say to 30mm to fit the pulleys Your screws are fine for what you want to cut.
Spindle again China be careful with the vfd as there are two types that look the same to the untrained eye. So post a link here before you buy.
proximity sensors are good and cheap about £3.50 china or ebay
Finally keep all your questions in one place then people can see what you are doing and chime in
Good luck with the build
Edit go for 20mm rails all round 15mm are fine but much harder to deal with.
Edit Just noticed the screws 20mm!! I would use 16mm all round but it depends on the length.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Welcome Alex! I'd personally be rather worried about how the weight from the gantry is being applied to the X-axis bearing blocks at such an angle. I'm not sure if anyone else would share the same worry but It's certainly a great design! Now as someone who recently within the past two months purchased ball screws from china there is two things you need to know customs will sting you for import tax and the quality of the screws is fairly decent (20mm screws 5mm pitch).
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Also to some more of your questions. My gantry was built from steel and I've regretted doing it ever since. Far too heavy and aluminium would of done the same job with ample structural rigidity. Proximity sensors are much better than mechanical switches, break out board wise if it has a parallel port if you want to connect to modern computers just buy a UC100 connector and all your issues will be resolved but make sure it's the legit one and not a Chinese fake one otherwise it ain't going to talk.
I have got a post talking about my gantry on my build post if you want to see why steel was a bad choice by me.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RobC
Welcome Alex! I'd personally be rather worried about how the weight from the gantry is being applied to the X-axis bearing blocks at such an angle. I'm not sure if anyone else would share the same worry but It's certainly a great design!
I'm not sure I understand what angle you refere to... If it's about the gantry weight distribution to the X axis glides assemblies, the answer is at a few SW clicks distance. Make sure you have set the actual material/ mass of the components then look at the center of gravity. It should be close to the center of the X axis bearing blocks assembly in the vertical plane perpendicular to the X axis.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
paulus.v
I'm not sure I understand what angle you refere to... If it's about the gantry weight distribution to the X axis glides assemblies, the answer is at a few SW clicks distance. Make sure you have set the actual material/ mass of the components then look at the center of gravity. It should be close to the center of the X axis bearing blocks assembly in the vertical plane perpendicular to the X axis.
Yes i was referring to how far out from the blocks the weight is being applied.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nr1madman
Hello! I don't have many answers to your questions but I can give you a big thumbs up!
Looks like you did good research and I'm fairly certain you will build an awsome machine!
Ballscrews with 10mm pitch is good for router speeds ie wood and plastics. If you were to use it as mill for steel and such then 5mm pitch is better.
If ballscrews are bent then maybe you could straighten it. Much worse if the end machining for the bearings are off center :)
Steel is good for gantry and plates as well as aluminium, you just don't have to use as thick stock!
Many thanks, i appreciate the advice, i will bear that in mind about the end machining i did not consider that before, only that they might be bent!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Clive S
Welcome to the forum Alex.
Some comments: Kits of parts are never a good idea, I hope you have not purchased them yet.
Nema 23 4nm are overkill I would use and have done several times nema 23 3.1nm from the same source now then that kit is using a 36v power supply you really need about 68v to get the best out of the motors so build your own (look up Joe's excellent vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WISDqx-e23M ) go for AM882 drives from China as they have stall detection etc (you will need that if you are putting two motors on one axis)
Linear rails and ball screws can be got from Fred at BST
[email protected] China very reliable guy.
Just email him for a quote and mention the forum. You may need to have the F length on the screw to be altered from standard 15mm say to 30mm to fit the pulleys Your screws are fine for what you want to cut.
Spindle again China be careful with the vfd as there are two types that look the same to the untrained eye. So post a link here before you buy.
proximity sensors are good and cheap about £3.50 china or ebay
Finally keep all your questions in one place then people can see what you are doing and chime in
Good luck with the build
Edit go for 20mm rails all round 15mm are fine but much harder to deal with.
Edit Just noticed the screws 20mm!! I would use 16mm all round but it depends on the length.
Hi Clive, thanks for the pointers! I have as you said decided not to buy the kit, the saving was insignificant and i did not want to be using that breakout board they were supplying anyway. I also questioned why they supply a 36v PSU with the kit, when you look at their higher volt PSU's it states that they are not compatible with the Drivers supplied in that kit...? Seems iffy to me, maybe the drivers are cheap and can't run at the stated specs. I will probably go for those drivers you have mentioned if they come with good recommendation.
