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C-Beam™ Machine - Plate Maker

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Mark Carew, Jul 16, 2015.

C-Beam® Machine - Plate Maker

C-Beam® Machine - Plate Maker

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Mark Carew, Jul 16, 2015.

This C-beam Machine is an in affordable CNC plate maker and 3D carving machine!

C-Beam Machine cbeam machine router aluminum plates plate maker openbuilds v-slot CNC
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  1. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Thanks @bobt for the helpful feedback you can always spin the 3D model and get the finger to slip on the order button ;) Thank bro
    @motopreserve Thank you :) Just glad to see that you guys like it and that it will be helpful to have a tool that can help build more machines.
    Ok @BOZINATOR not a problem, looks like the Part Store Team has taken care of you. We apologize for the delay as we were not in over this past weekend. All is good now thank you.
    @Eric I have not tried this but I see no reason why you could not do it. You should be able to to cut all the plates needed for a new machine to share with a friend or even to upgrade this one. Remember this C-Beam Machine is just an idea to get you started with a base model using all stock parts. Now that we can all cut our own custom plates the build and design possibilities are endless.
    @FredP Glad to hear your back at it! Thank you for the kind words
    I see @DarkAlchemist it would make a sturdy printer for sure, and it sounds like its going to be a super precise machine. I have been cutting so much lately I haven't had a chance to use my 3D printer for a while now.
    @lolocaledo Thank you for the support :) I use the bosch colt palm router and it works really nice. It has a variable speed dial on top, so you can change it to work for different materials like plexi. I like to mark my router dial once I find a sweet spot for different materials.
     
    #31 Mark Carew, Jul 20, 2015
  2. Colin Russon

    Colin Russon New
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    #32 Colin Russon, Jul 20, 2015
  3. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Whoops missed this part of the post, Thanks @Colin Russon and @motopreserve There should be 26 cast corners total. The list is broken down into X YZ and Frame for ease of assembly. So the list is says in X and Y there are 4 for each and in the frame section there 18.
    I did not try the twin nut block idea, but I am sure that would work just as well. I did try a double C-Beam gantry plate on the X axis at first but did not like the way it built and performed so we in keeping with the stock parts the next logical plate was the universal V-slot Gantry Plate and it works very well for the job :)
    Thanks for the helpful feedback guys
    Mark
     
    #33 Mark Carew, Jul 20, 2015
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  4. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    Mark,

    I shot you an email yesterday about the bundle. Just a couple quick questions.

    Thanks
     
    #34 motopreserve, Jul 20, 2015
  5. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    #35 Mark Carew, Jul 20, 2015
  6. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Updated the Build page with the work flow we used on the software side of things

    Software Work Flow
    • We use the free SketchUp Make for our CAD (makes the 3D model parts)
    • We use the SketchUcam plugin/extension for our CAM (Works up the cut lines and makes the GCODE for the parts)
    • We us GRBL Panel for the controller (Allows you to control your machine and sends the GCODE to the machine) How to use GRBL Panel
     
    #36 Mark Carew, Jul 20, 2015
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  7. David the swarfer

    David the swarfer OpenBuilds Team
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    Mark, you have included a file in the examples folder that will fail to cut.
    SketchUcam Aluminum Examples\Aluminum Box Fold Example.cnc
    contains ramp count limit errors,
    "ramp loop high count break, do not cut this code"
    and the drawing is tagged with 'no ramping', but clearly ramping was on when generated.

    I regenerated the file WITH ramping using the latest SketchuCam and got no errors.
    You generated with ; Generated by SketchUcam V1.2b1, one of the beta versions, not guaranteed to work (-:

    Those lines you drew for the box fold are in many segments, yet they are 'straight' lines. That is why the ramping is a problem, there are tiny segments at the right end of the line that (in 1.2b1) generated a very high number of ramp passes unless angle limit was off. This was solved in later versions (and the release of 1.3a) by limiting ramped segments to bitdiam/2, anything shorter than that will not be ramped.

