i was looking through the forum and ran into your build very nice work .

 

Oh that sounds suspiciously like a hint. Any clues for us on this side of the storefront?

 

Very nice build. I am personally interested in copying the x-axis setup, maybe going to the steel v-rails (the use of epoxy to bond the rail is a good idea, I have a design using a HFS6-60120 extrusion for the gantry and custom steel v-wheels) over the delrin but only maybe. One reason to go to steel v-rail is the use of the steel v wheels from Inventables or others with sealed dual angular contact bearings. These are not the same as the steel v-wheels from Openbuilds, which don't over much over the delrin wheels since the bearings are still a "press" fit and hence there is slop in the wheel (most of delrin v-wheels from Openbuilds are more like a slip fit).

Gerald, any chance you are going to be making a production run of these kits? The biggest win for me is the R&P setup. Your website is still down....I'm basically re-engineering your designs now in Solidworks, though I'm going to stick with belts vs. the R&P setup for simplicity.

Also, curious why you say belts aren't good over the long term? I've had pretty good accuracy and repeatably from my GT3 belt setup. I have a GT2 15mm belt setup I am very eager to install, but it requires new plates all around.

 

what kind of programs are you running for you cad/cam thanks.

 

gerald,
Tried sending an email but dunno if you check that account much. Anyways, I am considering getting some plates cut for the f-117. I have a stack of 5010 extrusion here are the house to build a large format machine. Due to its length I have decided to go open rail and rack and pinion. Could not find any other linear bearing system long enough. I originally intended to do screws on x and z but that would require a new plate design. I decided to bite the bullet and go with the f-117 since it's an established build that looks like it been working well..in a production environment no less. Couple of questions.

The files show 5010 version 7 on the side plates, version 3 on the gantry plates.
1. These are 5010 beams all around? (X and Y)
2. This version is for the 1/2x3/4 20 degree 20 pitch bolt on rack from Moore gear all around?
3. Is the bom current? I ordered a bunch of random openbuilds parts on the sale...most wheels, hardware, and open rail based roughly on the bom. Just want to make sure I have the right length screws and spacers.
4. Do u anticipate getting your store up and running to cut 6061 plates soon? I have a guy local that can cnc g10 with his Laguna machine, got another buddy working in a machine shop. Either of those guys might be able to help here in town, if not there are a few plate makers out there. However, your prices beforehand on your site were reasonable, I'd certainly consider it if you are back in the plate making business.
5. Ever consider belt reduction drives for this machine. I plan to and retrofit some onto the stock design after I have the machine cut.
Thanks
Chris

 

I too am curious about the F117 build, @Hytech2k. Any chance that, if the BOM and drawings are not up-to-date, we can get a current copy applied to the site here?

This appears to be one of the more sturdy builds here and is done on a way that makes it easy to work on.

Of course, the problem with using the outdated files, is that you don't know where you are going to fail. If it's on the BOM, the failure is probably going to cost you money and time.

If it's on the drawings or plate drawings, that's going to be even more time... and for people like me, new window costs (ya know... for when I throw a piece of v-slot through the window in frustration).

Thank you for all the hard work and for posting it here so we can learn.
Karl Miller

 

Love this build. Thanks for sharing!

 

What are you using for cooling the motors? My Nema 23's are running pretty hot and I'd be a lot more comfortable if they had some decent cooling from a heatsink, fan, or both.

 

Gecko 203V powering 570oz Nema 23s pulling 5A each. It's not painful to touch the motors but they're still running hotter than I'd like and I haven't found any heatsinks made for Nema 23's yet.

 

Hi

I wonder for a cnc using the 2 nema23 570oz on the Y axis, could it be quite better to go with a power supply of 70v instead of 48v ?
As more voltage will give an higher speed too... And the torque curve should not be affected by much. And just go with driver of 80v rating.

 

Speed isn't really an issue - it can already move faster than a 3hp router can cut so getting a good spindle will help more than trying to increase travel speed.

 

Or let say, at 70v , we can then used more effectively a 425oz then.. ? as to torque curve will expand of about more than 15percent..

 

Also, I've recheck so far data about the pignon gear, I understand as Pi x size will make a further movement...

But in real : What is the difference between a 15 , 16, 18 and 20 teeth ? Is the load will be higher with a higher teeth count or lower ?

 

Could this build and r&p setup be taken to a 1800 or 2000mm set up?

 

I'm running 1500x3000mm set up - the main rails need to be 5010 extrusion however so the holes for the wheels need to be moved 20mm up. I also recommend attaching the 5010 extrusion to side supports - personally I got 1/4" thick 4x4" aluminum angle from a metal shop in town in 2x 10' lengths.

 

I tried to go to your website, but something appears wrong when I do. Are you still manufacturing the plates?

 

Oh, so the losing step could be again less, if go with a 16 or even 14 tooth.
In that case, as you said, probably a pinion running with belt could be the way. Is the 570oz nema will give any good in such setup... or they will just need to work at a lower amp ?

Like set the driver to max 3.7 - 4amp.. vs 5amp. As with the belt, it will turn less and compensate as to not have to swap the nema for a 400oz or so.. with less amp requirement.. if that make sense ?

Thanks again