[ChipsBFlyin]

Ardenum,

The surface plate is my main reference point/surface and work table. I plan on using quick change fixture plates on top of my surface and mount pallets and vise for workholding on top. The reason I am using the surface plate as an insert inside of the UHPC is that I don't have a cost effective way of getting a flat surface that size.

I do like your steel inserts on your casting, I think my gantry is going to end up being made of steel and not UHPC. I never seen 4 rails on the Z axis before, any concern of alignment and binding? I'll have a look at your thread and download your model.




Here is some of the sheet metal for the machine. Showing tool changer cover and some Y axis way covers, design may change a bit on these components. 70 tool changer magazine.

[peteeng]

Hi CBF,
Rigimill MG uses 5 raails on Z Claims to be the most rigid on planet.... Peter

https://modig.se/product/rigimill-mg/

[ardenum]

Here's a fully welded frame, the z axis assembly is a stiff one, spindle box could be a little bigger but overall it's a good design(spindle box is held on the sides), this type is stiffer than what people usually do.