Build log: CNC/Printer

Benny144 · 23 Mar 2016 at 00:20

So this has developed from originally wanting to build a small Arduino powered 3D printer. Originally i was going to build the printer out of stepper motors from old CD drives, but this limits to work size to a 40mm sided cube. So it's goign to have to be bigger.
I'm going to first build a CNC router/mill, I have access to large lathes and mills (and actually a CNC router/mill at a push) to construct it from. It needs to be able to machine aluminum and a work piece size of about 90mm square (may go up to 100mm just to round it off). I'd like the entire machine to not take up a space larger than 400x400 base and a max height of 230mm (when in storage).
This first iteration will be used for machinign parts for my motorcycle (thigns liek clock mounts, rearsets)

As this will be modular and built totally to my design it should be easy to later on swap the head for a extruder and therefore turn the machine into a 3d printer, the metal construction of the router will be over engineered for this purpose so should serve no problems.

I'm going to try document my ideas and progress in this thread.

NickK · 23 Mar 2016 at 08:10

The main issue is not moving but the sensing of position and controlling the system to return to the exact same point - including coping with the gearbox backlash etc.

Realistically you'll need 10x the resolution to be precise and accurate to a decent degree.

john_s · 23 Mar 2016 at 08:33

Benny144 said:
I'm going to try document my ideas and progress in this thread.

Good luck with the build. I'm looking forward to seeing it progress.

Benny144 · 23 Mar 2016 at 12:25

So due to the absence of with a 3D printer stepper motor are normally ok, these are probably no good on a CNC.

My first mini project will be a small 3D printer using stepper motors from old CD drives. Just to get something up and running.

bitslice · 24 Mar 2016 at 16:45

Benny144 said:
This first iteration will be used for machining parts for my motorcycle (things like clock mounts, rearsets)

You do need something reasonably chunky to mill aluminium, both in terms of steppers and router. Like you've worked out, CD steppers are nowhere near suitable.

built totally to my design

I wouldn't bother, it may end up costing more in time and money.

The parts are going to be the same regardless, 3 x Nema 23, TB6560 and an arduino. A few metres of extruded aluminium T section and some ball-screws.

Just buy something like a 3040Z-DQ off eBay or just a basic 3040.

Benny144 · 26 Mar 2016 at 15:44

bitslice said:
You do need something reasonably chunky to mill aluminium, both in terms of steppers and router. Like you've worked out, CD steppers are nowhere near suitable.

I wouldn't bother, it may end up costing more in time and money.

The parts are going to be the same regardless, 3 x Nema 23, TB6560 and an arduino. A few metres of extruded aluminium T section and some ball-screws.

Just buy something like a 3040Z-DQ off eBay or just a basic 3040.

Thanks for the response, i'll look into it!