Universal CNC Axis

Basics

• The Universal Axis is a modular and scalable CNC axis which can be used to create cartesian CNC machines. The core of it is belt drive and linear motion rods where carriages are pulled on a rod. The system is scalable to any size and number of axes, including rotary axes. 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.

Used For

• Open Source Digital Fabrication Construction Set

1" Universal Axis

See 1" Universal Axis

2" Universal Axis

See 2" Universal Axis.

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

• P1 - Visual Linked BOM (VLBOM)
• P2 - extruder stepper motor mounting

edit

WebGL

Source

Build

Carriage

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

BOM

edit

Order

Frame Parts

FreeCAD and STL Files for Printing

Originals from 2016 by Michel Dhoore

• File:Universal8mmaxis.zip

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

Universal Axis with Magnet Holes 2017

Hint: Under development Feb 2017

• File:Universal axis carriage side.fcstd. File:Universal axis carriage side.stl.
• File:Universal axis idler side.fcstd. File:Universal axis idler side.stl
• c
• If using 6x10x3 mm flanged bearings (See BOM), then need a 1 mm spacer: File:Idlerspacer.fcstd. File:Idlerspacer.stl

Fabrication

• Print time - 3hr27min for the idler end -

See Also

• Open Source Digital Fabrication Construction Set

Larger Versions

• 1" Universal Axis
• 2" Universal Axis

Useful Links

• OSE Germany appears to be doing non-coordinated development on this as well - [1]
• 3D Printer Design Evolution
• 3DP Construction Set workshops - December 2016 - [2]