Howdy!
I am new to the CNC world and to CNC zone, but have been a 3D printing, robotics and electronics enthusiast for many years, and wanted to start here with my first post on a positive note.
I have been slowly building my CNC machine now for about 3 years, starting first with a Shapoko One. Finding that to be inadequate for my needs, I began researching different CNC options and vendors from which I could build a larger, more capable system for milling aluminum robot components. That's when I found Automation Technologies, as recommended by someone at PMDX - another vendor of CNC components.
After purchasing nearly all of the components needed to build my own CNC machine, I felt compelled to post something here about those components and my experience with the folks at Automation Technologies - and to highly recommend them to anyone who is also building their own custom CNC machines. Their prices are absolutely great, and the components I have purchased have all been of top-quality;
I use the KL-7220 (72 volt, 20 amp) power supply to drive my steppers and it's excellent, it has proven to be perfect for providing power to my steppers and has a 36 volt output as well that I didn't expect but found great use for. The fact that it splits it's power output between two 10 amp sources has allowed me to balance my steppers according to their amperage needs. I highly recommend it!
I purchased two of their KL34H2120-60-4B stepper (1200 Oz/In, 6Amp) and two of their KL23H2100-35-4BM stepper (570 Oz/In, 3.5Amp) motors to drive my CNC rig and am Enormously impressed with them. Through my own testing they are definitely quality motors and the electrical characteristics are very close to that advertised. I think these are what impressed me the most. I purchased a half-dozen other steppers of smaller power for other applications now, and will do so again in the future. The dual-shaft nature of the motors I purchased will allow me to affix shaft encoders when I reach that point.
The ball-screws are also something I should Rave about; I purchased several of their SFU1605 ball-screws with the flanged nuts and was very impressed with the quality of their machinging. I recommend them to anyone neededing ball-screws for their custom build. I also recommend getting the Ball Nut Mount/Brackets that fit over the flanged nuts, they are $21 and you really need one to arrive at a solution for a ball-screw for an axis.
When I ran into questions about a component I purchased, John from Automaiton Technologies was polite and courteous - he answered my questions thoughtfully and even asked for input on one of their products.
All this being said, I do not work for Automation Technologies and have no business or personal relationship with them other than that of a customer who is very happy with my purchases, and I have received no price breaks or discounts to encourage me to post. They deserve a shout-out for helping me build my own custom CNC machine that is coming along Very nicely. Not everything is perfect, the web-site could use some artistic touch, but given the quality of the components I received, they far outweigh such minor issues. I highly recommend them!
Cheers,
Kris