Newbie- What extrusion should I use to build a cnc table?

[EKFER]

I',m considering to setup a table for my cnc machine using 8020 inc. t-slot extrusions (15 series). Is that strong enough for holding and cutting 1/2" aluminum? I'll appreciate your response. Thank you

[bobsch]

What size table are you thinking about?

[keebler303]

I'm gonna go with 3060 extrusion...

[EKFER]

Thank you for your responses. The size of the table will be 15" by 36.250.

[MikeyC38]

Originally Posted by EKFER I',m considering to setup a table for my cnc machine using 8020 inc. t-slot extrusions (15 series). Is that strong enough for holding and cutting 1/2" aluminum? I'll appreciate your response. Thank you

Hi Ekfer,
I'am at the stage where I have my ballscrews, rails and bearings and doing my design. My MC will have 1100mm x 750mm x 300mm ball screws to cut wood and
aluminium. I think you need bigger sections because this gives greater stiffness and better accuracy. I am using 40x80 (heavy) sections (4 kg/m density) and 120x40 (heavy) section for the y axis gantry section to support the Z axis. I will be using 15mm aluminium toolplate for the gantry sides and end plates. With 3.1nm steppers (427oz) this sould be plenty to mill aluminium to a good accuracy (0.01mm). On the UK mycnc forum there are some useful design spreadsheets to work out the deflection for a given load and box section size.

Hope this heps
Mike

[EKFER]

The main consideration I have is to maintain a low profile while, at the same time be able to clamp on both sides. How about a 1/2 x 15" x 36.250" anodized aluminum plate with threaded holes? Who makes them?

[EKFER]

Friends, I read from Bear5k today that Misumi has a heavier extrusion at a better price. I'll look into it. Again, thank you all for your assistance and recomendations.

[EKFER]

Techno Inc. has exactly what I'm looking for (HEAVY DUTY EXTRUSION TABLE PLATE 20375). However, at US $341.00 it is beyond my purchase ability. I'll keep looking. Or, if you find an alternative , please let me know. Thank you

[TNUTZ]

Have you given Faztek.net or Faztek.ca a try? They seem to be less "busy" than 80/20, and will spend the time to make sure that you get what you need.

[keebler303]

Originally Posted by TNUTZ Have you given Faztek.net or Faztek.ca a try? They seem to be less "busy" than 80/20, and will spend the time to make sure that you get what you need.

Do you deal with 80/20 directly or through a distributor? I have had excellent service through my local distributor, granted my projects are normally $2-5k so I'm sure that helps.

Matt

[TNUTZ]

Originally Posted by keebler303 Do you deal with 80/20 directly or through a distributor? I have had excellent service through my local distributor, granted my projects are normally $2-5k so I'm sure that helps. Matt

As far as I know, you cannot buy direct from 80/20, so you are stuck with the local distributor. For many small "dollar" jobs, you don't always get the service.