Hot Wire 4-Axis CNC V1.0

thingiverse

First run video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe-pj3NSOOw After countless iterations, it's finally done! This 4-axis CNC machine is designed to cut dynamic shapes in foam with ease. Complex curves, letters, and any shape you can imagine are now within reach. Each tower moves independently, and the entire machine is adjustable to create steep angles if needed. It's built around v-slot rail, but all other parts are printable. For the most part, the construction is straightforward, although the dimensions are totally flexible. I've found that v-slot in any length over a meter starts to twist, so be sure to use 4 lengths of 2040 - 2 for horizontal travel and 2 for tower spacing. My build supports about 44" of hotwire and is adjustable down to about 18" for extreme angled parts. In all the pictures, the machine is set to 35". The Y & A towers use 2 lengths of 2020, which I'm using in 1 meter lengths. My machine is made entirely of PETG. The build uses NEMA17 motors and GT2 timing belt, which may seem weak for the size of the machine, but if your wire temp and speeds are correct, there will be little to no resistance. Cutting foam is more art than science, so experiment with speeds and temperatures as you go. Bolts: All axis bolts are 5mm. You'll need 55mm and 45mm lengths for carriages, 12 & 16mm bolts for miscellaneous mounts, and 5x30mm bolts for belt turnarounds. Don't forget a bunch of 5mm T-nuts for v-slot mounts. I used #8 nuts and bolts for motor mounts and carriage and belt tensioners, but 4mm bolts will work too. Belts & Drive: • GT2 belts: you'll need about 10 meters. • Belt Turnarounds: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H3F8LUU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 • Timing pulley: I'm using an 11-tooth, but 16 will work depending on your microstepping: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IMPM44O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 • Belt tensioners (I use 2 per axis): https://www.amazon.com/Mercurry-Timing-Torsion-3D-Printer/dp/B01E913IJK/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1523833455&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=3d+printer+tensioners • Switch panel: designed to fit these switches: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZWWZ0GK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Electronics: I'm using a HobbyCNC board, which requires an old PC with a parallel port and Mach3. If I didn't have the hardware, I'd use RAMPS. The software comes from here: http://www.profili2.com/eng/default.asp. The led strips are mounted to the towers via this: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2834133. The table can be made out of any 3/4" material or v-slot, but I opted for a lighter table. Each table mount runs a 5mm bolt through a t-nut to make the bed adjustable. Be sure to square the towers from another as well as the table. Warning: Cutting foam releases some pretty nasty stuff, so make sure you're in a very well-ventilated area. I built a vent especially for this machine. Don't forget to source your hot wire power supply - I'm not going to provide details on mine as I don't want to be liable for a fire. Be careful and have fun!