cnc project

Intro

Lieven Standaert & Kurt Van Houtte are building an open-source 3-axis CNC mill at timeLAB.

The same people who were modifying theirs cars 20 years ago, and assembing their own pc's 10 years ago, are now constructing their own 3D-printers. "If the first generation of computer-controlled manufacturing machines were like '80s Cray computers only big companies could afford, and the second generation were the first Commodores, we're now getting to the pc's: people are building them themselves."

Fablabs got started when some of these machines became affordable enough to buy them with a small company or group. The second generation fablabs are building their own customisable, repairable machines. When finished, the machine should provide a flexible platform for a customisable CNC-machine with a work volume of 1240x1000x80mm. As such the machine should be capable of processing standard-size multiplex panels.

Design specifications

-The machine must be capable of processing 122x244 wooden panels. i.e. the effective work volume should have a minimum width of 122cm.

- it must be possible to transport the machine regularly through a door opening of 80x200cm.

-the machine should be customisable to carry a number of different toolheads: plotter, plasma cutter, laser,...

Design

Version may 7th:

-rotated Y-bridge for better use of net working volume

Version april 25th:

Frame: 120x120mm section steel
Dimensions: 1900mmx1500mmx700mm
All moving parts and electronics are protected within the volume of the frame.

Working volume: 1240x900x100 mm
 

Links, on-line resources and existing machines

SMALL

How to Make a Three Axis CNC Machine (Cheaply and Easily):
built on an MDF-based frame. Very low-cost
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Three-Axis-CNC-Machine-Cheaply-and-/
 

MEDIUM

3 Axis CNC Router - 60"x60"x5" - JunkBot:
student project in a design school, mainly used for foam and wood.
http://www.instructables.com/id/3-Axis-CNC-Router---60x60x5---JunkBot/

This design was used as inspiration for the initial design of the timeLAB machine.

LARGE :)

Gianttech Plasma Cutter 
Open-source plasmacutter, cuts steel
http://opensourceprojects-torchris.blogspot.com/2009/12/gianttech-plasma-cutter.html

Components

 Left to right: 1: IGUS plastic bearing; 2: supported guide rail; 3: 30mm trapezium spindels; 4: plastic nut

Suppliers

plastic bearings, gliders
http://www.igus.be

steel frame
Metal Gent (no website)

CNC Evenings

http://www.timelab.org/bouwavond

Progress on this project is regularly reported on in public evenings. These evenings are also intended as a meeting place for CNC-enthusiasts and everyone building his or her own machines, 3D-printers or robot butlers.

If you wish to be informed on the dates of the next meetings, please send a mail to info@timelab.org.

Tests & spin-offs

A3 CNC

 ;    

In order to test some of the concepts a small cartesian machine was constructed, based on the bridge of an A3-sized printer.

miniCNC

http://www.timelab.org/fabwiki/doku.php?id=shared:minicnc