"DeusEx"

[JAZZCNC]

Z axis question... I've read that minimising the distance from the spindle to the Y axis is a good thing to prevent flexing. Is that it or are there other reasons to do this??

What I suppose I'm asking is does getting it wrong affect the load that the spindle can handle or is there more to it?

thanks

Well it don't really minimise flex as so much as it doesn't waste cutting area.! But another, better reason IMO, to minimise offset is to help with balance and reduce un-even loadings on both Y and X Axis bearings.

There are far more important areas on a Z axis that affect flex. . . Front Plate thickness and design combined with bearing/rail placement have far more impact than offset from Y axis.
A lot will depend on material and rail/bearing type in which is the best way to go about designing a Z axis with minimum flex.! . . . . You don't always have to use thick expensive material either and thinner material can be used with the right design.

Here's one that use's 9.5mm Ali and would be very strong.