I'm interested in designing and building a hybrid laser cutter with capability of cutting airfoil templates, i.e. 12" x 72" maximum size. Kind of an extreme cross between an ACRO 510 and a 2020 using the full length 2000mm extrusions for the long sides. Seems straight forward enough but I'm curious to get feedback on which axis to make the long axis. What benefit would there be to making the X-axis short and lengthening the Y-axis vs. the opposite long X-axis and short Y-axis? Assuming the X axis supports the carriage and laser. What are the roadblocks to success I'll be facing? Which option would you recommend, long X or long Y?
I'd go for the 2020 just a matter of Time before you have a project that won't fit. Otherwise, not much difference, short Y feels more natural (portrait shape jobs). Theoretically keeping gantry short and sides longer a little more rigid (shrink X)
So, given my design goals, and taking into consideration future needs and interest in larger overall size of projects, would it be logical and possible to order an ACRO 2020 system (cutting area 72"x72") frame with additional three cross members from the ACRO 55 (cutting area 12'x12") to achieve a custom design frame with cutting area of 12"x72" ? Or, would it be more logical to order the ACRO 55 system with two 2000mm extrusions (longer than the 2020 sections) to create a 12"x78" approx. machine? I don't see any details on the wiring harnesses provided with the two different systems and will assume the 55 wires are proportionately shorter than the 2020's so I would need to make custom extensions as needed to accommodate the extra length. Does anyone have details on the wire harness packages? I would also need to evaluate the drag chain product availability to make sure the longer length of the hybrid machine could be accommodated.
Yes. Order the 2020 kit as is (comes with the longer wires too for your other question) and couple extra 500mm extrusions as needed. All those are standard store items you can add to your cart. Every component is too, if you like want extra wire etc too. Checkout all the store products on OpenBuilds Part Store
Is a BOM available for the 2020 kit? If I have to order piece by piece I'll need to know the details. Specifically the extrusion cut lengths and the make up of the included parts bundles as I will not be requiring the motion controller, the power supply or the stepper motors and there does not appear to be an option to delete those when ordering the kit. Of course, I'll be requiring shorter X-axis extrusions, which I can cut from the provided ones if necessary. I would like to confirm the Y extrusions are full 2000 mm otherwise I will want to replace the 2020 Y extrusions with the longest available, which I believe to be 2000 mm.
Ordering it one by one could end up pricier than the kit (some kits are priced accordingly, not just a sum of parts). Having three leftover rails, worth it to just get the kit. Also, makes it easier on YOU (a pack of nicely kitted , even partly preassembled parts with labels or a pile of random parts, which one is going together easier) But best to contact the store please (this is the community forum): Submit a ticket they'll be able to customize your order perhaps a little better, we don't work on that end.