    The rest of the files in that folder are ok.
     
    #37 David the swarfer, Jul 21, 2015
  8. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Thanks for the tip David I will get it out of there now.
     
    #38 Mark Carew, Jul 21, 2015
  9. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Ok updated the file and also got rid of a few of the extra version files that did not need to be there. Should be all cleaned up now thanks again @David the swarfer
     
    #39 Mark Carew, Jul 21, 2015
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  10. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
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    As a look at the machines using a sliding table to move the work piece around using only a central beam ... like the C-beam machine, is it just me or could there be a problem when working at the furthest outer edges ? The table being held near the centre line, any pressure on the outer edges could/would push the table and work piece out of tolerance, no? Sure, C-beam Machine is not that wide while the C-beam itself is 80 mm wide plus the carriage plate being larger still. I suspect the work piece should mostly be centred when working with such a machine configuration - keep the weight and forces near support.

    Just thinking outloud ... don't mind me.
     
    #40 Serge E., Jul 21, 2015
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  11. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    I had thought of the same thing. I suppose i could always use the C-Beam machine to make a more supportive plate of the need arises :)
     
    #41 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
  12. Serge E.

    Serge E. Journeyman
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    Maybe just add a length of regular V-slot parallel to C-beam at either far edges for added table support ... a few wheels or a teflon like strip to ride/slide on to compensate for any downward pressure.
     
    #42 Serge E., Jul 21, 2015
    silopolis, MTO, GrayUK and 1 other person like this.
  13. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    Not a bad idea. I'll start with it as designed and move from there as the need arises.
     
    #43 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
  14. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Hi @Serge E. We have to keep in mind that the C-Beam Machine was designed to use as few stock parts as possible to keep cost down and to keep the build simple. There are many ways this machine design can be improved on and we look forward to seeing the community working together from here to see where it takes us all.
    You are correct you will want to center the workpiece and most of the time you will but also working on the sides I have not seen any problems. I think this is because I am taking very shallow cuts for aluminum .3-5mm at a time from the material in multiple passes. I could see if an inexperienced user ( I have done it a time or two :) ) tries to hog into the material in one pass pressing really hard with the Z it could be a problem, but the C-beam Machine is very strong and comes back.
    All that being said what's great about OpenBuilds is the design is open and free to be modified and adapted to suit the application desired. :thumbsup:
    Mark
     
    #44 Mark Carew, Jul 21, 2015
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  15. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Mark i have one of the C-Beam Machines's on order but i dont trust myself in making clean square cuts for the vertical lengths. Would it be a bad thing to order 2 additional 500mm lengths of the 20 * 60 and just have the vertical 500 mm high with the y / z axis mounted at say 250 / 300 mm??.

    Also is there any idea on when they will be shipping :)
     
    #45 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
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  16. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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    Davey, you'll note that that idea conflicts with the 90 degree joining plates attaching to the top of the x-rail. The easiest solution is just to put all 4 of the cut ends at the bottom where they are not visible.
     
    #46 Rick 2.0, Jul 21, 2015
  17. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Yep Rick i had seen that but thought that it would be worth while asking anyway :). Wasnt sure how much rigidity would be lost by using a couple of right angled brackets vs the flat plate at the top of the rail.

    I was worried about the cuts not been the same length and making it a real pain in trying to square up the vertical as each one would be a different length. I hope i am worrying about nothing :)
     
    #47 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
  18. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    The cuts are certainly a concern. Something that seems critical in getting right.

    I had thought about having the cut ends on the bottom (as Rick mentions), but it seems it might then create an issue of having them all line up flush to the table on the bottom.

    Maybe I'm wrong here...

    I suppose the best "workaround" is to cut them correctly the first time :)
     
    #48 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
  19. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    I have a quick question: I currently own a bench-top power supply for testing which is adjustable/variable, with a cap of 30A and 30V. Would this be an acceptable power supply for a build like this if I adjusted the output accordingly?

