How to Make (Almost) Anything 3-Axis CNC Machine

1. How to Make (Almost) Anything3-Axis CNC Machine Brandon Blott MadhuJosyula Advised by Dr. N. Natarajan

2. Overview • CNC Machines • Machines used for rapid prototyping of custom PCBs, wood, plastic and foam parts • Progress • We have ordered all the parts needed for the CNC • The Spindle tool head has been fabricated • The XY Table can be controlled precisely by the PIC • Software installation started. LinuxEMC working. • Goals: • To make an accurate 3-Axis CNC machine • To be able to assist other Senior Design groups by printing low cost PCBs

3. Design Matrix Bow Shocks - Proposal Presentation

4. System Block Diagram Computer Cad.py LinuxEMC MCU Motor Driver X - Motor Y - Motor Z - Motor Spindle Z - Axis XY Table Brandon Blott Madhu Josyula

5. Microprocessors • LinuxEMC sends digital signals through Parallel Port • Master MCU receives all signals and divides by axis • Slaves PICs sends instructions to motors 3D CNC- Proposal Presentation

6. Electronic System • PIC16 MCUs • The PICs will to communicate with the stepper motors and control the fine movement • Has pre-existing code that can be leveraged • L298 Motor Driver • Provides 4 Amps of current • Easy to use • Heat sinked

7. Command and Data Handling • A Gerber file will be converted by Cad.py to G-Code • Linux EMC will take the G-Code and send instructions to the MCUs • The MCUs will convert the instructions to voltage pulses to the stepper motors Gerber File G Code Instructions Voltage Pulses

8. Linux EMC Outputs Uses IEEE 1284: Standard for bi-directional parallel communications 3D CNC- Proposal Presentation

9. Mechanical System • X-Y Stage • A mechanical system that allows for fine control of movement • New motors have been coupled to the XY Stage • Sensors need to be installed on the XY Stage to prevent the CNC Machine from hitting the backstops • Sensors will be communicating back to the main PC in realtime

10. Z-Stage • Z Stage • Built and supports the spindle and motor assembly • Moves vertically and freely at a height of 6” • Is able to support various toolheads • Spindle • Fabricated • Spindle has some play and may need to be adjusted for the final prototype

11. CNC Toolheads • Spindle • This part will be used for etching and milling • This part has been designed and fabricated • Plastruder • This part is able to melt and regulate the flow of molten plastic • This part can be integrated to transform the CNC Mill/Plotter to a 3D printer Spindle Design Plastruder

12. Acknowledgements • Prof. JWV Miller • 4983 Professor, and donated XY Stage • Prof. N. Natarajan • 4983 Advisor • Prof. T Kim • Advised on Stepper Motor Control • Prof. Orady • Advised on Spindle design • Jesse Cross • Donated many components • Jeremy Lance • Linux Support • STM and Microchip 3D CNC- Proposal Presentation

13. Summary • The CNC Mill/Plotter/Etcher will be able to move freely and accurately in 3 Axis • The CNC Machine will be fabricated for less than $500, significantly less than commercial option. • Currently we have ordered $217.26 worth of parts, much less than the $500 • The Spindle for the CNC Machine has been designed and fabricated • Design has been evaluated by Prof. Orady • The motors on the XY stage have been replaced and new motors have been coupled

14. Questions? Comments? Thank you for your time, Brandon Blott MadhuJosyula