Hi all , just acquired a "very used" AXYZ 4008 circa ~ 2004 cnc router.
It has lots of running time, but the linears ( Rexroth ) are superb and they cut mostly light loads on it ( sign industry )
Here are quick specs :
- HSD quick tool change ( ATC possible ) 5KW aka 915 flat nose on iso30
- Steppers on all axys ( Oriental motors Vexta PK299-F4.5A 2 phase 1/8 step? DC 4.5A 0.66OHM )
( dual steppers on Y, but i did not get to see if it was the same servo used )
- Ball screw on Z axis ( looks like ~15mm pitch )
- Gear racks on X and Y ( belt driven direct gear from servos, unfortunately straight type gears )
- spindle drive is from TB WOODS X2C model i believe
i forgot to take out the axisstepper drives type/model
The unit came in with auto mister from unimist, a cold air gun and 2 extractor hoods ( foot pressure and brush type )
Unfortunately, it seems that i cannot add ATC to this machine with the AMC AXYZ board in place even though the spindle is ATC capable ( what?? )
What i wish to use the machine for :
- main use for this year would be routing of aluminum composite panels ( aka ACM, ACP, ALUCOBOND ) which is my personal house finish and needs to be done asap.
- wood works ( house doors , cabinets, some engravings )
- Some aluminum work of course
The machine has space to install tool racks at the back ( it is a 4X8 but 10' length ..so i got free space at the back )
My questionning here is the following :
Do i keep the old AXYS controller and work it out with their software ( toolpath i believe , never used yet ) as the machine is already in working function
( once i put it back in 1 piece , down for cleaning now .. )
That would mean that i would be jammed with an XP compatible computer ( damn ..old stuff ) and their software seems very slow to import large files to transfer to machine, and no ATC ever .
Or , should i look out for Mach3-4 motion controller and set it up with that ?
How difficult is it to setup such a machine for basic functionality with Mach3?
I am not on a low-budget, but it do not wish to invest 10 000$ on this machine, as its value will not follow because of the year and lack of vacuum.
But i wouldn't care to pay for a good quality, easy to setup controller card and new axys drives as required.
I am more time limited than money limited right now for this project.
Thank you all for your time ...
Will review every comment and suggestions!
As i said, i am not on a 400$ budget, will not settle for lower quality controller than there is already on the machine.