Desktop Mini Milling Machine

thingiverse

This small desktop milling machine, from concept to reality, features a 5.5" x 5.5" x 4.5" usable table. It's powered by 65 In/Oz Nema 17 step motors and a 24VDC/7.5 Amp power supply. High precision NB Guide rails, six micro stop switches, and compatibility with MACH3 software further enhance its functionality. The inventor designed this machine to cut small PCBA and drill holes, replacing a previous process that involved using acid, developer, and drilling each hole individually. The initial prototype was made of wood but performed better than expected when cutting delren. Subsequent prototypes used ABS and aluminum, with the final version being entirely aluminum and capable of cutting various materials without issues up to 90 hours of use. A Dremel router is used for routing tasks, and CAD files are typically loaded as separate files per material thickness. Sheet metal files will be converted to DXF or CAD in the future. The step motor driver PCBA and power supply are housed within the machine's sheet metal walls, eliminating the need for external controllers or power supplies. More instructions and detailed pictures will be added as the project progresses.