Not sure i feel comfortable building my own PSU haha, i will try to find a higher quality alternative.
Ok so, when building my last 3D Printer i had used a chap on Aliexpress to provide me with the ballscrews and everything else associated with them. I compile a list of what i needed this time and first priced it from the UK, so i had a list of what i needed which was going to come to about £690 + Delivery here in the UK, went to aliexpress and returned to the guy who supplied me before and sent me this quote back:
2 x SFU2010- 1200mm with 2pcs nut with end machining=$42
3 x Set BK15 BF15=$24
3 x DSG20H=$6
3 x XB30x40-8x12=$8.46
1 x SFU2010- 712mm with 1pcs nut with end machining=$16.46
1 x SFU1605- 362mm with 1pcs nut with end machining=$10.2
1 x DSG16H=$1.21
1 x Set BK12 BF12=$6.22
1 x XB30x40-8x10=$2.82
Price is $117
Shipping costs is $100 by fedex to UK
Total is $217
Now i honestly could not believe how cheap that was, if i ordered today it would be £166. I got a price from another supplier on there and they quoted ~£340 delivered, would your guy be anywhere near this do you think? Even if they were bent there would be lots of room to play in terms of having them straightened at that price.
Spindle wise, i was going to go for this, unless someone has experience with another:
Click Me
Thanks for the other tips about the motors etc, i like overkill so i think i will stick with them in case of any future needs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RobC
Welcome Alex! I'd personally be rather worried about how the weight from the gantry is being applied to the X-axis bearing blocks at such an angle. I'm not sure if anyone else would share the same worry but It's certainly a great design! Now as someone who recently within the past two months purchased ball screws from china there is two things you need to know customs will sting you for import tax and the quality of the screws is fairly decent (20mm screws 5mm pitch).
See Below
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RobC
Also to some more of your questions. My gantry was built from steel and I've regretted doing it ever since. Far too heavy and aluminium would of done the same job with ample structural rigidity. Proximity sensors are much better than mechanical switches, break out board wise if it has a parallel port if you want to connect to modern computers just buy a UC100 connector and all your issues will be resolved but make sure it's the legit one and not a Chinese fake one otherwise it ain't going to talk.
I have got a post talking about my gantry on my build post if you want to see why steel was a bad choice by me.
Yes i like the idea of Aluminium so i think i will definitely go with that after hearing that, proximity sensors are good for me and they are cheap too so i will incorporate them.
I have found a controller that i think i am now going to use:
DDCSV1.1 Controller
I like the idea of just being able to run files external from the laptop so if it's as good as some of the reviews say it is (for the money) then i will probably go with this. I also liked what this guy did with it:
Brainright
Quote:
Originally Posted by
paulus.v
I'm not sure I understand what angle you refere to... If it's about the gantry weight distribution to the X axis glides assemblies, the answer is at a few SW clicks distance. Make sure you have set the actual material/ mass of the components then look at the center of gravity. It should be close to the center of the X axis bearing blocks assembly in the vertical plane perpendicular to the X axis.
Ok, so the Axis is orientated as is to try and get the maximum workable area within that size of frame, i could have made it more central "looking" but in reality its not really central because on one end of the axis the spindle can reach past the machine, and on the other end you have a few hundred mm of area that you cannot reach, this is why i have tried to balance it and make the most of the space available. I'm nt sure of the weight of the spindle but this is obviously very important in order for Solidworks to calculate the centre of mass, i had read online that in general a 2.2Kw spindle will weigh in the region of 5Kg. So i set that as the mass of the spindle and run the evaluation, and it came out pretty well imo, more than acceptable to me, the linear rails and carriages im using are supposed to be high quality so im hoping that they will be fine:
Attachment 22475
EDIT: Just realised that picture isn't so great, the Centre of Mass appears to be just in front of the left side carriage block, and it also shows a slight angular (right word?) pull, twisting towards the rear of the X Axis. Possibly i could move the right carriage block towards the middle some? This would seriously hurt my OCD of having them space equally.
Thanks Again for all the replies i've already learnt alot so keep that criticism coming :D
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Not sure i feel comfortable building my own PSU haha, i will try to find a higher quality alternative.
