. .
Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
  1. #11
    Continuing with the saddle Y axis and some electrical work.
    Limit switches, soft limits and home (zero return, grid 0, origin, etc.) position. These systems are designed to prevent the machine trying to go to areas outside the set envelope. Hard limits are set with switches that are triggered when the axis exceeds its normal working range and are used to set home coordinates. Soft limits are often set to confine the work area to a subset of the total area. With stepper motors if the mechanical limit is exceeded all that happens is the motor stalls with few other consequences. If there is a reduction drive it will be subjected to the maximum force the motor can supply. Forunately no smoke or fires occur. However, if this occurs it means that things have gone seriously awry, and the work may or may not be recoverable. There is little to be done to prevent the Z axis hitting the bed during an error as the tooling used is of indeterminate length, so no mechanical switch can be used. When a CNC controller starts, usually the first thing it does is to go to the axis home and detect the position with the limit switches. From that point on all coordinates are calculated relative to these positions.

    As this conversion will use glass scales I have used the Y scale bracket to trigger the microswitches. The rear of the saddle has the X limit microswitches, and the left of the saddle the Y. I will upgrade these at a later date to improve the homing accuracy using a latching optical disc sensor I read about here :-
    https://www.cnczone.com/forums/uncat...mit-works.html. The switches will be wired normally closed to ensure that any break will stop the machine.

    Sketch with dimensions is really just my crib sheet so take it with a pinch of salt. Also check dimensions of your machine before assuming my drawing is correct. Initial test install of the ballscrew showed an issue with the hole in the front base of the machine. This was approx 1mm too small for the thrust bearing I was going to use. This was opened out using a 33mm hole saw. The position of hole saws is tricky to maintain without a pilot hole to guide. Positioning was achieved by use of a metal plate turned to the outside diameter of the saw cup. This was a simple and successful way of enlarging and centering the hole. The table and saddle were then marked out using a scriber and engineers blue, then drilled and tapped. As shown on one of the pictures its easy to use a metal piece with a right angle cut out to align the drill/tap perpendicularly. The base was similarly treated. To get good right angle holes and threads tapped into the base the drill needs to be held horizontally. This can be simply achieved with a few books or magazines under the drill body, piled to the correct height. I have used std V5 microswitches, the Y ones are mounted on a carrier plates for simple adjustment. Last pictures show the current state of play.
    Best Regards
    picclock
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Tapping base.jpg 
Views:	307 
Size:	442.5 KB 
ID:	25594   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Base hole enlargement.jpg 
Views:	303 
Size:	463.6 KB 
ID:	25595   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Marking out the saddle.jpg 
Views:	288 
Size:	432.4 KB 
ID:	25596   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	saddle X marked out.jpg 
Views:	314 
Size:	470.4 KB 
ID:	25597   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Saddle drilled and tapped.jpg 
Views:	283 
Size:	441.9 KB 
ID:	25598   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Checking the X limit switches.jpg 
Views:	325 
Size:	491.8 KB 
ID:	25599   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Checking the y limit switches 2.jpg 
Views:	294 
Size:	442.7 KB 
ID:	25600   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Y limit 3.jpg 
Views:	298 
Size:	436.5 KB 
ID:	25601   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	y edge w glass carrier.jpg 
Views:	281 
Size:	437.4 KB 
ID:	25603   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	tapping saddle Y.jpg 
Views:	298 
Size:	388.3 KB 
ID:	25604  

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Saddle installed with carrier.jpg 
Views:	281 
Size:	472.7 KB 
ID:	25602   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Y drive.jpg 
Views:	356 
Size:	395.5 KB 
ID:	25606   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Y limit and drive.jpg 
Views:	347 
Size:	441.5 KB 
ID:	25605   Mill table mod.pdf  
    Last edited by picclock; 29-03-2019 at 03:58 PM.

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to picclock For This Useful Post:


  3. #12
    Nice work. Following with interest !
    Building a CNC machine to make a better one since 2010 . . .
    MK1 (1st photo), MK2, MK3, MK4

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to routercnc For This Useful Post:


  5. #13
    As requested my take and decision making on :-
    Controllers,
    I have chosen to go with a standalone option, the DDCSV 2V1. This is a 4 axis controller integrated into a single unit which runs Gcode. It incorporates a colour screen and keypad, providing the signals for the stepper drivers, and inputs for the limit/homing switches. The advantage of this approach is cost, simplicity, reliability and mechanical robustness, as its all solid state. The gcode is written to a USB stick and plugged into the controller. There are no software licence fees or internet connection needed for licence verification, no spinning hard disks to fail or corrupt, no fans to fail, no external interface compatability issues . Additionally the performance of the box is outstanding with stepper rates on all axis up to 250KHz and pendant support thrown in. In size terms the box is about the same size as two cd rom drives ~ 160x100x50mm. It requires an 18 - 32V supply which can be derived from a dedicated supply or the stepper psu. Power requirements are very modest at up to 0.5A max (12 watts or so). Inputs are opto isolated, and it incorporates a VSO for motor speed control. I have no financial or other interests in this company, just a user.

