IVT Rail System Experience?

[K Allen]

Hi,

I am new to the CNC world and am doing a lot of studying right now as I work through my machine design. Was wondering if anyone has used the PBC Integrated V Technology for their linear rails. Seems like an innovative system with the benefit of being integral (in some cases) to the aluminum extrusion. Haven't talked to them about pricing, but it seems like longer runs might be cheaper than some of the alternatives.

Here is a linkl to their site: http://www.pacific-bearing.com/IntegralVTechnology.aspx

Thanks for any thoughts.

Kevin

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Kevin, What do you intend to accomplish when your design/machine is completed? Machine metal components? As the link says, move pannels? Huge range of possibilities and requirements.

Dick Z

[K Allen]

Dick,

Sorry, should have been a little more clear. The principal use of this machine will be woodworking, but I plan to be able to handle aluminum work as well. I build guitars, so at least a portion of the woodworking is small and relatively light materials - inlay and other work. Would expect to be able to handle full body cut out and detail work as well, though.

The IVT system may be complete overkill, but there is a simplicity about it that intrigues me.

Kevin

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Kevin, I have to qualify myself first. I deal with heavy, accurate, relatively fast metal working machinery.

IMHO, the system your link describes is "under-kill" for the work you describe. But that's just me.

Hopefully, somebody from the "hobby group" will respond. They are more qualified than I am. They're machining guitar bodies etc. all the time.

Dick Z

[esdios]

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a-kgz0tcUc"]YouTube- CNC gantry router

Here is a video of my gantry using the IVT product. I've used it to cut wood, foam, and acrylic so far. It works great, but I still haven't figured out a vacuum system for it.

In terms of Dick Z's comment about "under-kill", I'm not sure of what is is implying. When I was researching the IVT, I found a video somewhere on their web site showing a test of the IVT product under a weight of 1,200 some lbs.

[K Allen]

Very nice. Sounds like you are pretty happy with the performance of the IVT system in terms of smoothness, etc? How did you find the cost compared to other alternatives? Would love to see plans for your machine if you would be willing to share. Thanks for the input.

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

esdios, Like I said, my experience is in HEAVY machinery. The base of the unit I'm working on right now is about average, 18,000 lbs. When complete, 22-24,000 lb.

What I meant by "under-kill" is I question the rigidity of that way system for metal machining. Might shake about a bit.LOL

That's why the "hobby guys" reference.

No offense intended or taken, Dick Z