[NEATman]

http://www.atsautomation.com/automat...t_superbot.asp

Has anyone considered this type of architecture for a belt drive machine? It would seem to be ideal for a plasma cutter, Laser system or light-duty router.

The key feature of this patent is that the X and Y motors are mounted to the frame and both are statinary! Check out the picture. Also, look at the videos on ATS's website. These things are FAST!

Some of the advantages are no moving cables for the X or Y motors. I even have a concept for having a stationary Z axis motor. And a concept for increasing the performance of the X or Y axes during fast moves. Also, I would think that these would benefit from a crossed cable/belt design - like a car power window - to drive both sides of the gantry evenly and prevent binding and increase the squareness stiffness of the entire system.

I'm certainly going to keep this design in mind for future systems.

NEATman