Anyone got any opinions on the above? I appear to be coming to a point where I'm not sure where to go next. Still not happy with the X motor on the outside of the gantry plate either :(
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I wouldn't worry too much about the stepper sticking out the side of the gantry (I'd have called that the Y stepper but there's no hard and fast rules) as it's just basically a metal lump there's not a huge amount to go wrong as you have it. If you can't design it such that it's internal maybe consider sticking a bent aluminium box around it. I managed to squeeze my Y stepper inside the gantry (see here) but it's pretty tight and I expect to be replacing the belt more frequently that usual. That's not quite the final design that I've gone for but it shows the basic layout.
No problem JAZZ. I'm currently making some changes as we speak. A few questions are now arising:
1. What pulleys do most people go for? XL? Not sure on pitch etc.
2. Is there a way of extending motor shafts so that I can overcome this problem below?
Attachment 12908
3. Is 10mm of motor mount adjustment enough for belt tensioning?
Attachment 12907
Some progress on the Y axis too:
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What most people do is rout out a recess for the stepper to mount in so you've got only maybe 5mm of material where the stepper sits (see here). That way you generally get enough shaft to mount a pulley on directly without needing an extension.
I don't think 10mm of movement will be enough for tensioning, especially not on a long belt. I'd go for more like 25 or 30mm if you can.
#1 Use 15mm wide 5mm pitch HTD pulleys and belts.
#2 Need extensions made on lathe but much easier to use BK/BF bearings inot profile and belt/pulley like shown in my picture on other thread.
#3 20mm slot.
Tonight's updates:
Attachment 12923
Still not 100% sure on the way I have attached the "end plates" as seen below. I.e. using 5mm steel plate welded to the box section and tapped with two M6 threads.
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Attachment 12925
The stepper in the first two pictures looks large for the size of machine you are building, are the 34s? I would have thought 23's would be enough for a machine of this size, especially if you have slaved motors.
The connection between the gantry screw and the top plate (third picture) looks like a weak point. I'd try and make it thick enough that it covers most of the body of the ballnut.
They are 23's. I think the model I am using has a particularly long body.
I agree with the ballscrew mount. Could make it 20mm plate (from 15) or increase that joint some other way...