Gantry CNC

From London Hackspace Wiki
Gantry CNC
GantryCNC.jpg
Model LHS Design
Sub-category defunct
Status Location not known
Consumables Router / Milling Cutters, material to cut
Accessories NA
Training requirement yes
Training link https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/w/index.php?title=Gantry_CNC
ACnode Yes
Owner Slides LHS //frame, spindle and VFD currently on loan //
Origin DIY Built
Location Basement,
Maintainers CNC Team,

Summary

This system can cut 2d and 3d shapes from materials such as wood, plastic, metal and composites. It is useful for cutting things that can't be cut in the laser cutter due to their thickness or material compatibility. The edge accuracy of parts is also usually better than a laser cut due to the lack of uncertainty about the kerf width, and improved vertical walls.

We made this CNC from the Imperial donated linear slides and stages, and other components that have been provided by Matt and Dean.

Specs

  • Spindle
  • Rapid traverse rate at 100% 2000mm/min (currently derated to 1200mm/min Jan 2016)
  • Axis travel
    • X(cross) 850mm
    • Y(longitudinal) 960mm
    • Z(vertical) 80mm (Phase 1), 62mm clear of current spoilboard, 200mm (Phase 2)

Technical

The system currently runs LinuxCNC on the PC built into the base.

Use / Induction

Once you have been trained and done a number of jobs on the shapeoko, (Probably 3 depending on your proficiency) you can by arrangement with the maintainers schedule an induction.

You will need to have demonstrated your ability on CAD, CAM, work holding, work position, speeds and feeds (to ensure you don't damage the machine or your self)

You should also be able to demonstrate safe operation of equipment.

You will need a LDAP account to login to the machine - further information on creating an account at https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/LDAP#What_can_I_use_my_LDAP_account_for.3F

You must have completed 3 jobs on your own on either the ShapeOko or Boxford over a period of time

Training is done as and when the volunteers have time, It is announced on the CNC and or the main list


The How to Guide can be found at

https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/Gantry_CNC_How_to

Operating the system

  • The spindle is currently fitted with an ER20 collet chuck and can take cutters up to 13mm diameter. Collets can be found on top of the Boxford CNC. Please use only spanners to change and do so with care and respect
  • To start the spindle, press the green button on the VFD. Use the up and down keys to vary the speed.
Hz RPM
3000 1800
3500 2000
4000 2400
4500 2700
5000 3000
6000 3600
8500 5100
10000 6000
12000 7200
14000 8400
16000 9700
18500 11100
20000 12000
25000 15000

Operating Manuals

VFD Drive https://wiki.london.hackspace.org.uk/view/File:MICROMASTER_420_Operating_Instructions_Compact.pdf

Charges

Charges are 10 Pounds an hour (spindle time) due to the nature of G code and home built machines you do so at your own risk (this is used for development costs and maintaince of the cnc machines) usage fees are paid into the account with sort code 779112 and account number 50365968, please use your Membership ID and date of use as a reference. (this is used for development costs and maintenance of the CNC machines)

Health and Saftey

  • By using this machine you are self-certifying that you are competent to do so.
  • You will not use this machine unless all safety features are in place and operational.
  • You will not use this machine if you are under the influence of drugs ar alcohol. (this will result in a life time ban)

Generating g-code from your designs

There are a lot of different options for preparing a g-code file which can be loaded onto the CNC to cut a design. Some examples include;

3D Packages

2D Packages


When using Fusion 360, in order to post to the Hackspace CNC machines, the "Generic EMC2" post-processor should be selected when finally saving the g-code file. LinuxCNC recognises the "ngc" file extension although any extension can be used.

System status

The system is up and running, although we are still doing some tidying and adjusting of subsystems based on initial experiences of people using it in the alpha/beta program. A low noise vacuum cleaner has been installed as a dust extraction system.

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