One similar to this http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/elec...er-supply.html
Re the spindle make sure it is the correct vfd check the picture and make also 4 bearings
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WATER-COOL...kAAOSw0e9UtOrX
Re the controller will it home two screws with independent homing? Will it cope with full Gcode G2 G3 , canned cycles etc. What size gcode file can it handle? (I have no experience with these but they have been debated on the forum)
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi Clive,
Thanks for the PSU link, says they are out of stock but i can look for a similar item based on that.
Sorry for my lack of education, what do i need to look out for when it comes to the VFD? What differentiates between the correct & incorrect one?
I am not sure about the independent homing, i will need to check that for sure, is this common practise for machines with multiple screws on one axis? Is this to ensure they stay parallel? I believe it can handle full GCode list, need to research canned cycles, apparently it can handle any file size because it reads from the USB stick as it goes.
Unconvinced with my result from the Centre of Mass evaluation i done, i got on the phone to Solidsolutions, who provide our solidworks license and also provide support, indeed i had done it incorrectly. Here is where the actual centre of mass is on the gantry. It's hard to see, but where it says "Point 1".
Attachment 22476
Not sure how much of a problem this poses, are the carriages likely to be affected by this? Not how i might remedy this other than reducing the Gantry to a single 40x40 extrusion as opposed to 40x80 and then centralising over the Gantry Base Plates further. This in turn might affect how rigid the gantry is surely?
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
VFD's are rated for certain motors. So you might have a 2.2kw motor rating and such you will require either a 2.2kw VFD or higher but it's best to use the same rating. Now what I've been having issues with it my VFD has been nuisance tripping my RCD and thus now having a none RCD circuit wired in to my workshop to stop it due to the current load on startup. Also, go for a water cooled spindle, your ears will thank-you afterwards!
Rob
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi RobC,
Ahh i see, that makes perfect sense, i just didnt know if there were different types that affected compatibility with other hardware. I have asked the seller a question about how many bearings it has. One thing i am curious about, and that i have done no research on, so am lazily asking you guys. The VFD's do you set their speed manually? On our CMS Machines at work we set all of the within the CAM program, its not a problem if this speed is set manually i was just curious.
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Sorry for my lack of education, what do i need to look out for when it comes to the VFD? What differentiates between the correct & incorrect one?
Ok look at this link it shows the difference in the types of the standard vfd. LOOK at the front of them that is the best way to tell they have a different layout you want the Huanyang inverter
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOP-2-2KW-...EAAOSwHnFVvvsm
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
The VFD's do you set their speed manually?
You can do either but you have to change the parameters in the vfd I personally have fitted a 10K pot of the front of the vfd, this is very easy and the hole is already there. see this link http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/7388-...hlight=fitting
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi Clive,
Thanks again mate, ok so the one i linked to originally should be good to go as long as they reply to my question about the number of bearings.
Just wondering now about the weight distribution on the gantry before i start ordering bits.
Thanks Again
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
I am not sure about the independent homing, i will need to check that for sure, is this common practise for machines with multiple screws on one axis? Is this to ensure they stay parallel
If you are using two screws and two motors you will have to use two home switches to make sure the gantry is put square every time you home.
You can of course use two screws with one motor and a belt driving both screws then one home switch will be fine.
The choice is yours as there are pro's and con's and much debate between the two types.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Ok, i need to do some serious research to see if that controller can handle that, i know it provides for 4 Axis but im not sure if the 4th can be setup as Dual Axis.
So i know i keep banging on about the weight distribution of the Gantry, but i really am being stupid today. It seems at some point i had lost all of the material properties for my assembly parts, ive just spent a little while going through and properly setting the weights of each component, i have based the Aluminium Plates on being a 6061 Alloy, whether or not this will be the material the plates are cut from i dont know, but it was the most common material so i though i would go with that, i re rain the analysis and it has given me a hopefully accurate Centre of Mass for the gantry, indicated by the Red Dot, im hoping this is a pretty acceptable balance and wont cause any undue wear or stress to the linear bearings:
Attachment 22477
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
Ok, i need to do some serious research to see if that controller can handle that, i know it provides for 4 Axis but im not sure if the 4th can be setup as Dual Axis.
