When choosing electronic components for your homemade machine, it is important to pay attention to their quality, since the accuracy will depend on this technological operations, which will be executed on it. After installing and connecting all electronic components of the CNC system, you need to download the necessary software and drivers. Only after this is a test run of the machine, checking the correct operation of it under the control of loaded programs, identifying deficiencies and promptly eliminating them.
All the steps described above and the components listed are suitable for making your own milling machine, not only a jig boring machine, but also a number of other types. On such equipment it is possible to process parts with complex configuration, since the working body of the machine can move in three planes: 3d.
Your desire to assemble such a machine with your own hands, system controlled CNC must be supported by the presence of certain skills and detailed drawings. It is also highly advisable to watch a number of thematic training videos, some of which are presented in this article.
20, average rating: 3,60
out of 5)
And so, as part of this instructional article, I want you, together with the author of the project, a 21-year-old mechanic and designer, to make your own. The narration will be conducted in the first person, but know that, to my great regret, I am not sharing my experience, but only freely retelling the author of this project.
There will be quite a lot of drawings in this article., notes to them are made on English language, but I’m sure that a real techie will understand everything without further ado. For ease of understanding, I will break the story into “steps”.
Preface from the author
Already at the age of 12, I dreamed of building a machine that would be capable of creating various things. A machine that will give me the ability to make any household item. Two years later I came across the phrase CNC or to be more precise, the phrase "Milling machine CNC". After I found out that there are people who can make such a machine on their own for their own needs, in their own garage, I realized that I could do it too. I must do it! For three months I tried to collect suitable parts, but did not budge. So my obsession gradually faded.
In August 2013, the idea of building a CNC milling machine captured me again. I just finished my undergraduate degree at university industrial design, so I was quite confident in my capabilities. Now I clearly understood the difference between me today and me five years ago. I learned how to work with metal, mastered techniques for working with manual metalworking machines, but most importantly, I learned how to use development tools. I hope this tutorial inspires you to build your own CNC machine!
Step 1: Design and CAD model
It all starts with thoughtful design. I made several sketches to get a better feel for the size and shape of the future machine. After that I created a CAD model using SolidWorks. After I modeled all the parts and components of the machine, I prepared technical drawings. I used these drawings to make parts on manual metalworking machines: and.
Frankly speaking, I love good, convenient tools. That is why I tried to make sure that the operations maintenance and adjustment of the machine were carried out as simply as possible. I placed the bearings in special blocks in order to be able to quickly replace. The guides are accessible for maintenance, so my car will always be clean when the work is completed.
Files for downloading “Step 1”
dimensions
Step 2: Bed
The bed provides the machine with the necessary rigidity. A movable portal, stepper motors, a Z axis and a spindle, and later a working surface will be installed on it. To create the supporting frame I used two aluminum profiles Maytec with a cross section of 40x80 mm and two end plates made of aluminum 10 mm thick. I connected all the elements together using aluminum corners. To strengthen the structure inside the main frame, I made an additional square frame from profiles of a smaller section.
In order to avoid dust getting on the guides in the future, I installed protective aluminum corners. The angle is mounted using T-nuts, which are installed in one of the profile grooves.
Both end plates have bearing blocks for mounting the drive screw.
Support frame assembly
Corners for protecting guides
Files for downloading “Step 2”
Drawings of the main elements of the frame
Step 3: Portal
The movable portal is the executive element of your machine; it moves along the X axis and carries the milling spindle and Z axis support. The higher the portal, the thicker the workpiece that you can process. However, a high portal is less resistant to the loads that arise during processing. High side racks portals act as levers relative to linear rolling bearings.
The main task that I planned to solve on my CNC milling machine was the processing of aluminum parts. Since the maximum thickness of aluminum blanks suitable for me is 60 mm, I decided to make the portal clearance (distance from work surface to the upper transverse beam) equal to 125 mm. I converted all my measurements into a model and technical drawings in SolidWorks. Due to the complexity of the parts, I processed them on an industrial CNC machining center; this additionally allowed me to process chamfers, which would be very difficult to do on a manual metal milling machine.
Files for downloading “Step 3”
Step 4: Z Axis Caliper
For the Z axis design, I used a front panel that attaches to the Y axis motion bearings, two plates to reinforce the assembly, a plate to mount the stepper motor, and a mounting panel milling spindle. On the front panel I installed two profile guides along which the spindle will move along the Z axis. Please note that the Z axis screw does not have a counter support at the bottom.
