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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > CNC "do-it-yourself" > Fixed gantry opinions/possible new build
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Posts
    7

    Fixed gantry opinions/possible new build

    Hi,

    Long time reader, first post! Have enjoyed reading this forum for many years.

    I am looking to build a machine for specific duties and one-off jobs. Majority will be 6061, but occasionally acrylic and possibly steel. Aluminium parts are generally 800x80x30mm in size.

    I currently have a retrofitted Bridgeport running steppers and LinuxCNC. It was a great learning experience, but it isn't suited to my current needs. I am looking to build something that can handle the high feed rate 3d tool paths that Fusion360 can generate. The slow moving steppers and 3.6k rpm spindle of the retrofitted Bridgeport is not cutting it!

    So, I was thinking of building a fixed gantry router. So far these are the parameters I would ideally meet with the machine:

    900mm X travel, 400mm Y travel, 200mm Z travel

    400ipm/10,000mm/m feeds

    High speed spindle 20k plus

    Ideally hold under 0.05mm tolerances. Aim is speed of machining. This will be used in a small batch production scenario.


    I run a little job shop, so I have access to cold saw, Bridgeport, mig/tig for fabrication. Hence I was thinking a box steel frame with faced mating surfaces would be a good design direction. So far the hardware spec looks something like this:

    hgr20 rails in all axis

    1605 double nut ball screws (perhaps these should be 2005)

    Clearpath SDSK3432P servo motors. Continuous torque of 1.5Nm, peak torque 5.0Nm and max 2380rpm

    100x100x5mm SHS construction. Gantry to be 200x150x5mm.

    Spindle currently unknown. Open to suggestions.


    Would love any input on the proposed specs, any advice on machine design and also feasibility of my parameters.

    Many thanks,

    J

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: Fixed gantry opinions/possible new build

    For a new build, DMM Technologies servos would be my first choice. https://store.dmm-tech.com/

    Very competitive with ClearPath pricing. I'm using 4 of their 1.8KW units on my lathe and have been very happy with them, they have many options to choose from.

    Repowering your BP with these would make a world of difference also, would be like a new machine.
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: Fixed gantry opinions/possible new build

    You want 10mm-25mm pitch screws if you want speed. 5mm pitch screws will be sloooow.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Posts
    7
    Thanks for the input Jim. I will check out those servos.

    I thought about repowering the Bridgeport, infant it is still an option. The thing that bugs me about it is the 600mm x-travel and the slow spindle. It's also pretty tired. Still the best drill press and tube notcher I have though...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Posts
    7
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    You want 10mm-25mm pitch screws if you want speed. 5mm pitch screws will be sloooow.

    Thanks ger21, I will look into what is available in those pitches. I was worried about losing too much power through a steep pitch, but maybe I'll run some more calculations.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: Fixed gantry opinions/possible new build

    Don't worry about the power on a steep pitch. My 4x8 fixed gantry router had a 4040 on the table axis, and a 2525 on the cross axis. Both powered by 1200 oz/in NEMA 34 steppers, 1:1 on the cross axis, and 1.3:1 on the table. 600 IPM max rapids. The moving table weighed in at about 700 lbs. 1 or 1.3KW servos would have been better, but I didn't know any better at the time. Positioning accuracy was +/- 0.001
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
    Posts
    6248

    Re: Fixed gantry opinions/possible new build

    Hi Laundro - I'd go at least 200x200x6 for the gantry as you are mainly metal. I presume you are going 200mm high ? You need the size for plunging/drilling and for XY cutting. Being fixed gantry I'd go thicker as well 200x200x12.5 say. Can't have too much stiffness plus gives you threading depth and a machining allowance. Cheers Peter s

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