So i know i keep banging on about the weight distribution of the Gantry, but i really am being stupid today. It seems at some point i had lost all of the material properties for my assembly parts, ive just spent a little while going through and properly setting the weights of each component, i have based the Aluminium Plates on being a 6061 Alloy, whether or not this will be the material the plates are cut from i dont know, but it was the most common material so i though i would go with that, i re rain the analysis and it has given me a hopefully accurate Centre of Mass for the gantry, indicated by the Red Dot, im hoping this is a pretty acceptable balance and wont cause any undue wear or stress to the linear bearings:
Attachment 22477
Thanks
Alex
I'm sorry to inform you that the fourth axis on the controller is only rotational and can't be slaved. Have been drooling over it myself but have to go another way as I'm using 2 motors for my X axis. Boyan runs it with two drivers on the same signal but because of that he lost the ability to home separately.
Skickat från min SM-N910C via Tapatalk
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi I had KJN cut and drill my frame (With counterboring) which is a little cheaper than using the corners but also stronger. They will do it to your cad model, you could still use corners as well for extra strength.
Cost me £35 +vat for 18 holes with counterboring.
I already had the corners I did it for strength, I used m12 50mm A2 socket bolts.
Attachment 22479
Attachment 22478
A top tip if you do what I did make sure you get some corners then use them to get the extrusion straight before putting the bolt in when it's tight you can remove the corner and reuse.
Also 9045 extrusion takes M12!!!
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Nr1madman
I'm sorry to inform you that the fourth axis on the controller is only rotational and can't be slaved. Have been drooling over it myself but have to go another way as I'm using 2 motors for my X axis. Boyan runs it with two drivers on the same signal but because of that he lost the ability to home separately.
Skickat från min SM-N910C via Tapatalk
I see, i also had this answer in another thread, a couple of the guys thought that it should be fine as long as there are no major crashes and i have a method for adjusting the gantry to be tram.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Desertboy
Hi I had KJN cut and drill my frame (With counterboring) which is a little cheaper than using the corners but also stronger. They will do it to your cad model, you could still use corners as well for extra strength.
Cost me £35 +vat for 18 holes with counterboring.
I already had the corners I did it for strength, I used m12 50mm A2 socket bolts.
Attachment 22479
Attachment 22478
A top tip if you do what I did make sure you get some corners then use them to get the extrusion straight before putting the bolt in when it's tight you can remove the corner and reuse.
Also 9045 extrusion takes M12!!!
That's a good shout, i will be buying my Extrusion from KJN too, i have used them in the past! Are brackets alone not rigid enough do you think?
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
I see, i also had this answer in another thread, a couple of the guys thought that it should be fine as long as there are no major crashes and i have a method for adjusting the gantry to be tram.
That's a good shout, i will be buying my Extrusion from KJN too, i have used them in the past! Are brackets alone not rigid enough do you think?
Thanks
Alex
Brackets are strong enough but bolts are stronger, cheaper and alignment is easier of course. Seemed to me a no brainer but you need to use 2 brackets with 4 T nuts to keep the beams straight whilst you bolt them tight then remove the corners.
What are you intending to use as a bed?
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
I agree with you, how did you go about organising the counter boring? Can they also thread the ends of the Extrusion?
For the machines main function (Routing the 1mm Interdens), i will simply use 18mm MR MDF, and use strips of double sided tape to hold the sheet and keep the cutout items in place after they are separated from the main sheet.
I will also drill the MDF and fit a grid of threaded nuts to use standard clamps / buy a machine vise for machining components we hope to make out of aluminium / bakelight / acetel.
Our larger CMS machines use vacuum pods, sometimes these suffer a nasty end if they happen to meet with a cutter :( I have machined them before on the smaller of the machines but i find it difficult to get repeat-ability in the jig i made to machine them. It will be much easier on this machine. The largest of the pods are 80mm Thick Phenolic Plywood so it will be a good challenge, i think i have enough Z Travel.
Here are some pics of the 2 Bigger Machines and an example of the Vacuum Pods. The Larger Through feed machine has a 3200 x 2000mm workable area (depending on which tool your using in the Horizontal / Arbitor A Axis), It has a 16 Space Carousel Tool Changer. It has a "5th Axis" which actually only controls the mobile vacuum pod row.
The smaller machine has 2600 x 1300mm workable area, 1 Horizontal / Arbitor Head - 8 Head Revolver (8 Motors Fitted with Tools, very fast tool change, mass production suited).
Both machines use an OSAI Controller, programs are generated from a CAM Package called DDX PowerCam - I write C Based Programs for Component Files, we use an Access Database where the guys in the office can build different Door Configurations (We make timber fire doors), Access exports a text file of parameters, PowerCam reads the text file and builds the CAM File autonomously, no manual drawing is ever done.
