Hi all,
Posted this in linear motion forum, but no bites. Guessing this forum may be better.
Synopsis: I need an X-Y gantry for a very light-duty, but precision application (electronics pick and place system), and wondering if it would be better to buy a "kit" rather than homebrewing it. I expect that these are popular enough to get kits or pre-machined parts nowadays, btw.
Requirements: about 24" X-axis x 18" to 24" Y-axis. and I need about 0.001" accuracy. I'll build the head assembly, which I expect will weigh less than 5 lbs. I need all the mechanical parts, up to the motor mounts, and the rest (electricals/controllers/etc) is easy for me.
Option 1: Buy -- are there basic kits I can pick up to do these easily, or pre-machined end-supports, etc? I found some router kits at Probotix, Lumen Labs, and a couple other places, but they're a bit pricey and come with head assemblies/mounts that I don't need. Any other kits/sources I should look at?
Option 2: Build -- To get this accuracy, how do I decide if I should use linear rails or linear shafts with pillow blocks? If linear shafts, what diameter would I use for a 24" span? Or should it be continuously supported? Should I use ballscrews or belt drives? I expect belts would be lower cost, but is there enough "stretchiness" over this length to not achieve the accuracy? Any links to tutorials on these basics?
BTW, other than McMaster, what other good sources are there for these components?
Thanks,
-Neil.