    Is there any drawback to a unit like this vs a server PS or the type sold on the build store? I wasn't planning on using an ATX connection anyway.

    Thanks
     
    #49 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
  20. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Motopreserve it should be fine. The steppers are rated about 2.5 A each at 24 V so even allowing for any extra that would be a max of 10 A or so. But then again i am currently waiting for my parts to arrive.
     
    #50 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
  21. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    Thanks Davey. I figured I could step it back to match the PS that they sell on the store - just wasn't sure of the exact differences between something like this and the typical server-style PS used.

    What type of controller did you go with?
     
    #51 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
  22. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Motopreserve worst case is the steppers may skip if the PS cant supply enough. But you can as a general rule over voltage steppers as they run at constant current. I have ordered a TinyG as i want to be able to use chilipeppr and a spare beaglebone that i have laying around for controlling. Not sure how i can connect in 2 web cams and jog pendant with BB only having one USB 2.0 port but hay if that is the biggest issue i end up with then life is all good :) Otherwise i guess i will have a grab one of the RP2's that i have laying around and use that for the Web Cam.
     
    #52 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
  23. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Motopreserve check out http://www.selene.co/Blog/2011/07/stepper-motor-voltages-explained/ this gives a good idea about voltages and stepper motors. The drivers on your controller will be what limits the stepper. Just make sure that if you are going to be running at the higher end of the stepper driver then you have enough heat sinking / air flow over the drivers. I will be trying the limit of 2 A on mine even though the drivers are rated for 2.5.
     
    #53 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
  24. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    Thanks so much for the link! I'll be reading that next.

    Looks like with a bit more headroom (but adjustable) than the 24V/20A PS they sell on OpenBuilds, I should be ok with this bench top unit. Appreciate the help.

    Not sure I would have envisioned ever being part of a hobby that uses the terms chillipepper and beaglebone in the same sentence - but it's certainly getting colorful around here :)

    Sounds like TinyG may be the way I go too. I was set to grab the xPRO from the store since it was working nice on Mark's video build - but the tinyG had been appealing in my initial research. Now that xPRO is out of stock - think I'll grab the tinyG and see what that's about.

    Maybe we can help each other muddle through it :)

    Placing the order momentarily....
     
    #54 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
  25. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Hello Davey,
    We received your email and respond. Yes we can add two of the 20x60 to your order so that you can gain the height your after. Remember we keep the router as low as possible on this build, to keep it as strong as possible in the lower position.
    The cuts should be the best you can make them but once you have your machine set up you can adjust the sides a little to make up for any small difference. The rest can be leveled out when you plane the spoiler board to ensure its parallel to the X axis. (video to come soon on how we do this)
    If you would rather have us cut the two 500mm in half for you we can do that as well just let us know :)
    Thank you
    Mark
     
    #55 Mark Carew, Jul 21, 2015
  26. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Thanks Mark. I replied to the email and will get the couple of extra 20x60 and i can then trim / cut to size. If i get it wrong i will then have another piece to try. Happy with solder iron and electronics but mechanical stuff is not so much.
     
    #56 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
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  27. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    Just placed the order. Really looking forward to this first build.

    Thanks for all your help folks!
     
    #57 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
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  28. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Thanks guys, hope you have fun with your builds! :thumbsup:
     
    #58 Mark Carew, Jul 21, 2015
  29. motopreserve

    motopreserve Well-Known
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    Oh, I don't think here's any risk of NOT having fun :)
     
    #59 motopreserve, Jul 21, 2015
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  30. Davey Rance

    Davey Rance New
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    Mark if possible i would like to take you up on the offer to cut the 60x20. I have also ordered the extra 6x20 just that way i have some to play with :)
     
    #60 Davey Rance, Jul 21, 2015
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