Hi all, I thought I would post a few picks of the cnc machine I am currently building from aluminum profile Although I am not using 80/20 by brand name, I am using the same "t-" slot profile of a competiter, it's so easy to use, If you can put lego together you can use this stuff to build fast accurate frames.
I build automated assembly lines (or cells) with this stuff at work, and will gladly awswer any questions I can in using aluminum profiles. :cheers:

Nice! I was thinking in build my machine with this. I quoted on a allum shop , but heare in Brazil it´s so expensive... Maybe my second one!:cheers:

Thanks, I am fortunate to work in a place where I can use end pieces for personal use!!!. I know some people will say it is expensive, but if you are considering any kind of production, or selling stuff made from your cnc machine, it will pay for itself quickley. And it looks shiney too

First question. How do you trim the ends dead square?

I use a chop saw with a non-ferrous blade ( =no kerf) so i don't get "kick back"
I use a square to set the vice jaws to the blade.

How flat have you found the edges to be over X distance? I was debating on using this for a cnc mill frame. I wanted to mount linear ways to t-slots with a long t-nut.

I was just concerned on how flat/square it would be. Also have you had any problems with flex?

Thanks for the info above.

Very cool that they also have a line of linear motion rails. Neat stuff. I think I will make my new workstations out of this stuff.

I dont have the catalouge in front of me for the specs, but the coating that is on the strut is flat to within .040" , you can however skim the surfaces that you want to be "true" on a mill. My linear slides are bolted throught the profile itself, I am not done with the build yet, so far there seems to be no flex, I am however going to put more supports across the x and y axis to solve any flex during moments of inertia ,ie when i crash it into the work piece :)

This is how I mounted the linear rails.

call 80/20 or go online and ask for their catalog. It has all the formulas in the front for calculating flex and also gives the specs for straightness. It's also free!! The example they give in their catalog is this....If you are using part number 1515 (1.5 X1.5, hence the 1515 part number) and it is suspended at each end of a 30" long piece and you put 50lbs in the center it will flex .011". the formula is like this

length of span to the 3rd power * the weight in the center / 48 * 10,200,000 * the moment of enertia

this formula is for all the weight hanging from one point in the center of the span.

The moment of inertia if different for different width pieces. You can go to www.8020.net to get the moment of inertia for the pieces you are using.

They say that it will be flat to .004 per inch of width but the thicker extrusions stay flat.

They make good stuff and if your patient you can get it all at their garage sale on eBay at

http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale_W0QQsspagenameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

also you can contact them at

info@8020.net

Take care
Allen James

Trubleshtr, where are you getting your extrusions from in Canada?? Online catalog?

Good on you Trubleshtr! Keep telling us about your machine as you go. I wish I saw that before I started. My second machine will be like that only smaller.

How stiff is this stuff compared to steel?

How is it for damping vibration?

HI all, Sorry for not replying sooner...
timewarp I am getting my extrusions from work, they are left over cuts from assemly lines we are having built. They bought it from "BOSCH" but there are other companies like "80/20" and "T-slots" If you want to buy Canadian, there are suppliers in the Toronto area...."Deetag" I believe carries "ITEM" which is also another manufacteurer of alum. extrusions.
The "profiles" are relatively cheap, the hardware tends to be the part that costs most, But, you don't have to use the manufacteurer's hardware, you can dill and bolt through on your own, or build plates to span across two pieces to hold sections togehter. The great thing about the hardware is that it aligns the profiles and t-slots for you giving you pretty good precision out of the box.

ddgman Depending on the profile you use the extrusions are very stiff. Most of the places that sell this stuff have web sites, (I'll try to put together a list of different manufactuerer's and post it here) and the engineering qualities and spec.'s are usually always available to compare charateristics. As far as vibrations if your structure is solid and square you really should not have problems with it, unless you are doing heavy cuts with a big mill/router bit, in which case I would say bolt it to the floor and add neoprene or rubber pads to soften the vib's, I have also heard of guys filling the cavaties in the extrusion with sand to help dead'n vib's But I have never tried that approach..

Picture of XY assembly :banana:

This is what I have so far, I will re-enforce the corners as I go, and add in support along the Y axis.

it's been awhile.
whats the latest info on your setup, is it complete ?
if so, hows the machine holding up
any other info would be nice also
thanks

Hi, things are mov'in a little slow unfortunately. I am currently building the power supply and trying to get a hold of rutex for more bits and pieces. I have a ball screw on order right now, so until that gets here my build is at a stand still.
I'll post some more when I get some more done.

Wow, I can't believe how things have changed!
My build has screached to a halt, with the arrival of my first child now taking priority.
I will try to update when ever I get 5 min.(inbetween feedings and diaper changes) :)

I know you are really busy with your new child....I remember when our twins were born...all my project screeched to a halt. Anyway, how were you intending you mount your Z axis on the y rails. I see only 1 bearing. Just curious....trying to make one of my own.

Cutloose, Wow twins! I don't know how you would manage two little guys/gals as one is enough to keep me 100% occupied.

The Z axis will be mounted to the plate you see on y axis, It is part of an "off the shelf" thompson linear rail system that uses to guide rails one top one bottom, and is belt driven in the middle. So the plate is actually pretty solid.I was fortunate to come by this item, as they are pricey even when used.

Has anyone used the 80/20 stock linear bearings. These are the ones that fit the T-slot extruded rails and have polyethylene as the bearing plate.

I am looking at building my first CNC mill, and the 80/20 (or similar) system seems like ti would be an excellent way to go, considering that they already have parts made to help ensure a square structure. I am wondering if the bearings would work for the CNC application. Seems like they should.

Any experience or advice on this out there?

Thanks,
CODIY

Has anyone used the 80/20 stock linear bearings. These are the ones that fit the T-slot extruded rails and have polyethylene as the bearing plate.

I am looking at building my first CNC mill, and the 80/20 (or similar) system seems like ti would be an excellent way to go, considering that they already have parts made to help ensure a square structure. I am wondering if the bearings would work for the CNC application. Seems like they should.

Any experience or advice on this out there?

Thanks,
CODIY

Hi, about 10 posts down there is a thread on this exact question with pretty good comments.

Although I am not using 80/20 by brand name, I am using the same "t-" slot profile of a competiter,

Who is this competitor? Are they less costly?

For those interested, I have a ton of extrusions left over from a project that did not go through. I am located in Barrie. Let me know the amount you need (inches), and sizes - PM me.

Sam