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Month: February 2017

Motors Kit for CNC Mill

Motors Kit for CNC Mill

Computer, Electronics
I received the motors/drives/power supplies from Wantai I decided to order from Wantai instead of StepperOnline mainly due to shipping costs (45$ vs 108$) and the 2 x 350W power supplies vs 1 x 400W, both 36V.  Wantai also throws in a breakout board which provide opto-isolated outputs for the drives.  Packaging is neat and everything is in good shape. Linear rails and ball screws are expected this Friday, stay tuned!
CNC Mill – Update

CNC Mill – Update

Electronics
I worked on the design of the machine this week.  I will probably replace the mechanical limit switches with optical sensor from digikey - I feel they will be more precise and reliable I received some shipments over the week for the CNC Mill project From TNutz.com : Received t-nuts for the Series 15 extrusion along with double inside corner angles.  I planned to saw / drill the corner angles from strock aluminium angle but at the price tnutz sell them... From CPIAutomation.com : Received a 65lbs worth of extrusions!  Quite happy about the quality of their product.  I was worried about the X axis not being rigid enough but now that I received the 3x3 extrusion, lets just say I don't think this is going to be an issue Linear rails / leadscrews ship...
3D Printer – Fixed!

3D Printer – Fixed!

3D Printing
I received my replacement Azteeg X5 Mini V3 today (2 days delivery from USA via DHL) Installation was a breeze, same connectors / pinout as V2.  I grabbed the latest firmware on GitHub and checked my config against new V3 (enable pins are reversed).  Installed the jumper for microsteps (1/32 on all axis, 1/16 on extruder) and added heatsinks.   Everything seems to be working properly so let's try a print!   To be continued.... ;)
The other side of DIY… FIY (Fix It Yourself)

The other side of DIY… FIY (Fix It Yourself)

3D Printing, Electronics
Well,  after a year of trouble-free service, my 3D Printer finally broke down yesterday.    It started with an airprint https://youtu.be/QYAPWH0TTHg First thought was a fried coil in the extruder motor : the motor is a small 0.5A stepper that need active cooling to prevent overheating.  However, I was surprised to find that both coils where ok.   Next was a check on the controller driver output : I swapped the connectors of the gamma motor with the extruder (after lowering the current to 0.5).  The extruder motor ran fine but now the gamma motor was dead. So my diagnostic is that the driver failed on my Azteeg X5 Mini V2, which unfortunately have  a glued on heatsink for all 4 drivers.  I will contact Panucatt today about how to fix or replace the board.  They now h...
CNC Mill V2 – Update

CNC Mill V2 – Update

Electronics
Added most screws and limit switches.  I like the fact that the limit switches on the sides are under the frame and protected.  I may eventually switch to optical barriers as I feel this would be more reliable / repeatable (at least for the home). I also confirmed that MACH3/4 support Axis+/- limit switches.  I also started to think of a safe way to mount the electronics inside the frame.  I'm planning to use either rubber mounted or spring suspension in order to keep vibrations away from the electronic.  Also planning to put at least one fan to ensure proper airflow.  I'm also looking at putting the VFD right up in the mast and water pump/tank(s) under the bed which would allow for a totally standalone machine (just need to feed power and air)
Printing 3D Parts for an OX Metal machine

Printing 3D Parts for an OX Metal machine

3D Printing
I took a order to 3D print the parts for an OX Metal Build (http://www.openbuilds.com/builds/ox-metal-cnc-router-mill.3681/) I'll add pictures and videos to this post as  I progress   Update Feb 12 : All done! Here's some videos : https://youtu.be/C8yyEvJmFhk https://youtu.be/vujnDj51SpI https://youtu.be/mls0q_Qldwo    
CNC Mill – Update / V2

CNC Mill – Update / V2

Electronics
What a week... I started to place the order for the extrusions at OpenBuilds.com and found out the shipping cost to Canada would be 218$usd  + customs.  I then found a local supplier in Montreal and called for 3 days in order to get a quote.  I finally gave up on this supplier and looked at imperial extrusions instead, which are way easier to find in north-america.  I found a distribute for 8020 inc in Ontario and then decided to change the current design to use imperial extrusions. While modifying the original design, I also spent some time trying to identify possible ways to make the design / construction easier.  I then decided to change the bottom frame of the machine for one that would be easier and cheaper to construct. Specifications : 7" Z clearance below the beam...
CNC Milling – Update – 3D Printing and ordering

CNC Milling – Update – 3D Printing and ordering

Electronics
Today, I 3d printed a bunch of parts that I will later machine out of aluminium.  I also placed the order for t-nuts and will probably order the extrusions tonight or tomorrow.  I'm having a bit of an issue with the rails supplier (china) due to holidays there.  Worst case, I'll find another supplier! I set my 3D printer to the fastest print / lowest quality (0.35mm / layer, 120mm/s)  as these parts will be discarded anyway.  I also had a 'spaghetti' incident where one of the supporting rods for the head disconnected (magnetic) and the head simply sprouted plastic in the air.
Printing parts for CNC Milling

Printing parts for CNC Milling

Electronics
Progress update Over the last few days, I added all missing screws, normalized screws lengths and started to build my orders for material.  I'm going to start with the rails / extrusions in order to build the frame.   Printing the plates using my 3D Printer I've finally decided to print all parts that can fit on my 3D printer. Pros: Faster than manually cutting / drilling the parts Allows for inexpensive test-fit / changes Allows to use the machine itself to machine the parts using aluminium Cons: Not sure about the rigidity of the printed parts : will the machine be stiff enough to machine its own aluminum parts ? Will require complete disassembly / reassembly to replace the parts   Here's a teaser of some motor mounts, limit switch holde...