David Bourne published a new build:

Read more about this build...

 

Thanks, and yes I did put a lot of work in, it's not completely finished yet but it's almost there. WOW.. I had not seen the platform CNC, that is a great kit!

 

Hi,

Many thanks for the comments. The kit is not complete yet, I am still tweaking the design, but I expect to have some parts ready to build the first model in about 2 to 3 weeks. I am very busy at work at the moment so don't have a lot of spare time.

 

Thanks for the comments, they are really appreciated. I am going to change the front plate so that the work base can extend beyond the front plate, that makes sense. But the back plate will not allow any further movement so that is staying as it is, and I like the electronics on the back, almost all the wiring is hidden with this as it would be if the electronics were under the kit, but I figure easy access is needed in case anything needs changing so I am keeping that, plus I think it looks good. I am almost there now and i will be putting revised pictures up soon with explanations of why i have made the design the way it is.

 

Another mount option is a good idea but I will look at that later when I decide which spindle type to use. The skills are for Alibre Design & Keyshot, I can use F360 but prefer Alibre, that may change though. Thanks for the comments.

 

Here are some real world pictures of parts that are arriving. This is the lead screw evolution, from right to left, the first is the standard 8mm as used in many builds. I think (my opinion) for small machines up to 600mm these are probably suitable but for any longer actuator then a larger screw size should be used.

Then for the 2nd from right evolution stage I looked at TR12x3 and 12mm non-machined ends that fit outside the plate, not inside, these will work and can be used on some builds but I deciced that although these were good they are not anti-backlash so I decided not to use these so I have these spare in my work space.



3rd from right: Then I found the correct suppliers for the housing and for the anti-backlash nut, this will of course support machined and non-machined TR12 screws so 3rd from right is the absolute best solution for C-Beam and TR12 screws. I am so pleased to have found this combined set of suppliers, the nut has a much greater hold area than the 8mm and is machined precisely to fit into the housing, and as a bonus it is anti-backlash, perfect!



Above you can see that the housing fits beautifully inside the C-Beam.

The housing costs more than a normal item of this type but it so massively improves possibilities for the cnc kit it is worth the extra cost.

Finally, 4th from right on the main picture a TR16x3 nut and housing. I will use this on my larger format machines and of course the nut does not fit into the C-Beam inner shape but on 1.5M or larger C-Beam lengths such as a 3Mx1.5M machine the nut placement is OK on the outside.



Last, here is a set of plates that I ordered for the first INDY-TR12 concept build, these were not even delivered when I realized I wanted to change the build to accommodate a bit drawer and make some other changes so these plates are spare for the moment.

As you can see the plates as supplied are not cleaned or brushed like the beautiful brushed black OB plates but when you order one set lie I have then it is not cost effective to order them machined like the OB plates.

It is not hard to clean these and they are exact shapes and from certified 6mm thick AW 5754 aluminium.


I found out through trial and error that many laser cutter parts service companies use softer non-certified aluminium which is a poor quality alloy mix and not hard enough for CNC work so again I took some time to find the correct supplier who would guarantee certificated materials, this was www.fractory.com. The total cost for this plate set was £130.00.

These plates fit this early design



The design has evolved a great deal since this early stage but I am nearly complete. Once again I decided to change the design because I wanted to use the dead space that is always present in this kind of design so I adapted my bit drawer idea and added the same draw type but wider to the back plate to hold the electronics.

Now I think I am ready to place the order for these plates. I just need to figure out the wiring and put the necessary fittings into the frame then I will be 100% ready.

Thanks to all of you for your support and ideas, they are always very welcome.

 

From China, had them especially made for this kit.

 

Some updates, the order of parts is taking longer than expected but almost all parts have arrived now.

Here is a quick comparison of the M8 and M5 wheel sets, with Low Profile screws. The difference is startling. I am so looking forward to building this kit.




I have had a request to build a 1M x 1M model for guy in the UK, but the guy does not want the expense of the machined TR12 screws so has opted for non-machined. I purchased some M12 shaft collars for this use:


I know the normal shaft collars have a grub screw or two to hold onto the rail but having used these in the past I know they are not great when under load, they can slip easily. This type which are the split clamp type should not suffer from that problem because they grip the whole screw, not just where the grub screw bites.


The plates from the Beta model have arrived as well, they came out great and the colour is attractive, the guy who wants the 1M x 1M model has claimed them for his build.

​

More updates soon!

 

Same wheels, because we use type 20 V-slot profiles, with different bearings, spacers, shims, eccentric spacers and nut to fit M8 bolt. Only the wheel is used from the M5 set.

If type 40 V-slot existed then a bigger wheel would exist and we would use those.

 

We have been asked many times now if we will sell the parts we have had manufactured for this build and we are considering this as an option. If we go down that route I will let you know.

 

Had not seen the millwright kit, thanks for the link, and now having seen that kit I think maybe openbuilds (Mark) can see that there will probably be a market for Type 40 C-Beams and V-Slots, I suppose the existing systems are about exhausted for design possibilities as it stands so a type40 profile set may be the next transitional stage.

Apologies if you thought I thought you were questioning the design, that didn't enter my head, I was simply pointing out that if the type40 existed then it would have been an easier choice to make that design with M8 wheel sets. There is no point making larger diameter wheels to run in the existing v-slot system, it would not achieve anything and actually probably weaken the design.

Many thanks for all the praise and comments!

 

Haremos que las piezas estén disponibles para la venta pronto. Las partes de aluminio no se pueden vender por separado porque todas las otras partes son necesarias para que el kit funcione con pernos M8.

 

Been soooooo... busy, back on track with this soon.