Downloads “Step 4”
Step 5: Guides
Guides provide the ability to move in all directions, ensuring smooth and precise movements. Any play in one direction can cause inaccuracy in the processing of your products. I chose the most expensive option - profiled hardened steel rails. This will allow the structure to withstand high loads and provide the positioning accuracy I need. To ensure the guides were parallel, I used a special indicator while installing them. The maximum deviation relative to each other was no more than 0.01 mm.
Step 6: Screws and Pulleys
Screws convert rotary motion from stepper motors into linear motion. When designing your machine, you can choose several options for this unit: a screw-nut pair or a ball screw pair (ball screw). The screw-nut, as a rule, is subjected to more frictional forces during operation, and is also less accurate relative to the ball screw. If you need increased accuracy, then you definitely need to opt for a ball screw. But you should know that ball screws are quite expensive.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a CNC machine with your own hands easily and quickly, without extra costs.
DIY CNC machine from a printer
You will also need ordinary tools, such as drill, drill bits, screwdriver and others.
Step 1: Find an Old Printer or Scanner
To make a homemade CNC machine from a printer, you first need to stock up on the necessary materials. This stage is the most enjoyable in the process of assembling a machine, since it represents attempts to find the junk that people want to get rid of. You can use your own materials or buy them. But if you reduce the cost of the machine as much as possible, the best option there will be a CNC from an old printer. Here are the items you need to find:
- Flatbed scanner
- Old printer
After completing the above procedure, push the pieces of plastic placed on the rods (2 pieces on each rod) to the desired locations and align them, then place the sheets on top. Then turn the structure over and glue them.
Repeat the procedure for each axis.
For the Y axis.
Now is the time to drill the holes necessary to fix the workpieces during processing on the planned CNC from the printer.
Step 5: installing the electric motor
Depending on which electric motor you took, to install it you will need various fastenings because they are all different from each other.
It is advisable to use stepper motors from printers due to their ease of installation, but motors from scanners will also work well.
In step three you should have drilled the holes to install the motor and now all you have to do is secure it.
Choosing the right type coupling The way the stepper motor is connected to the threaded rod depends on the type of motor you have.
In this case, an elongated nut was used as a connector, but you can make it from plastic - the main thing is that it is of sufficient size.
All you have to do is drill a hole in the center of the rod on the motor side that matches the diameter of the stepper motor shaft, then drill an 8mm hole for the threaded rod on the other side.
After this, cut a thread on the side on which there is a hole with a diameter of 8 mm and glue the parts together.
Step 6: Making the carving
Once you've installed the nut, it's time to secure the threaded rod and glue the nut to one of the 38x44x12mm rectangular plates.
Make sure that the center of the nut is threaded connection coincides with the center of the threaded rod.
After completing this procedure, you should have a knot similar to the one shown below.
Repeat the above procedure for each axis.
Step 7: Time to Glue
You should now have all three axles ready, so it's time to line them up and glue them together.
The material used was a piece of white plexiglass measuring 508x304x6 mm, which can be purchased at a plastic goods store.
You can use a smaller piece, but this is not advisable.
Once you have the base and the homemade CNC printer machine is starting to come into its own, glue the "X" axis to it, and then glue the "Y" axis to the plastic base of the top of the "X" axis. You should end up with a knot similar to the one shown below.
To perform this procedure, use acrylic glue.
By the way, it is also suitable for gluing foamed PVC.
After this, glue the “Z” axis to a piece of plexiglass measuring 203x101x6 mm.
Necessary materials:
Step 8: Where is the Z axis?
Don't worry - they haven't forgotten about her either. Go ahead.
Now we need to make a mount for a multi-tool on a sheet of plexiglass located on the “Z” axis.
To do this, use a clip for attaching pipes and a clamp - you can purchase them at any hardware store at a very low price.
It is necessary to create a small lip to secure the multitool to the plexiglass sheet because the clip will deform when you insert the multitool into it.
Place the clamp on the plexiglass sheet at the top of the protrusion and glue it in place.
Necessary materials:
Step 9: Heavenly Thing
Now that the Z-axis multi-tool mount is installed, it's time to install the posts and the sheet of plexiglass holding them together.
