Using Old XYZ liquid handler as a CNC bot

[lorenolson888]

Hi All,

I got an older liquid handler robot that was having electronic issues from work so I scrapped all the electronics. The gantry and steppers seemed usable. XY and Z use 6 wire stepper (Nema 24 1.8 degree per step). X and Y have encoders on them. The 3 axes use belts.

My questions

1. What can I make this into... Are the belts usable for anything or do I need to replace with lead screws? It seems possible but a lot more work.

2. What is a good source for a spindle. I was thinking a HF dremel. Or maybe a die grinder or trim router? Seems like lightweight would help in my situation. I want to cut everything of course including aluminum if possible. Seems like lowere RPM would be advantageous. I am willing to do light cuts and sacrifice cutting wood and plastice if I can cut aluminum.

3. How would one use the encoders with mach 3? would it be worth using the encoders that are aleadry integrated. For ball screw machines are the encoders good enough to get within 1 or 2 thou.

4. How about a DRO setup. Does mach 3 use the positional info to correct for slop in the system?

Thanks, and I will attach some pics to give you all an idea of my starting point.

Loren Olson

[lorenolson888]

PICs of the main robot gantry steppers...

LO