    Motors and ballscrews
    How much force do I need ? How quickly do I want to go ?.
    Mill cutting forces* for metal under maximum load measured at ~ 50-60kgs, with smaller cutters around ~20kgs or less.
    How fast can the motor turn while producing this force?. Stepper motor specifications generally only quote the holding torque - useful only if the motor is not turning. Getting a torque curve for the motor you are going to use is paramount - if you cant get one don’t buy it !!. Hybrid stepper, bipolar 4 wire versions are generally best. A torque curve for the popular longs motor 23HS9442 indicated I could get 1Nm (140 ozin) at 450 rpm.

    Using a 5mm(0.2”) pitch ballscrew with this calculator :-
    http://www.cncroutersource.com/linea...alculator.html
    indicates a useable force of 109Kg whilst cutting at a speed of 2.3M/min (90 inches/min), more than enough for my requirements. Smaller pitch = less speed more force, larger pitch more speed less force.
    The speed of a stepper motor is limited by the driver voltage and its inductance. The inductance resists the change of current which produces the magnetic force. But its the magnetic force which produces the torque. So low inductance = fast motor, low torque. High inductance = slow motor, high torque. The maximum voltage for a motor is reckoned to be 32*sqrt(inductance in mH)**. For my 3.8mH choice this gives 63V. DM860 drivers meet this and seem to perform well without fan cooling.

    https://www.hobbytronics.co.za/Conte...ALENZ_rev1.xls
    https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/too...0motor%20info/

    Tests on my Y axis shown below. 1st picture shows controller, driver, motor and steel cable attached to scales. Bathroom scales indicate 130kgs @ 0 (having gone round once) and a further 25kgs before they hit the stop at 155kgs. Calculations indicate that with 4.2A max force should be over 200kgs.

    Best Regards

    picclock

    * the cutting forces I estimated are simply using the same bathroom scale method and remembering how much force I had to apply to the axis wheel. At the high load figure with a big cutter, deep cut in steel the machine was overloaded - so just my estimate, marginally better than no idea :-).

    **Although this formula is widely quoted I cannot find any derivation of it. IMHO the voltage should be limited only by the breakdown voltage of the windings.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Test setup.jpg 
Views:	288 
Size:	574.3 KB 
ID:	25684   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	110kgs.jpg 
Views:	261 
Size:	498.1 KB 
ID:	25683   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	154kgs.jpg 
Views:	243 
Size:	441.8 KB 
ID:	25682   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	23HS9442 data.jpg 
Views:	225 
Size:	86.6 KB 
ID:	25686   Click image for larger version. 

Name:	23hs9442 torque.jpg 
Views:	234 
Size:	155.0 KB 
ID:	25685  
    Last edited by picclock; 18-04-2019 at 09:39 AM.

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to picclock For This Useful Post:


  7. #14
    Thanks for the great post.

    I think choosing your operating system / hardware is so difficult. Everyone has a different opinion as to what their preference is. For a complete noob like myself trying to get my head round the pros and cons is so hard.

    I was only recently chatting to one of the forum members re Linuxcnc, and 4 and 8 wire motor wiring.. series connections vs parallel.

    There is CNC operator near me who swears on 4 wire stepper motors, however he really only works with servo's. So it's good to see the reasoning behind using a 4 wire motor and who supplies them.

    Thanks again for the detailed information, I look forward to your future posts.

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to Hulksmash For This Useful Post:


  9. #15
    There is CNC operator near me who swears on 4 wire stepper motors, however he really only works with servo's. So it's good to see the reasoning behind using a 4 wire motor and who supplies them.
    Well you can make 4 wire steppers out of 8 wire ones but not make 8 wire out of 4 wire ones
    ..Clive
    The more you know, The better you know, How little you know

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to Clive S For This Useful Post:


  11. #16
    Lovely, looks absolutely lovely!

    In some months I am starting the conversion of my VM32B which is branded as Weiss (R8, 4K RPM)

    It's blue in color. Cost 2K (euro) not including VAT and I waited one damn year to get it, direct import from weiss.

    I will use nema34 closed loop servos (12Nm for Z, 12Nm for Y and 4.5 to 8Nm for X although not sure yet), 2 external gus struts for Z, SFU2005 for Z and SFU1605 for XY. I am trying to find the SFU2005 with a long nut at reasonable price at this moment.

