Gantry CNC

Gantry CNC
Model	LHS Design
Sub-category	CNC
Status	Under construction
Consumables	Router / Milling Cutters, material to cut
Accessories	NA
Training requirement	Yes
ACnode	Yes
Owner	LHS (spindle and VFD currently on loan) (Frame Dean)
Origin	LHS Built
Location	Basement,
Maintainers	CNC Team, Robotics, Metalbashers,

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 UCL donated linear slides and stages, and other things lying around the space, and some bits and pieces that members had. Any suggestions for improvements / modification are welcome.

Specs

• Spindle 1750 to 17500rpm
• Rapid traverse rate at 100% 2000mm/min
• Axis travel
  • X(cross) 850mm
  • Y(longitudinal) 960mm
  • Z(vertical) 80mm (Phase 1), 200mm (Phase 2)

Technical

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

Using 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.
• To start the spindle, press the green button on the VFD. Use the up and down keys to vary the speed.

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;

2D Packages

• MakerCam (Free, runs in a browser via Flash) http://www.makercam.com/makercam.swf
• Cambam (LHS has a license, installed on the Robotics CAD/CAM laptop) http://www.cambam.info/

3D Packages

• Autodesk Fusion 360 (Free for hobbyists and students, Windows / OSX) http://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/overview

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 in 'alpha' status - it can be used for projects, 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.

Training

The system is currently in an "alpha" state - if you would like to get trained to do a specific job you have in mind, on the understanding that you may find issues along the way (which helps us too!) you can email the Robotics mailing list to arrange a time for training. You will find this easiest if you take a look at one of the recommended packages above (or your own choice of package, we will try to accomodate).