I noticed some flex in my CNC while I was doing some aluminum test cuts, and I especially noticed when I was milling some 3D parts. I replaced the Z-Axis thinking that would solve my troubles, however after analysis of the machine I came to the conclusion that the X-Axis was the problem. I have already invested a decent amount of money into this machine, being my first machine, and I'm fairly new to the CNC world. In order to increase the rigidity of the machine I figured that the X-Axis should be replaced. The design calls for 2 C-Beam extrusions, with one being a linear actuator. My Y-Axis is already fairly stiff and should not be a problem. My question is how rigid are the C-Beams , and if my design is capable of milling aluminum without taking a million little passes. Edit: I should also mention that my design only consists of the new X-Axis design, the original X-Gantry plates will replaced with new ones that extend to both of the makerslide rails on the Y-Axis, and they are held together by 8 V-Wheels. Specifications: Spindle: Dewalt 611 22k-30k rpm Machine Size: 750x1000mm Stepper Motors: Nema 23 140oz Post 2016 model machine (Gen 2 X-Carve). Upgrades: New 10" Z-Axis T Slot Bed Raised Y-Gantry plates Extra Y-Axis Rails Any help is appreciated. Do note that I am new to the forums, and to CNC work in general.
Looks reasonable. You might consider taking the left over wheels from the X-axis and doubling up on the Y-axis, insetting them 25mm back from the ones shown. How thick do you plan on going with the plates?
So your saying take a plate and have it line the inside of the makerslides like I've shown? Also the X-Gantry will be made of 1/4" 6061 aluminum plates. I'm also having the X-Carriage plate extend over both C-Beams instead of having two plates for each individual beam.
Actually, no. I was suggesting setting wheels side by side if you have enough room for them. If not, the two plate system is workable but if you go that way you need to take the inner plate all the way up and make it integral with the system. Otherwise all the load goes to the outside wheels as the axles across to the inner wheels flex and thus don't transfer much of the load to the inside wheels. (click to enlarge) If you do carry the plate all the way up it does make for a very rigid system, it's just a lot of work and it doubles the plate cost. The filler pieces of extrusion have to be perfectly square and fitted between the two plates. You also need to drill out the lengthwise holes of the filler pieces to 5mm to be able to run the screws from the outside of the end plate, through the inside plate and then thread them about 25mm into the interior section of the extrusion.
So basically long story short, its too resource intensive, and not necessary. The way I have my plate set up, is with 8 wheels on each plate, linking 2 makerslides. So there would be a row of 4 wheels in between the 2 slides. I have enough for 16 wheels, I'm just not sure which design is better
