Universal CNC Axis - Revision history

DarrylAlexander: Added relevant links to sections

2026-04-10T17:52:28Z

Added relevant links to sections

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 10 April 2026
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	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

	It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the BOM for sourcing information.		It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the [[Universal_CNC_Axis#BOM\|BOM]] for sourcing information.

	== Apply exploded diagram ==		== Apply exploded diagram ==
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	Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis. Use this as a reference point to aid with the build.		Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis. Use this as a reference point to aid with the build.

	You will need the following parts from the BOM.		You will need the following parts from the [[Universal_CNC_Axis#BOM\|BOM]].

	;Parts		;Parts
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	# Line up the holes of the motor with the holes of the motor side and attach with the M3x25 phillips screws.		# Line up the holes of the motor with the holes of the motor side and attach with the M3x25 phillips screws.
	# Check all bolts are tight and tighten any loose ones.		# Check all bolts are tight and tighten any loose ones.
	# To tension the belt with the pegs, follow the YouTube video in the section Belt Tensioning.		# To tension the belt with the pegs, follow the YouTube video in the section [[Universal_CNC_Axis#Belt Tensioning\|Belt Tensioning]].

	The Universal Axis is now assembled and is ready for testing.		The Universal Axis is now assembled and is ready for testing.

DarrylAlexander: removed broken section links and corrected spelling

2026-04-10T17:46:18Z

removed broken section links and corrected spelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 10 April 2026
Line 106:		Line 106:
	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

	It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the ~~[[Section#https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Universal_CNC_Axis#~~BOM~~\|BOM]]~~ for sourcing information.		It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the BOM for sourcing information.

	== Apply exploded diagram ==		== Apply exploded diagram ==
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	Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis. Use this as a reference point to aid with the build.		Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis. Use this as a reference point to aid with the build.

	You will need the following parts from the ~~[[Section#https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Universal_CNC_Axis#~~BOM~~\|BOM]]~~.		You will need the following parts from the BOM.

	;Parts		;Parts
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	=== Steps ===		=== Steps ===

	# Prepare linear bearings by filing the holes until they slide along the rods freely but as snug as ~~possbile~~.		# Prepare linear bearings by filing the holes until they slide along the rods freely but as snug as possible.
	# Place bottom side of ~~Idler~~, motor and carriage on a flat surface with the bolts poking through.		# Place bottom side of idler, motor and carriage on a flat surface with the bolts poking through.
	# Insert the linear bearings into the carriage.		# Insert the linear bearings into the carriage.
	# Place the rods in the outer holes and through the carriage linear bearings.		# Place the rods in the outer holes and through the carriage linear bearings.
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	# Place the GT2 belt around the rounded middle of the flanged bearings.		# Place the GT2 belt around the rounded middle of the flanged bearings.
	# Place the side M6 nuts into the slots.		# Place the side M6 nuts into the slots.
	# Place the idler top on ~~tope~~ of the bottom idler, sandwiching the flanged bearings and the rods but not the belt. tighten M6 nuts to the three bolts of the idler.		# Place the idler top on top of the bottom idler, sandwiching the flanged bearings and the rods but not the belt. tighten M6 nuts to the three bolts of the idler.
	# Run the belt through the belt holes in the carriage and tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the carriage, sandwiching the rods but not the belt.		# Run the belt through the belt holes in the carriage and tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the carriage, sandwiching the rods but not the belt.
	# Loosely place the GT2 belt into the motor side, leaving a gap for the pulley.		# Loosely place the GT2 belt into the motor side, leaving a gap for the pulley.

DarrylAlexander: /* Build */

2026-04-10T17:41:46Z

Build

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 10 April 2026
Line 106:		Line 106:
	== Prerequisites ==		== Prerequisites ==

	It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the BOM for sourcing information.		It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the [[Section#https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Universal_CNC_Axis#BOM\|BOM]] for sourcing information.

	== Apply exploded diagram ==		== Apply exploded diagram ==

	Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis.		Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis. Use this as a reference point to aid with the build.

	You will need the following parts from the BOM.		You will need the following parts from the [[Section#https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Universal_CNC_Axis#BOM\|BOM]].