To do this you need to do square hole center a 10" x 16" x 5/16" sheet of plexiglass to thread the "Z" axis through.
After this, a thick piece of plexiglass should be installed to support the “Z” axis.
Now glue the "Z" axis to the piece of plexiglass and make sure it extends at least 1/16" above the top edge to ensure a flat edge.
Necessary materials:
Step 10: What high racks!
Now it's time to glue the 1 1/2" x 16" x 1" posts to the top of the plexiglass "Z" axis, then glue them to the bottom base.
Necessary materials:
Step 11: Are we done yet?!
The answer to this question is “no,” but in terms of the mechanical part of the structure, it is true. You also need to work on the electronic part of the machine, and you will learn how to do this in the second part of the article, which will be published in the near future.
Such work takes quite a lot of time, although at first glance it may seem quite the opposite, so by the time you complete all the procedures described above, the instructions for manufacturing the electronic part of the machine will be ready.
All the plastic you need can be found in the plastic trash bin, and the rest was purchased at the store building materials and a local metal crafts specialty store.
At first, a CNC machine from a printer can run on a stepper motor from the printer, and it will do its job well, but it will be better if you decide to get a more powerful motor.
Ready! You made a CNC from a printer with your own hands, almost (or completely) for free.
Many craftsmen often think about assembling a homemade CNC machine. It has a number of advantages and will allow you to solve a large number of tasks more efficiently and quickly.
They carry out milling and cutting of almost all materials. In this regard, the temptation to manufacture such a device is quite great. Maybe it's time to take matters into your own hands and replenish your workshop with new equipment?
Numerically controlled machines have become widespread not only in industrial production, but also in private workshops. They allow flat and profile processing of metal, plastic and wood.
In addition, you cannot do without them when performing engraving and drilling and filler work.
Almost any task solved using such devices is performed at a high level.
If necessary, draw something on the board or wooden slab, it is enough to create a layout in a computer program and transfer it to the product using CNC Milling. In most cases, it is simply impossible to perform such an operation manually, especially if we're talking about about high accuracy.
All professional equipment of this type characterized high level automation and ease of operation. Only basic skills in working with specialized computer programs are required to solve simple material processing problems.
At the same time, even with CNC they cope with their goals. With proper configuration and the use of high-quality components, you can achieve good accuracy, minimal backlash and acceptable operating speed from the device.
DIY CNC machine
Functional diagram of a CNC machine.
So how to do this device? To make a CNC machine with your own hands, you need to spend time developing the project, as well as familiarize yourself with existing factory models. Following these first and most simple rules, you will be able to avoid the most common mistakes.
It is worth noting that a CNC milling machine is a technically complex device with electronic elements. Because of this, many people believe that it cannot be done by hand.
Of course, this opinion is wrong. However, it must be borne in mind that for assembly you will need not only a drawing, but also a certain set of tools and parts. For example, you will need a stepper motor, which can be taken from a printer, etc.
The need for certain financial and time costs should also be taken into account. If such problems are not terrible, then produce an affordable and effective unit with coordinate positioning cutting tool for processing metal or wood is not difficult.
Scheme
The most difficult stage of CNC machining metal and wood is the choice optimal scheme equipment. Everything here is determined by the size of the workpiece and the degree of its processing.
For domestic purposes, it is better to give preference to a drawing of a small device with the necessary set of functions.
One option could be a design consisting of two carriages that will move in a plane. Steel grinding rods work well as a base. Carriages are attached to them.
You will also need a motor and screws with rolling bearings to ensure the transmission. The CNC router will be controlled using a program.
Preparation
To automate a homemade CNC milling machine, you need to think through the electronic part as much as possible.
Drawing homemade machine.
It can be divided into several elements:
- power supply that supplies power to the motor and controller;
- controller;
- a driver that regulates the operation of moving parts of the structure.
Then, to build the machine yourself, you need to select assembly parts. It is best to use available materials. This will help minimize the cost of the tools you need.
The base is usually made of wood, plexiglass or metal. It is important that no vibrations occur during the movement of the calipers. They will lead to inaccurate operation of the device. In this regard, it is necessary to correctly develop their design.
Here are some tips for choosing parts:
- rods with a diameter of up to 12 mm are suitable as guides;
- the best option for a caliper would be textolite;
- SD is usually taken from printers;
- The cutter fixation block is also made of textolite.
