Budget-CNC Mill

thingiverse

Build your own CNC machine that offers maximum value for money! Be cautious, though - this is a beta version! The prototype has been running non-stop for around 1000 hours now. So far, the following parts have needed replacement: * Z-Axis-Ball-bearing failed and had to be replaced at about 400 hours (costing approximately 50 cents) * The belt required swapping out at roughly 700 hours (a cost of around 15 euros) * I added fans to enable motors to run at full current (approximately a 10-euro investment) * Ballbearings needed readjustment at about 400 hours This CNC machine can handle large-scale projects, scaling up to 2 meters by 2 meters depending on the size of the chosen rails. I'm currently using 120x100cm rails (Y/X). If you plan to use rails larger than 120cm in length, you might need to add some extra reinforcement! The CNC machine uses NEMA23 Steppers at a voltage of 36V. Here are its key specifications: * Working Speed: up to 4000mm/min * Moving Speed: 6000mm/min * Spindle: Kress 1050 FME This machine is capable of dealing with aluminum, achieving precision levels of around 0.07mm (cutting depth of 0.2mm // sideways accuracy of 0.1mm). Here's a breakdown of the Bill of Materials: * Rails: sourced from http://www.cnc-discount.de (also available on AliExpress) * Stepper Motors: 3x Nema23, 3A * Power Supply: 36V / 350W * Stepper Drivers: DM542+ * Note: The stepper motor, driver, and power supply can be purchased as a kit for approximately 190 euros. * Old PC with LinuxCNC (Dell Optiplex 745; sourced from lapstore.de for around 40 euros) * Ballbearings: 608zz * GT2-Timing Belt with steel core (AliExpress) * A multitude of screws and nuts in various sizes (available online, sourced from schraubenking.at) * Z-Axis: You can either build one yourself (requires a CNC machine and some experience; template included in the plans) or purchase a pre-made one from this seller on eBay ("cnc z-achse" by flohmarkt4u) * Cables (stepper, endswitches) * Endswitches (3x) * GT2-Pulleys - ensure you get ones specifically designed for Nema23 Steppers (6.35mm center-hole) * Wood: 24mm / 20mm Plywood / Multiplex This project is built upon the work of others, including the Parametric Coupler by David Bunch (available on Thingiverse at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:724999).