Attachment 22488
Attachment 22489
Attachment 22490
Attachment 22491
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
I holed the extrusion cad model then emailed them the model as a .stp but you're using solidworks which they do so you can send them a solidworks file. Make sure the holes are the correct size lol, should be 13mm I think but check this they can tell you if you ring them.
As for counterboring just tell them to counterbore every hole on 1 side with the correct size head but again they will know this is a pretty standard operation. There's no need to model the counterboring.
Make sure your hole size is correct! I can measure the correct bolts with a vernier calliper but will have to wait till tomorrow.
You are using 9045 and 4545 extrusion? If so you will have the same issue I have if using BK12/BF12 ballscrew mounts the hole distance is 45mm between the tracks and the hole distance for the mounts is 46mm.
My Y axis I'm having custom mounts made for the gantry I'm just going to wangle the mounts into T nuts but did consider custom T nuts offset by 0.5mm. I still might have them made.
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Ok i will ping them an email and ask how best to send to them, My extrusions are only 40x40 & 40x80, i have drawn up mounts that bolt to the Extrusion and then take the BK & BF15 supports. I will 3D Print these first to check how well they work, then have them machined or attempt to machine myself.
I THINK the 40x40 & 40x80 will take an M10 Bolt? Im not sure and im also not very clued up on the tolerances i should be putting on any the holes i have on the Build, at the moment through holes i have just allowed 0.5mm tolerance for the bolts to slide through - too much or too little?
I would have to check that through bolting into the extrusion would not interfere with the mounts for the bearing supports at either end of the X Axis, if so i will just have to use brackets.
Attachment 22492
Attachment 22493
Thanks
Alex
PS Any build log for yours?
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
If you have to send the extrusion I would google and find a supplier closer to you they will almost certainly be able to cut and drill the same as KJN but without the cost of sending the extrusion. I thought you would buy the extrusion from KJN not already have it. I'm lucky I live down the road from them so it was easy to get everything sorted.
Country has many extrusion providers I would look for somewhere you can drive to to drop off otherwise it will be expensive with postage.
KJN are in Leicester, I am very happy with the quality of their work. BUT make sure you have everything specified first correctly because it will be expensive to correct later! I had an issue but I sorted it if I didn't live 5 mins down the road it would have been a big problem.
Click my sig, the budget went up a lot lol from when it started but we're getting there and I ditched the supported rail and belt drive for Hiwin's and ballscrews so was going to cost lol.
Any supplier of this extrusion will be able to cut, drill, counterbore and tap.
If you do want to send via post try myparceldelivery.com you can send 30kg's for just over a £10
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Apologies, i have not bought it yet! Just what i planned to use. Your build looks like its progressing well, i was looking to pay nearly £700 for the ballscrews but my guy in China is doing them & the supports, mounts etc for $217 delivered!
Where do you get your fixings / bolts from? I commonly use ACCU Group, hundred of sizes, heads types and relatively cheap, annoying sometimes as some sizes / lengths have a minimum order Quantity, but they do usually turn up next day so its handy.
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
Apologies, i have not bought it yet! Just what i planned to use. Your build looks like its progressing well, i was looking to pay nearly £700 for the ballscrews but my guy in China is doing them & the supports, mounts etc for $217 delivered!
Where do you get your fixings / bolts from? I commonly use ACCU Group, hundred of sizes, heads types and relatively cheap, annoying sometimes as some sizes / lengths have a minimum order Quantity, but they do usually turn up next day so its handy.
Thanks
Alex
I recovered a lot of fixings but I had to buy weird lengths so I used ebay.
When I finally finish the router and stop bleeding money I will make an order from alixpress getting a feel for the bolt sizes going to want. Already planning the next router lol but I also want to build a positive pressure vac former. I also toyed with a co2 laser cutter but need to be comfortable with the router first lol.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Just placed the order from China for my Ballscrews, Nuts, Supports, Mounting Brackets & Couplers. Total Price: £169.70
Delivery by FedEx so i hope they will be here next week or early week after. If anyone is interested in the store i got them from i used the Link CNC Store
If you make a list a send him (Mr Shu) a message he will quote you a good price, cheaper than what his parts are listed as.
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Ok so i had a reply from the seller on ebay regarding the spindle and he has said to me that the spindle on has 3 bearings - the one he sells with 4 bearings is considerably more expensive. Does 4 bearings over 3 hold much of a difference in terms of robustness or would the 3 bearing suffice for my needs - can the bearings be changed in the future if they were to deteriorate.
