New 1200 mm linear rails

[JammyJulien]

Hello All,

I made a small CNC machine about a year ago - maximum cut area is 395 x 395 mm. Works great ! I've mounted a router, diode laser, and drag knife. Possible the best thing I've ever made. All controlled by an arduino with GRBL, which in turn is controlled by a Raspberry PI and bCNC.

I was browsing Banggood the other day, and saw 51% off 1200mm linear rails, so I bought 4 with the intention of rebuilding for a bigger cutting area. I'd like to be able to made my own kitchen cupboard doors as a first project.

Enough waffle - here's my question : My Y axis currently runs with one stepper motor, and a central lead screw controlling it. I'm wondering if the larger size may require two steppers and lead screws to prevent skewing ? If anyone thinks that would be the case - Is it possible to just add a new stepper driver just run the arduino signals in parallel ?

Many thanks in advance

Julien

Similar Threads:

• Roller Ways vs Linear Rails vs Linear Rods (Im searched out and still lost)
• Linear Carraige or Linear Motion Round Support Rails
• Show me how to calculate forces to select linear guides or linear rails
• Parker Linear Motor - IKO 35 series 69" linear Rails
• Thomson Bars, V-Rails, or Linear Rails

[ger21]

I'm wondering if the larger size may require two steppers and lead screws to prevent skewing ?

There's a good chance that it will.

If anyone thinks that would be the case - Is it possible to just add a new stepper driver just run the arduino signals in parallel ?

If the Arduino can supply enough power, then yes, that's one way to do it.

[wizard]

Hello All,

I made a small CNC machine about a year ago - maximum cut area is 395 x 395 mm. Works great ! I've mounted a router, diode laser, and drag knife. Possible the best thing I've ever made. All controlled by an arduino with GRBL, which in turn is controlled by a Raspberry PI and bCNC.

I was browsing Banggood the other day, and saw 51% off 1200mm linear rails, so I bought 4 with the intention of rebuilding for a bigger cutting area. I'd like to be able to made my own kitchen cupboard doors as a first project.

Enough waffle - here's my question : My Y axis currently runs with one stepper motor, and a central lead screw controlling it. I'm wondering if the larger size may require two steppers and lead screws to prevent skewing ? If anyone thinks that would be the case - Is it possible to just add a new stepper driver just run the arduino signals in parallel ?

Many thanks in advance

Julien

Eventually a machine gets large enough to where dual leadscrews are the economical choice for router like precision. There are a number of factors that come into play though. One is the mechanical arrangement of parts. Moving table solution's can get by with one leadscrew far longer than a moving gantry machine.

So ultimately your questions will be answered when you zero in on the machines design.

[Biggs427]

I'm running two stepper with one drive each on my X axis (probably what you're calling y axis) to drive two ball screws.

Both drives are linked to the same pin on the Arduino. I'm running this since 18 months and it has been running great.

Two screws / motors would prevent the gantry from racking, especially with a ~1200mm gantry unless your axis is really beefed up!

I found it more practical even economical to put two lead screws on my machine.

[JammyJulien]

Many thanks Biggs - I'll factor two into my design

[fretman_2]

Yes...you can control two motors with one port from the Arduino. I'm assuming it's an Arduino Uno which is what I have. I have two motors on my Y Axis and I run the single Y out signal from the Uno into two discreet controllers. Provided the motors are the same and there are no issues with either controller, the motors stay synced. I sometimes run the Y axis up against a stop by hand (there's a stop on both sides of the gantry) and I turn on the controller box, then I'll move the gantry where I want it. That way the gantry is parallel with the X axis.

There's a good chance that it will.




If the Arduino can supply enough power, then yes, that's one way to do it.