Hi, I am wanting to build a simple hotwire system with two 1.5m linear actuator bundle as the bases, and two 500mm actuators making up the two vertical components. Something like this, but using the LA bundles available here. This seems like a pretty straightforward build. However, never having actually seen the hardware, I am struggling to figure out how to: Mount the vertical LA's on the horisontal bases. In other words, how do I bolt the uprights to the base of the horisontal carriages? How to add a brace at the top of the vertical columns to ensure the vertical columns don't bow inwards under the tension of the wire. Is there a simple way to bolt a horisontal extrusion to the top of each vertical tower? What bolts do I need? Are there ready-made plates available for this sort of thing? I am in Australia, so I don't want to waste time and money ordering extra pieces once the main order arrives. I'd like to order everything in one go. Anyone care to offer specific advice, part numbers etc? Duncan PS I have all the software set up (Profili Def Wing Foam + Dev CNC Foam + Cobra CNC)
Hi, hotwires don't require large stepper motors, so I'll use the small ones. And the LA bundles are belt driven. Anyone able to offer some concrete advice on how to connect the verticals to the horisontals? I'd really like to order the parts and get started on this. But I have no idea how to attach the vertical towers to the horisontal bases. Duncan
Two concepts attached. The first can be anchored to a base board with angle clips. The downside with this one is that the motor mount plates conflict with the gantry plates, reducing the usable length of the rails. The second will require a wood framework to support but provides better balance and eliminates the plate conflicts. Both will require that you think your way through the project as neither method follows the LA bundles completely. The item listing in the bundles can be used as a pretty good guide however.
Hi, Thank you for the examples. They are very helpful. However, neither of them show how to attach the upright to the gantry plate. All I can see is the extrusion lying against the gantry plate. Does the extrusion screm onto the gantry plate? If so, how? Are there special screws required for this? How do the screws attach to the extrusion? As I say - the drawings just show the extrusion lying against the gantry plate with no visible means of attachment. Cheers, Duncan
Sorry, they were just quick concepts. Trying to fill in all the connection holes takes a substantial amount of time in Sketchup. But yes, T-nuts is correct. You'll also need a 10mm long screw and a slot washer at each of the connections. The slot washer is needed as a spacer between the plate and the extrusion due to the conflicting screw heads from the wheels. (Note, you only need 8mm screws at the locations without a slot washer like where the motor mount plates attach to the extrusions.)
Thank you. I have already placed my order, but didn't notice that my delivery address was incorrect. I immediately went and changed my address however. Will this be OK? I really need to delivery to be made to my new address. My order number is: #25203 Cheers, Duncan
The forum is separate entity and I as a moderator have no connection with that side of the operation. I would suggest contacting them through the shop or by email: http://support.openbuilds.com/support/home.
Hi there - Thank you for sharing these drawings. The first one looks very similar to what I'd like to build. I do have a few questions though: (1) I need the X (horizontal) axis to be 1000mm long and the Y (vertical) axis to be about 635mm long.... if there is a pulling/pushing force at the top of the Y-axis, are these aluminum extrusions able to handle some kind of force? (2) I noticed the drawing (the first one you've included, which is also the one I'd like to replicate) has a x-axis that is thicker than then one shown in the vertical axis... it also has a wider plate. What size (width) extrusion is the x-axis? The y-axis? and What size is the plate shown on each axis? (3) As mentioned, I want to basically have the exact same setup you have provided. Mine will be a 4-axis machine, so basically double what you have shown there. My requirements for the two x-axis will be a length of 1000mm (each) and my two y-axis will be 635mm (each). Also, as mentioned, I would like both my horizontal axis to be wider (as you have shown) relative to the vertical axis. Can you please provide me a parts list and total cost? I do not need motors. Also, I'm not sure if you need this information, but my motors are NEMA 23's, so please take that into consideration for pricing. I really appreciate your help in advance. You have given me an awesome starting point and I really appreciate it William James
The issue is not the strength of the extrusions, it is the strength of the connections. The longer you make the vertical the more force you are putting on both the roller connection and the connections of the horizontal to the base. This will wear out the bearings faster in the roller connection and will also cause the base connections to flex more, potentially reducing the stretch in the wire. I'm not sure what you are asking here as all the plates are the same size. And these are merely quick concepts, nothing was sized. I just showed smaller horizontals on the second concept as the load is more balanced and the forces will be lower. Nope. I am not a paid sales rep, I am a volunteer forum moderator with a life, a job, and a family that all have demands on my time. While I am fully willing to throw out a few concepts to get people over the hump, when it comes to legwork you're on your own.
Hello Duncan, I will like to see the final product, if you have some pictures. I know its been two years already, but as a newbie Im thinking to build something similar. Thanks in advance
