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Thread: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

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    Default CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    Hi,

    I'm building a steel frame fixed gantry CNC mill with an X Y working area of about 24x24" and a Z axis of about 5". Primarily for soft metals and if possible some minor steel work. Its a hobby machine that will get used frequently.
    I've had some great feedback from the forum that I have Incorporated into this iteration - thanks!

    Still in the design phase but similar to this design (Steel Frame CNC Router | OpenBuilds)
    (

    Anticipated differences from design
    - Slightly Larger
    - Supported linear bearings all around.
    - More robust gantry and base.
    - 1.5 - 2 KW spindle (China - any suggestions or thoughts).

    I have a modest budget for this build. I'd prefer to invest in some hardware that I'll be happy with over the longer term and not have to replace.
    That being said, I don't have the background to know what is worth investing in (where a few dollars or part substitution could make a positive difference) or what is overkill.

    I've spent some time researching this and have come up with the following questions and selections.

    Your input is really appreciated and will very likely be incorporated into the design and development of this machine.

    Thanks in advance!

    Adam

    Some questions

    Material selection for frame and base

    - Is 2x2" x 1/8 sq. tube sufficient or should I consider 1/4"?
    - Is 24x24" x 1/2" Aluminum plate for the base overkill or will 3/8 do?

    Electronic and Control System

    The electronics I'm considering are below. Just wondering what people think, and if there are some other options I should consider or explore etc.

    In particular I am trying to decide between the motion control board and am wondering if I should use an ESS or a UTCC400.

    Part Part # Price Req'd Total Manufacturer Description Link
    Power supply KL-350-36 $ 39.95 1 $ 39.95 Automation Technologies 36V/9.7A Switching CNC Power Supply http://www.automationtechnologiesinc...pply/kl-350-36
    Motion Controller UC400ETH $ 156.75 1 $ 156.75 Automation Technologies UC400ETH ETHERNET MOTION CONTROLLER http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/breakout-boards/uc400eth-ethernet-motion-controller
    Motion Controller ESS $ 170.99 1 $ 170.99 Automation Technologies Ethernet SmoothStepper Motion Control Board for Mach3 and Mach4, 6 axis http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/breakout-boards/smoothstepper-ethernet-motion-control-board-for-mach-3
    Gecko Drive G540 $ 299.00 1 $ 299.00 GeckoDrive G540 Digital step drive 4 axis http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html
    Stepper Motors KL23H2100-35-4A $ 39.99 3 $ 119.97 Automation Technologies NEMA23 381oz/in 3.5A Single Shaft Stepper Motor http://www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/products-page/nema-23/nema23-381ozin-3-5a-single-shaft-stepper-motor-kl23h2100-35-4a


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    Default Re: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    In particular I am trying to decide between the motion control board and am wondering if I should use an ESS or a UTCC400.
    Depends on if you want to use Mach4 or not.

    The UC400 works with both Mach3 and UCCNC, with UCCNC providing better motion.
    It will not work with Mach4.

    The ESS will work with Mach3 or Mach4.

    Personally, I'd go with the UC400 and UCCNC.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


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    Default Re: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    If you're using those motors, which have 2.8 mH of induction, they'll run better if you give them more voltage than that 36 volt supply puts out. The Gecko 540 will take 50v with no problems; I'd suggest a 48v supply, which gets you much closer to the 53.54v that's optimum for them. The AD 48v power supply seems overpriced for a switcher; I'd go with an Antek toroid instead: PS-5N48 - 500W 48V Power Supply - AnTek Products Corp

    [FONT=Verdana]Andrew Werby[/FONT]
    [URL="http://www.computersculpture.com/"]Website[/URL]


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    Default Re: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    Hi Andrew.

    Thanks for the help and advice. I am now thinking of using the following. Does your advice still stand?

    All the best

    Adam


    Stepper Motors KL23H2100-50-4B $39.99 3 $119.97 Automation Technologies NEMA23 570oz/in 5A 3/8” Dual Shaft Stepper Motor (KL23H2100-50-4B)570-oz-in#sthash.WhHibqBE.dpuf http://www.automationtechnologiesinc...t-with-a-flat-

    Motion Controller MX4660 $339.95 1.00 $339.95 Automation Technologies 4-Axis DSP Based Digital Stepper Driver Max 60VDC/6.0A, MX4660 http://www.automationtechnologiesinc...3660-duplicate



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    Default Re: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    Yes; you'll still want more voltage from your power supply, but those look like better motors with more torque and less induction. I don't have any experience with that particular controller, so I can't comment on it, but it's more expensive than the G-540 - does it include a breakout board, or would you need to add one?

    [FONT=Verdana]Andrew Werby[/FONT]
    [URL="http://www.computersculpture.com/"]Website[/URL]


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    Default Re: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    Thanks again Andrew.

    The MX4660 is similar in design to the Gecko 540, having motor controllers and a BOB built in.

    Can you tell me how to determine a "good" stepper motor from the specs and how you are calculating the optimal voltage req'd?

    On the spec I see inductance (lower seems to be better). Any thoughts on the following?

    Step Angle
    Rated Voltage
    Current
    Inductance
    Resistance
    Holding torque

    All the best,

    Adam



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    Default Re: CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

    Optimal voltage is calculated using the formula 32*(square root of) Inductance = optimal (max) voltage. So a motor with more holding torque and less inductance is generally better, meaning it will require less voltage and therefore a less expensive power supply and drivers. As for the other motor specs, you can read about them here: Jones on Stepping Motors

    [FONT=Verdana]Andrew Werby[/FONT]
    [URL="http://www.computersculpture.com/"]Website[/URL]


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CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!

CNC Router Build - Electronics selection and overall advice - thanks!