A cnc router

[axis_control]

HI ,
i want to know exactly what is a cnc router?.
when i google search ..i get the complete mechanical path & bed system just like in the pic below.
So does that mean that a router is only the mechanical system of a desktop cnc machine excluding all the electronics ?

[LeeWay]

That is a loaded question. You can have complete packages including computers and software. It all depends on what you are looking at and what is offered.
You can buy anything from single parts to complete machines.
I think a cnc router can be as little as one axis as well. This would be for cutting things to length I guess. Perhaps milling slots. I have seen 2 axis machines with manual Z axis as well.
There really is no standard as to the completeness of machines or what all is included when you see a cnc machine. It's all in the details.

[axis_control]

Originally Posted by LeeWay That is a loaded question. You can have complete packages including computers and software. It all depends on what you are looking at and what is offered. You can buy anything from single parts to complete machines. I think a cnc router can be as little as one axis as well. This would be for cutting things to length I guess. Perhaps milling slots. I have seen 2 axis machines with manual Z axis as well. There really is no standard as to the completeness of machines or what all is included when you see a cnc machine. It's all in the details.

The manufacturers while selling their cnc ..quote in their advertise as CNC routers for sale... i guess it has deep meaning other than just the mechanical drive paths & base ...so one has to investigate to see all the featurers it has within & may be routers is just a generic word used in the mechatronics industry ..ryt?

i have another question..
1] can my desktop PC be used as a PLC ?....just to reduce the cost of building a desktop 3 axis cnc. I have herd PLC are very costly.
2] any links or pdf files to learn basics regarding cnc machines ..so that i don,t end up asking silly questions here as i am not into mechatronics but have lots of intrest in it

thank you for the reply ..cheers!

[rustamd]

1. You dont need PLC for cnc. But when you do want/need more inputs/outputs you can use "hybrid" plc cubloc

http://cubloc.com/product/01_01.php

[axis_control]

Originally Posted by rustamd 1. You dont need PLC for cnc. But when you do want/need more inputs/outputs you can use "hybrid" plc cubloc http://cubloc.com/product/01_01.php

so does it mean that a 3 axis desktop machine can be controlled with the following combinations :-

1] computer + cnc controller = a complete cnc machine (here the computer does the work of a plc & sends signals to the cnc controller unit to operate the servos )

2] plc + cnc controller = a complete cnc machine (here once the plc is feeded with data from the computer, the computer can be either switched off & the plc can handle the work further.)

according to your reply , i guess the plc is only needed in high end industries & on the other hand a home made desktop mill can be operated using a computer + a cnc controller .......right ?

[rustamd]

depends what you mean by cnc controller.

[rustamd]

plc only needed when you need alot of external switches/buttons etc.

[axis_control]

Originally Posted by rustamd depends what you mean by cnc controller.

cnc controller = motion controller card

[axis_control]

Originally Posted by rustamd plc only needed when you need alot of external switches/buttons etc.

so i guess plc is not needed for a desktop cnc like the proxxon mf 70 .....
Then what are the electronic components needed ?....r they pc + motion control card + motors ..?

[rustamd]

guess i'm too new school to know why you would need plc for cnc.

Not familiar with proxxon.

Normaly you need pc, break out board, drives(stepper drive or servo drive), motors(stepper or servos). And add some controller software into the mix.

[axis_control]

Originally Posted by rustamd guess i'm too new school to know why you would need plc for cnc. Not familiar with proxxon. Normaly you need pc, break out board, drives(stepper drive or servo drive), motors(stepper or servos). And add some controller software into the mix.

sorry to reply late...

i am very confused with plc & cnc ...i have been posting questions on other forums & its getting more & more comfusing reading to all the replies
ok...i guess plc is used in industries for rugedness & controller cards r used for desktop machines or light work doing cnc machines.
I think plc & a controller card do the same work.

now i wonder what r drives & there is no mention of a controller card in ur reply...now i think u know why i am getting confused lol! (Normaly you need pc, break out board, drives(stepper drive or servo drive), motors(stepper or servos). And add some controller software into the mix.)

thanks for ur reply...cheers!

[LeeWay]

To get detailed specific answers, you first have to ask specific questions.
You can get as heavy duty as you want with CNC as far as I know.
Mach 3 will coordinate and operate 6 axes. Thats a busy machine.
Your best bet is to read through some of the build logs found on this site. They are full of info about what drivers they used, motors, etc....where they got them, cost. That is how I started a few years back. I didn't even know what cnc was or that I could actually build one.......er several until I found the zone and started reading.
Research a bit and then ask targeted questions.
You will likely get many more answers to specific questions than you will very broad topics.