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
So my Ballscrews were dispatched from China last Thursday and arrived yesterday, upon first glance they look to be pretty decent (for £170 delivered!), none seem to be particulary bent compared to what i have seen in some threads / videos, the RM2010 screws seem to be slightly stiff but im hoping this will clear up once they are greased / run for a while.
Ballnuts, supports etc look pretty cheap but will do the job just fine.
Ordered the extrusion which should also be here this week and also all of the fixings.
3D Printing the aluminium parts to do a dry assemble, still waiting to hear back prices for the aluminium plates but wont order anything until i have assembled it using the plastic parts to check everything fits properly.
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi everyone,
The build is progressing slowly, mainly just waiting for parcels to arrive, i now have the extrusion and all of the bolts / fixings. I am struggling to figure out what my PSU requirements are, i was wondering if someone might be able to offer some advice?
I am using 4nm Nema 23's, and using Leadshine AM882 drivers from China.
This is the datasheet for the Motors i have:
PDF
Link for the stepper drivers:
AM882
Am i right in thinking that to get the most from the motors and drivers that i am going to need a 68 - 80v PSU? What amperage rating will it need to be? 20A+?
Again any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Am i right in thinking that to get the most from the motors and drivers that i am going to need a 68 - 80v PSU? What amperage rating will it need to be? 20A+?
68V with a 650 Va transformer. See Joe's excellent vid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OoQ...zD30sZjtp_VyqY
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Hi Clive,
Many Thanks, just to clarify - that would be 68v & 650Watts? I am really not comfortable building my own PSU, and i cannot seem to find that spec one, so probably i will get two 500Watt PSU's at least then i know neither one will be high loaded, and the ones i am looking at nearly half in price if you buy more than one:
Power Supply
What do you think?
Thanks
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
Hi Clive,
Many Thanks, just to clarify - that would be 68v & 650Watts? I am really not comfortable building my own PSU, and i cannot seem to find that spec one, so probably i will get two 500Watt PSU's at least then i know neither one will be high loaded, and the ones i am looking at nearly half in price if you buy more than one:
Power Supply
What do you think?
Thanks
Alex
Have a look at the vid. They are easy to build and only require a transformer, rectifier, and 3 Caps. If you are going with a switch mode power supply you will need one a lot bigger to handle the back EMF.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
Hi Clive,
Many Thanks, just to clarify - that would be 68v & 650Watts? I am really not comfortable building my own PSU, and i cannot seem to find that spec one, so probably i will get two 500Watt PSU's at least then i know neither one will be high loaded, and the ones i am looking at nearly half in price if you buy more than one:
Power Supply
What do you think?
Thanks
Alex
I'm going to build one on advice of Clive S (Also Chaz pointed out do it right!) but if I was to buy one I'd buy these
https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/po...-s-350-60.html
UK shipping as well get one per motor.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
And I think you would be disappointed in the result and it will cost you double by the time you add duty etc.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Clive S
And I think you would be disappointed in the result and it will cost you double by the time you add duty etc.
No duty on that one Clive as long as you select UK shipping ($3 more) but you're probably right about the disappointed lol.
I found most the stepperonline stuff is available for either Germany or UK shipping so no import tax and quick shipping but unfortunately not the AM882's :(
I found them through CNCzone where they've been getting rave reviews from some of the purchasers.
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
In what way does the performance differ?? I was planning to use one 500Watt PSU per 2 Stepper Drivers?
If not could anyone link me to where I could get the parts to build one??
Cheers
Alex
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AlexDoran
In what way does the performance differ?? I was planning to use one 500Watt PSU per 2 Stepper Drivers?
If not could anyone link me to where I could get the parts to build one??
Cheers
Alex
https://www.rapidonline.com/50a-brid...al-case-519318 1 of
https://www.rapidonline.com/samwha-h...acitor-11-3121 3 of
https://www.rapidonline.com/lcr-ep08...-clamp-11-3004 3 of
https://www.rapidonline.com/vigortro...-x-25v-88-0034
Some people like 24-0-24v I generally use the above
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Re: Building My First CNC Router, Looking for Advice & Other Info
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Clive S
Thanks for the shopping list ;) Was looking for the previous post were you posted this for me but couldn't find it, this time going to order it tonight.