	;Parts		;Parts

DarrylAlexander: /* Steps */

2026-04-10T17:36:21Z

Steps

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 10 April 2026
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	# Place the idler top on tope of the bottom idler, sandwiching the flanged bearings and the rods but not the belt. tighten M6 nuts to the three bolts of the idler.		# Place the idler top on tope of the bottom idler, sandwiching the flanged bearings and the rods but not the belt. tighten M6 nuts to the three bolts of the idler.
	# Run the belt through the belt holes in the carriage and tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the carriage, sandwiching the rods but not the belt.		# Run the belt through the belt holes in the carriage and tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the carriage, sandwiching the rods but not the belt.
	# Loosely place the G2 belt into the motor side, leaving a gap for the pulley.		# Loosely place the GT2 belt into the motor side, leaving a gap for the pulley.
	# Place the M6 side nuts into the slots.		# Place the M6 side nuts into the slots.
	# Tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the motor side.		# Tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the motor side.

DarrylAlexander: /* Steps */

2026-04-10T17:36:06Z

Steps

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 10 April 2026
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	# Place the M6 side nuts into the slots.		# Place the M6 side nuts into the slots.
	# Tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the motor side.		# Tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the motor side.
	# Place the ~~Gt2~~ pulley onto the motor shaft so that the ridged side of the pulley is facing the motor. You might have to lightly file the hole and/or tap it to get on with a tight fit. It should move with the shaft.		# Place the GT2 pulley onto the motor shaft so that the ridged side of the pulley is facing the motor. You might have to lightly file the hole and/or tap it to get on with a tight fit. It should move with the shaft.
	# Place the motor on top of the motor side. the shaft should go through the hole and through the loose GT2 belt hole so that the belt is around the pulley. If it doesn't line up, you need to adjust the pulley until it does.		# Place the motor on top of the motor side. the shaft should go through the hole and through the loose GT2 belt hole so that the belt is around the pulley. If it doesn't line up, you need to adjust the pulley until it does.
	# Line up the holes of the motor with the holes of the motor side and attach with the M3x25 phillips screws.		# Line up the holes of the motor with the holes of the motor side and attach with the M3x25 phillips screws.

DarrylAlexander: Added a guide to assembling in the build section

2026-04-10T17:32:05Z

Added a guide to assembling in the build section

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 10 April 2026
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	=Build=		=Build=

			== Intro ==

			The following section is a guide to building the universal CNC Axis. The test section is an optional section to follow.

			== Prerequisites ==

			It is assumed that all the parts for the universal axis have been sourced and are ready to be assembled. See the BOM for sourcing information.

			== Apply exploded diagram ==

			Open up the [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c16frI1XSWUaqCRtWsGnv5-GaXvNl6P6fXIkUY72CdA/present?token=AC4w5VjmBIbZUTdrJg_EyuDta4GBMUK3Zg%3A1771173838235&includes_info_params=1&cros_files=false&nded=false&eisi=CM_42Nv425IDFYI5oAAdedkpEQ#slide=id.g1b2636f4ef_1_8 exploded view] of the universal axis.

			You will need the following parts from the BOM.

			;Parts
			:1x GT2 belt
			:2x Idler Side (short)
			:2x Carriage Side
			:2x End stop Motor Side
			:2x Chrome rods
			:4x Linear bearings
			:2x Pegs
			:1x GT2 pulley
			:15x M6 nuts
			:2x 6x12x4mm flanged bearings
			:1x Nema 17 stepper motor
			:11x M6x18 socket bolts
			:4x M3x25 phillips screws

			=== Steps ===

			# Prepare linear bearings by filing the holes until they slide along the rods freely but as snug as possbile.
			# Place bottom side of Idler, motor and carriage on a flat surface with the bolts poking through.
			# Insert the linear bearings into the carriage.
			# Place the rods in the outer holes and through the carriage linear bearings.
			# Place the flanged bearing against each other on the bottom side of the idler with the bolt poking through the middle. The flanged ends should be facing outwards.
			# Place the GT2 belt around the rounded middle of the flanged bearings.
			# Place the side M6 nuts into the slots.
			# Place the idler top on tope of the bottom idler, sandwiching the flanged bearings and the rods but not the belt. tighten M6 nuts to the three bolts of the idler.
			# Run the belt through the belt holes in the carriage and tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the carriage, sandwiching the rods but not the belt.
			# Loosely place the G2 belt into the motor side, leaving a gap for the pulley.
			# Place the M6 side nuts into the slots.
			# Tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the motor side.
			# Place the Gt2 pulley onto the motor shaft so that the ridged side of the pulley is facing the motor. You might have to lightly file the hole and/or tap it to get on with a tight fit. It should move with the shaft.
			# Place the motor on top of the motor side. the shaft should go through the hole and through the loose GT2 belt hole so that the belt is around the pulley. If it doesn't line up, you need to adjust the pulley until it does.
			# Line up the holes of the motor with the holes of the motor side and attach with the M3x25 phillips screws.
			# Check all bolts are tight and tighten any loose ones.
			# To tension the belt with the pegs, follow the YouTube video in the section Belt Tensioning.