    Except for Nema34 closed loop beeing cheep these days (150$ each including the driver) they don't need a DC supply, a toroidal transformer for each driver is enough. I had really bad experience with open loop steppers in the past (1 failure in 1 year is enough to lose trust).

    For supports I will go with a bit longer ballscrews and FK12/FK15 blocks mounted on aluminum plates. Only X will be supported on opposing side. FK12/FK15 have proper angular contact bearing in place. Most chinesium BS supports carry deep groove bearings. Especially for Z is super important.


    Also I am extending the Z height by 65mm (the extension length flactuates like bitcoin price in my mind) by adding a spacer to the bottom of the Z column. I have my 3D taster in place and the extra Z seems really necessary.

    Apart from that I'm looking in replacing the spindle motor with something more powerful but this for a later time. More power is super required for low RPMs. I will use the machine manually as well. But also I need a FAULT signal wired to my control electronics. I don't really trust this chinese speed controller.

    TTS/R8 tooling already in stock :)


    I am getting a 12Nm stepper for Y because when the X axis is at edge position, Y gets stiff, ofcourse I will avoid using it at such positions if possible to avoid wear but... Oversized stepper whouldn't hurt.

    Just can't wait to start my conversion. Unfortunately so busy that it'll have to wait.
    If I am hijacking this thread sorry, I am too excited to share the info!
    Last edited by takeda; 30-05-2019 at 12:29 AM.

  12. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Hulksmash View Post

    Unfortunately I believe the owner of Toolco lost the contract with Weiss Machines - The owner of Weiss said he went in for an operation and not been heard from since :( I hope he is OK.
    That's terrible news.

    Their website is down some time now.

  13. #18
    And some comments,

    Thrust bearing won't work well for a bs application, as stated, no radial support.
    I see you use a couple per axis, maybe you can find a drop-in replacement angular contact bearing instead.

    For me it's important to have speedy tool changes, so I went with R8 and TTS tooling.

    I was considering DDSCV in the past, but having used PlanetCNC software I can't switch to anything else. Everything else just wastes my time (haven't used DDSCV but beeing chinese.....)

    But most important, is DDSCV supporting a tool table with tool offsets? Even if it does, editing a tool table in such small screen using arrow buttons would drive me nuts.

    Maybe it's nice and will work OK but, I don't know.

    About the stand, you will propably need steady feet or some retractable casters (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retractab...frcectupt=true).

    When you'll start accelerating with the motors the whole thing will start dancing with these wheels (except you use them temporarily only for moving arround).

    Also, how will you cycle coolant, is it the mid compartment designed for a tank ?

    Nice work with the ballscrew machining :) I had a different experience than you, machining the nut was OK, machining a ballscrew was a pain. So much interrupted cut in the beginning and broke many carbide inserts. Finally I made a jig to grind the ballscrew a bit before machining. Also machining long ballscrews is a pain, needs support on the other side of the lathe spindle (we have the same lathe or close).

    For the limit switches, is there any reason you prefer mechanical switces instead of inductive proximity sensors? They will be flooded with coolant and might get sticky due to chips (chips can prevent them from switching). Also they are bulky.


    As for the strength of Y axis motor, try to mount the table on the carriage, move the table to one of the positions and try to accelerate the Y axis back and forth. I found that in my case you need multiple times the force than in mid position.

    Last, you could consider filling the base epoxy granite. I am most definetely doing so.
    Last edited by takeda; 28-05-2019 at 12:39 AM.

  14. #19
    I'm just finishing a 25 size mill.
    Thrust bearings? ooooh no. Never again.

    Did thrusts on my X2 and they did not sit right at all on the screw ends. Wobble and excessive wear all over the place.

    Looked at thrusts on the 25 to see and then tried AC ones instead and the difference is massive.
    Had to machine some mounts myself to suit them but worth the effort in the end.

    Thrust bearings NOT recommended imo.
    Last edited by dazp1976; 07-08-2019 at 11:28 PM.

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Sieg/ARC X3 CNC mill conversion
    By Leadhead in forum Workshop & Equipment
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 20-10-2018, 04:11 PM
  2. Weiss WMD25LV mill
    By Bill K in forum Milling Machines, Builds & Conversions
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 29-06-2014, 12:52 PM
  3. CONVERSION: Sx3 mill conversion
    By dazza in forum Conversion Build Logs
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 29-04-2014, 10:23 AM
  4. X3 Vs AMD 25LV (Weiss WMD 25LV) for CNC conversion
    By sebring115 in forum Milling Machines, Builds & Conversions
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 18-11-2011, 12:20 PM
  5. Mill conversion to cnc
    By wolsey in forum General Discussion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 15-08-2011, 11:07 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •