Dear Openbuilders, I'm thinking about making a Cartesian pick-and-place machine to prototype some laboratory automation ideas using the v-slot system. The x-axis (1000mm long) would be on a raised platform and the y-axis (400mm long) would be bolted directly to the bearing plate of the x-axis, without any other framing or structural support. The z-axis would attach directly to the y, and would carry a small servo gripper. The machine would need an effective resolution/accuracy of no better than 0.5mm and move around objects of no more than 50g. My question is, can the v-slot bearing system handle the kind of perpendicular torque that would be imposed by the unbalanced weight of the "hanging" y-axis? Would expect such an arrangement have lots of play or other problems? Any thoughts or suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks , Thomas
I don't think you would have an issue with loads of that degree myself. Mark may be more informative. I would say 4 wheels each side could easily handle your needs, how heavy would the z be?
Thanks! the z should be pretty light weight - in total it would have 2 times 200mm of 20*20 v-slot, mini bearing plate, stepper, and hobby servo gripper. I've not yet calculated it out, but it'll only be a few hundred grams.
I don't see that being a problem, look forward to what you come up with, I have bin playing with the idea of a fish tank air pump and needle setup for smd pcb work but far from starting as my hands are full with other builds that must get done