			The Universal Axis is now assembled and is ready for testing.

	==Carriage==		==Carriage==

Marcin: /* 2" Universal Axis */

2022-01-17T04:42:55Z

2" Universal Axis

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:42, 17 January 2022
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	<html><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarcin.jakubowski.378%2Fposts%2F10219080932751382&width=500" width="500" height="380" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></html>		<html><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarcin.jakubowski.378%2Fposts%2F10219080932751382&width=500" width="500" height="380" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></html>

			We also built the CNC torch table in 2019 - [[CNC Torch Table v19.10]], and in 2021 - [[CNC Torch Table v21.08]].

	=2" Universal Axis=		=2" Universal Axis=

Marcin: /* 1" Universal Axis */

2022-01-17T04:41:08Z

1" Universal Axis

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:41, 17 January 2022
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	See [[1" Universal Axis]]		See [[1" Universal Axis]]

	So far it was used to prototope a CNC Torch Table.		So far it was used to prototope a CNC Torch Table in 2018:

	<html><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarcin.jakubowski.378%2Fposts%2F10211318810383174&width=500" width="500" height="665" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>		<html><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmarcin.jakubowski.378%2Fposts%2F10211318810383174&width=500" width="500" height="665" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>

Marcin: /* Intro */

2021-08-24T14:46:27Z

Intro

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 24 August 2021
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	=Intro=		=Intro=

	*The Universal Axis is a modular and scalable CNC axis which can be used to create cartesian CNC machines. We have so far prototyped 8 mm, 1", and 2" rod versions of this. The core of the axis is belt drive and linear motion rods where carriages are pulled on the rods. The axis system may be used for the X, Y, and Z axes of cartesian robot system. The system is scalable to any size and number of axes. Rotary axes may also be used with this system The system uses a combination of 3D printed parts, metal plates, and belt-driven shafts. Applications include 3D printers, CNC torch tables, heavy duty CNC machines, and many other production machines.		*The Universal Axis is a modular and scalable (easy to 200 lb tool force at 10 micron precision, larger with modifications on the basic system) CNC axis which can be used to create cartesian CNC machines. We have so far prototyped 8 mm, 1", and 2" rod versions of this. The core of the axis is belt drive and linear motion rods where carriages are pulled on the rods. The axis system may be used for the X, Y, and Z axes of cartesian robot system. The system is scalable to any size and number of axes. Rotary axes may also be used with this system The system uses a combination of 3D printed parts, metal plates, and belt-driven shafts. Applications include 3D printers, CNC torch tables, heavy duty CNC machines, and many other production machines.
	*Both the belts, drive pulleys, and linear bearings may be 3D printed. This remains as future work.		*Both the belts, drive pulleys, and linear bearings may be 3D printed. This remains as future work.
	*Force limits - the universal axis does 50 lb precision force (10 micron resolution using 16 microstepping and 1/2" diameter pulleys) per 15 mm wide high precision GT2 belt strand with nema 23 motors. So in practice we can safely get up to 600 lb of precision drive force if we use 2-sided drive (like Y1 + Y2), 2 motors per axis, 3 belts per axis. Screws can be used for higher force. If we want more than 600 lb force with belts, we could use belts other than the tiny GT2 belts.		*Force limits - the universal axis does 50 lb precision force (10 micron resolution using 16 microstepping and 1/2" diameter pulleys) per 15 mm wide high precision GT2 belt strand with nema 23 motors. So in practice we can safely get up to 600 lb of precision drive force if we use 2-sided drive (like Y1 + Y2), 2 motors per axis, 3 belts per axis. Screws can be used for higher force. If we want more than 600 lb force with belts, we could use belts other than the tiny GT2 belts.

Marcin: /* Simplification - From Clamshell to 1 Piece */

2020-07-03T22:19:13Z

Simplification - From Clamshell to 1 Piece

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:19, 3 July 2020
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	=Simplification - From Clamshell to 1 Piece=		=Simplification - From Clamshell to 1 Piece=
			See [[Universal Axis v20.07]]

	<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRVNldLElDQ4NTypy1GdPkb0Tmhlqnd2biVQjC0BlQn8PIRB1u1tvPG-cm6rA4mfoszOEPQwfpOtPX-/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="480" height="389" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>		<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRVNldLElDQ4NTypy1GdPkb0Tmhlqnd2biVQjC0BlQn8PIRB1u1tvPG-cm6rA4mfoszOEPQwfpOtPX-/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="480" height="389" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>