Aluminium profile CNC

[JAZZCNC]

I would like to have your opinion guys. I'm want to be sure to understand this: What's the difference between having high side plate like my first design and the newest one? In my point of view, the sideways movement are less important if you have short side plate. Will it be stiffer? And will vibration be a problem ?

It's late here in UK and I can't be messing around looking back thru 60+ posts to see your design so I'll answer this using my experience of building all types.

Sitting The gantry directly on the bearings using high sides does give much stiffer machine. This leads to less vibration at the tool giving better surface finishes and less tool wear.
However, this is only really needed if cutting mostly harder material like Aluminium/Brass or very hardwoods. If just cutting a general mixture of all materials but mostly woods then gantry with side plates isn't a problem provided the gantry is strong and the plates of suitable thickness and securely braced to bearings.
There are advantages to the machine using gantry sides if mostly used for wood or sheet materials because of easier material loading and access etc.

I have built machines which use both types and in real-world use, both will cut aluminum fine. However, the High side machines can be run little more aggressive in harder materials due to being that little bit stiffer.
You have to decide whats more important to you, higher Stiffness or better accessibility and little easier to build.

[BriceO]

It's late here in UK and I can't be messing around looking back thru 60+ posts to see your design so I'll answer this using my experience of building all types.

Sitting The gantry directly on the bearings using high sides does give much stiffer machine. This leads to less vibration at the tool giving better surface finishes and less tool wear.
However, this is only really needed if cutting mostly harder material like Aluminium/Brass or very hardwoods. If just cutting a general mixture of all materials but mostly woods then gantry with side plates isn't a problem provided the gantry is strong and the plates of suitable thickness and securely braced to bearings.
There are advantages to the machine using gantry sides if mostly used for wood or sheet materials because of easier material loading and access etc.

I have built machines which use both types and in real-world use, both will cut aluminum fine. However, the High side machines can be run little more aggressive in harder materials due to being that little bit stiffer.
You have to decide whats more important to you, higher Stiffness or better accessibility and little easier to build.

I will go for the gantry with side plates so, it will certainly be cheaper too, thanks a lot. I'm working on my design and I'm thinking about adding a 40x120 extrusion under the gantry as you do. In my case will it add some benefits from your point of view?

[BriceO]

Update on the design.

I try to add a profile on the bottom of the X axis. Now, I have to move the gantry a 40mm higher. The Z clearance will 170mm maximum.

I have some work to do with the Z,Y axis.

There is many good ideas in your design JAZZ, I steal some of them. Is it possible? :-)

[JAZZCNC]

[QUOTE=BriceO;100624]There is many good ideas in your design JAZZ, I steal some of them. Is it possible? :-)

No problem take what ever you like and if want to know anything just ask.

[BriceO]

Hi,

Some update of the design. I've lower the extrusion side, add an extrusion on the bottom of the x axis, moto mount and the side plates.
As usual if anything seems to be wrong don't hesitate to comment :)

The ballscrew of the X axis is now higher to screw it directyl to the bearing plate. Thanks Jazz!
I don't add it but the cable chain will be on top of the 120X40 extrusion.


The Y axis motor mount plate:

To mount the ballscrew, I will use a separate plate. I think it will be easier to adjust if necessary.





If you see anything, please let me know :) Thanks

[BriceO]

Is there a standard way to fix two pieces of extrusion?

I search on the forum and found this:
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/4513-...2346#post72346

maybe another idea?

[MikeyC38]

Hi BriceO

Did you ever solve your problem? In this link this is how I solved the problem by drilling a hole through the extrusion so that I could tighten the bolts in the clips. It is very solid and has not moved in 2 years!