Universal CNC Axis: Difference between revisions

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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.
*Applications - precision machining, automation, digital fabrication construction sets. A generic platform for precision motion and linear actuation.
*Applications - precision machining, automation, digital fabrication construction sets. A generic platform for precision motion and linear actuation.
=Development=
See [[Universal Axis Development Template]]


=5/16" Universal Axis=
=5/16" Universal Axis=
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[[File:bigprinter1.jpg|400px]][[File:bigprinter2.jpg|400px]]
[[File:bigprinter1.jpg|400px]][[File:bigprinter2.jpg|400px]]


=Simplification=
=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>


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==Part Library==
==Part Library==
 
See [[Universal Axis v20.07 3D CAD]]
'''Visual History:'''
 
[[File:gallerythumb_1.png|100px]]
 
'''Gallery:'''
 
<gallery perrow=6>
 
File:thumb_1.png|'''Name of Part''' - FreeCAD -[[File:partname.fcstd]] - STL - [[File:partname.stl]]
 
</gallery>


=Applications of 5/16" or 8 mm Universal Axis So Far=
=Applications of 5/16" or 8 mm Universal Axis So Far=
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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>
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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=
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'''See full documentation at [[D3D CNC Circuit Mill]]
'''See full documentation at [[D3D CNC Circuit Mill]]
<html><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvoltfolioblog%2Fphotos%2Fa.434149283630889.1073741828.132265123819308%2F434149713630846%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="485" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></html>
<html><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvoltfolioblog%2Fphotos%2Fa.434149283630889.1073741828.132265123819308%2F434149690297515%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="466" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe></html>


=Intro=
=Intro=
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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 [[Universal_CNC_Axis#BOM|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. Use this as a reference point to aid with the build.
You will need the following parts from the [[Universal_CNC_Axis#BOM|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 possible.
# 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 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.
# Loosely place the GT2 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 [[Universal_CNC_Axis#Belt Tensioning|Belt Tensioning]].
The Universal Axis is now assembled and is ready for testing.


==Carriage==
==Carriage==

Latest revision as of 17:52, 10 April 2026

Intro

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Applications - precision machining, automation, digital fabrication construction sets. A generic platform for precision motion and linear actuation.

Development

See Universal Axis Development Template

5/16" Universal Axis

There are 14 unique parts in the Universal Axis:

Limits

We have built up to a 2 Meter Tall 3D Printer and a 1 cubic meter 3D printer using the 8 mm (5/16") Universal Axis:

Bigprinter1.jpgBigprinter2.jpg

Simplification - From Clamshell to 1 Piece

See Universal Axis v20.07

edit

Part Library

See Universal Axis v20.07 3D CAD

Applications of 5/16" or 8 mm Universal Axis So Far

1" Universal Axis

See 1" Universal Axis

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

It interoperates with the 8 mm axis:

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

See 2" Universal Axis.

Universal Axis Development Directions

Current Work - Universal Axis Designer in FreeCAD

See Universal Axis Designer in FreeCAD.

Future Work

edit

Example of CNC Circuit Mill Configuration, 5/16" Axis

See full documentation at D3D CNC Circuit Mill

Intro

The following is a 5/16" or 8 mm version of the universal CNC axis described at http://opensourceecology.org/3d-printer-construction-set-workshop/

Larger axes will also be built, up to 2" for heavy duty CNC machining, with plastic parts sandwiched between metal plate as a plastic/metal composite structure. See calculations for beam deflection at Heavy_Duty_CNC_Construction_Set.

Universal Axis - Working Document

edit

Concept

WebGL

Source

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 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.

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

  1. Prepare linear bearings by filing the holes until they slide along the rods freely but as snug as possible.
  2. Place bottom side of idler, motor and carriage on a flat surface with the bolts poking through.
  3. Insert the linear bearings into the carriage.
  4. Place the rods in the outer holes and through the carriage linear bearings.
  5. 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.
  6. Place the GT2 belt around the rounded middle of the flanged bearings.
  7. Place the side M6 nuts into the slots.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Loosely place the GT2 belt into the motor side, leaving a gap for the pulley.
  11. Place the M6 side nuts into the slots.
  12. Tighten the M6 nuts to the four bolts of the motor side.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Line up the holes of the motor with the holes of the motor side and attach with the M3x25 phillips screws.
  16. Check all bolts are tight and tighten any loose ones.
  17. 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

From Michel Dhoore in Belgium in 2016. Early prototype using larger carriage pieces for larger machines.

Carriage.jpg

Frame

Axis

BOM

edit

Order

3dpcsamazon.jpg

3dpcsmcmaster.jpg

Frame Parts

Frame3dpcs.jpg

CAD

FreeCAD and STL Files for Printing

See 3D Printer Part Library for all printer parts.

Originals from 2016 by Michel Dhoore

This file has the carriage belt tensioners, not shown below.

Universal Axis with Magnet Holes 2017

HintLightbulb.png Hint: Under development Feb 2017

Fabrication

  • Print time - 3hr27min for the idler end -

8mmidlerprint.jpg

Belt Tensioning

One Axis Attached to Frame

See Also

Communications

Industry Standards

  • This one appears to be open source - [1], but has about 4x the unique count and lacks scalability and right angle connection ability.

Links

Retrieved from "https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Universal_CNC_Axis&oldid=322923"