Assembly instructions
After preparing and selecting the parts, you can begin assembling the milling unit for processing wood and metal.
First of all, you should check all the components again and make sure that their sizes are correct.
CNC device diagram.
The assembly sequence looks approximately as follows:
- installation of caliper guides, their fastening to the side surfaces of the structure;
- grinding in the calipers as a result of their movement until a smooth ride can be achieved;
- bolt tightening;
- installing components on the device base;
- securing lead screws with couplings;
- fastening to the screws of stepper motor couplings.
All electronic components should be located in a separate unit. Thus, the likelihood of failure during operation will be minimized. This type of placement of electronics can be called the best design.
Features of work
Once the CNC machine has been assembled with your own hands, you can begin testing.
The actions of the machine will be controlled by software. It must be chosen correctly. First of all, it is important that the program is working. Secondly, it must maximize all the capabilities of the equipment.
Kinematic diagram of the device operation.
The software must contain everything necessary drivers for controllers.
You should start with simple programs. During the first starts, it is necessary to monitor each pass of the cutter to ensure that the cutting width and depth are correct. It is especially important to control the three-dimensional versions of such devices.
Bottom line
CNC woodworking devices incorporate various electronics into their design. Because of this, at first glance, it may seem that such equipment is very difficult to make on your own.
In fact, do-it-yourself CNC is a feasible task for everyone. You just need to believe in yourself and your strengths, and then you can become the owner of a reliable and effective milling machine, which will become the pride of any master.
Nowadays, handicraft people can increasingly find new machines that are controlled not by hands, as we are all used to, but by computer software and computerized equipment. This innovation is called CNC (computer numerical control).
This technology is used in many institutions, large productions, as well as in the master's workshops. Automated system management allows you to save a lot of time, as well as improve the quality of products.
The automated system is controlled by a computer program. This system includes vector-controlled asynchronous motors that have three axes of movement of the electric engraver: X, Z, Y. Below we will look at what machines with automatic control and calculations.
Typically, all CNC machines use electric engraver, or a router on which you can change attachments. A numerically controlled machine is used to add decorative elements to certain materials and more. CNC machines, due to advances in the computer world, must have many functions. These functions include:
Milling
A mechanical process of processing a material, during which a cutting element (an attachment in the form of a milling cutter) produces rotational movements on the surface of the workpiece.
Engraving
It consists of applying one or another image to the surface of the workpiece. To do this, use either cutters or a graver (a steel rod with one end pointed at an angle).
Drilling
Mechanical processing of material by cutting, using a drill, which creates holes different diameters and holes having many faces of different sections and depths.
Laser cutting
The method of cutting and cutting material, in which there is no mechanical impact, is retained high accuracy workpieces, as well as deformations made by this method, have minimal deformations.
Plotter
High-precision drawing is produced the most complex schemes, drawings, geographical maps. Drawing is done using a writing block, using a specialized pen.
PCB drawing and drilling
Manufacturing of circuit boards, as well as drawing electrically conductive circuits on the surface of a dielectric plate. Also drilling small holes for radio components.
What functions your future computer-controlled machine will perform is up to you to decide. Next, let’s look at the design of a CNC machine.
Type of CNC machines
Technological features and capabilities of these machines are equivalent to universal machines. However, in modern world, there are three types of CNC machines:
Turning
The purpose of such machines is to create parts based on the type of bodies of rotation, which consists of processing the surface of the workpiece. Also production of internal and external threads.
Milling
The automated operation of these machines consists of processing the planes and spaces of various body blanks. They carry out flat, contour and step milling, under different angles, as well as from several sides. They drill holes, cut threads, ream and boring workpieces.
Drilling - boring
They perform reaming, hole drilling, boring and reaming, countersinking, milling, threading and much more.
As we see, CNC machines have big row functionality that they perform. Therefore, they are equated to universal machines. All of them are very expensive and it is simply impossible to buy any of the above installations due to financial insufficiency. And you might think that you will have to perform all these actions manually throughout your life.
You don't have to be upset. The skillful hands of the country, from the first appearance of factory CNC machines, began to create home-made prototypes that work no worse than professional ones.
All components for CNC machines can be ordered on the Internet, where they are freely available and are quite inexpensive. By the way, the body of an automated machine can be made with your own hands, and correct sizes you can go online.
