This is really awesome! I was just thinking of building the acro system, but was refraining as it doesn't have a Z axis. I'll be primarily using it to cut paper/cardboard with laser or a plotter cutting blade. Just curious, Do you think it can mill murals like these?? just works of art on foam or light wood maybe? Looking forward for updates!! Great job!
Hi @yogeshnd. I don't think it will be able to do murals like that unfortunately. In foam — sure, but I don't think it could handle wood. I don't have any experience with milling, but I always thought there must be a reason those machines are always just much bigger and heavier than a 3d printer or a laser.
Hi, I'm currently using one of these brushless motors It's good enough for drilling small holes, but not good for milling.
Did you add a place to add an end stop for your z axis? Also how long did it take you to print out the 3d parts on your Prusa?
Beautiful design on the Z-axis! I love how you have the support for the drag train on the top of the Z motor. I need to do something like this. So smart! I noticed that there is a threaded rod inserted in the light-blue 3d printed plastic piece on top of the Z-motor. What is this used for? Does the lead screw rub away the red plastic at the bottom of the Z-axis? Thanks, -Todd
I'm not using any physical endstops, going with TMC 2130 drivers and their stallGuard feature. Speaking of printing, it took around 10 hours for the main part.
Thanks Todd! That threaded rod is used as a spool pin for cotton thread. I use it when I make string art. Speaking of lead screw and the plastic — it doesn't rub away the plastic, the hole is larger than the lead screw. But I do think putting a bearing there would be a good idea.
I mostly use it for my string art project. But I do have a laser, it's this one (2.5W 12V 445nm) I bought on ali express.
I am thinking of converting this Z-Axis setup to my Stinger Laser. Biggest difference is it has a 40x40 X-Axis rail. I like how compact this setup is. Question though: You are using eccentric nuts on 3d-printed plates. How is that holding up long-term? I always thought that it ould nbot work because it will wear off. How is your experience?
Second question: You made STLs of the carriage and the gantry plate with and without supports, but despite the difference in filesize, I see exactly NO difference. How does this work?
That part has been working fine for me so far. Honestly, not sure what you mean by wear in this case. Are you worried the eccentric nuts will kinda rotate and move slightly over time? I haven't seen this happen with my set up. There are nylon nuts on the other side and they seem to be holding the whole thing in place well. This machine only has seen maybe around a 100 hours of work though, so your mileage may vary. Yeah, sorry it's not super clear, I answered a similar question on Thingiverse before: OpenBuilds ACRO Z Axis by petethepig
Hello!, Great job!! I would like to ask you if you have seen any difference in the V-Slot Linear Rails (if the Linear Rails have been distorted for example)??
Hi, are you asking if they bent or deformed or something like that under load? No, with this build plastic starts flexing way before aluminum.
Fantastic Design! Compact and super sturdy! Thanks so much! It would help if there would be a bit more documentation/directions of the assembly process. The what goes where is clear but because it's so compact when I built it I had to take out a few bolts again because I realized too late that another one needs to go in first. But I also didn't take any notes I could share, so I'm not complaining Thanks again!