Tip: Before choosing a CNC machine, decide what material you will be processing. This choice will be of major importance when constructing the machine, since it directly depends on the size of the equipment, as well as its costs.
The design of the CNC machine depends entirely on your choice. You can purchase a ready-made standard set of all necessary details and simply assemble it in your garage or workshop. Or order all equipment separately.
Consider a standard set of parts on the picture:
- The immediate working area, which is made of plywood, is the tabletop and side frame.
- Guide elements.
- Guide holders.
- Linear bearings and sliding bushings.
- Support bearings.
- Lead screws.
- Stepper motor controller.
- Controller power supply.
- Electric engraver or router.
- A coupling connecting the lead screw shaft to the shaft of stepper motors.
- Stepper motors.
- Running nut.
Using this list of parts, you can safely create your own CNC wood milling machine with automated operation. Once you have assembled the entire structure, you can safely begin work.
Principle of operation
Perhaps the most important element on this machine is the milling cutter, engraver or spindle. It depends on your choice. If you have a spindle, then the tail of the cutter, which has a collet for fastening, will be tightly attached to the collet chuck.
The chuck itself is directly mounted on the spindle shaft. The cutting part of the cutter is selected based on the selected material. An electric motor, which is located on a moving carriage, rotates the spindle with a cutter, which allows processing the surface of the material. Stepper motors are controlled by a controller, to which commands are sent from computer program.
Electronics The machine works directly on the provision of computer software, which must be supplied with the ordered electronics. The program transmits commands in the form of G codes to the controller. Thus, these codes are stored in random access memory controller.
After selecting a processing program on the machine (finishing, roughing, three-dimensional), commands are distributed to stepper motors, after which the surface of the material is processed.
Advice: Before starting work, you need to test the machine using a specialized program and run a test part to make sure the CNC is working correctly.
Assembly
Machine assembly with your own hands It won't take you too much time. Moreover, on the Internet now you can download a lot of different schemes and drawings. If you bought a set of parts for a homemade machine, then its assembly will be very quick.
So, let's look at one of them drawings the actual hand machine.
Drawing of a homemade CNC machine.
As a rule, the first step is to make a frame from plywood, 10-11 millimeters thick. The tabletop, side walls and movable portal for installing a router or spindle are made only from plywood material. The tabletop is made movable, furniture guides of appropriate sizes are used.
The end result should be a frame like this. After frame construction ready, a drill and special bits come into play, with which you can make holes in the plywood.
Frame of the future CNC machine.
In the finished frame, it is necessary to prepare all the holes in order to install bearings and guide bolts in them. After this installation, you can install all fastening elements, electrical installations etc.
After the assembly is completed, important stage becomes the setting of the machine software and computer program. When setting up the program, the operation of the machine is checked for the correctness of the specified dimensions. If everything is ready, you can begin the long-awaited work.
Tip: Before starting work, you need to check the correct fastening of the workpiece material and the reliability of fastening the working attachment. Also make sure that the selected material matches the machine being manufactured.
Equipment setup
The CNC machine is set up directly from the working computer on which the program for working with the machine is installed. It is into the program that the necessary drawings, graphs, and drawings are loaded. Which are converted in sequence by the program into G codes necessary to control the machine.
When everything is loaded, trial actions are performed regarding the selected material. It is during these actions that all necessary preset sizes are checked.
Advice: Only after a thorough check of the machine’s functionality can you begin full-fledged work.
Safety precautions
The rules and safety precautions when working with this machine are no different from working on all other machines. Below are the most important ones:
- Before starting work, check that the machine is in good working order.
- Clothes must be tucked in properly so that nothing sticks out anywhere and cannot get caught. work area machine
- You must wear a hat that will hold your hair.
- Near the machine there should be a rubber mat or low wooden sheathing, which will protect against electrical leakage.
- Access to the machine by children must be strictly prohibited.
- Check everything before operating the machine fasteners on their strength.
Advice: You must approach working on the machine with a clear head and understanding that if you do it incorrectly, you can cause irreparable harm to yourself.
You can find complete safety requirements for working with the machine on the World Wide Web, i.e. on the Internet and check them out.
Video reviews
Review of homemade CNC machine assembly
Video review simple machine CNC
Overview of the capabilities of a homemade CNC machine
Stepper Motors Overview
Review video multi-channel driver for stepper motors
