Paciente8159's CNC probe

thingiverse

Paciente8159's CNC Probe: A DIY Solution with Special Features This is my take on a CNC probe that stands out from the rest due to its unique features: No Electronics Required This probe does away with built-in electronics, contact PCBs, and electronic circuits altogether. You can add them if you need to. All Parts Can Be Printed or Purchased Easily Everything needed for this probe is either printable or readily available at your local convenience store. No Tuning Necessary The constant and even downforce is achieved through small magnets, eliminating the need for spring strength tuning. Easy Tip Changes Different types of tips can be used and swapped out quickly (ball, conical, etc). Repeatibility Test Results I've tested my probe and achieved a remarkable 6 microns in repeatibility tests (my CNC resolution is 6.25 microns, so it's a good result!). Additional Materials Needed * 3 x 5mm diameter 16mm long shelf pins * 6 x M4 domed nuts * 24AWG stranded wire (an Ethernet cable will do) * 1 x M4 nut * 2 x 20mm long M4 threaded rod * 6 x 5mm diameter magnets * Something to act as a probe tip (Dremel accessory - 7103 Diamond Wheel Point, for example) * Optional: 6 x 4mm long M4 screws and 3 x 25mm long M3 screws Tools Needed * Plier * M4 tapper (for screwing the two 20mm pieces of threaded rod) The Pictures Speak for Themselves Place the wires under the domed nut and press them in place. Short two pairs of nuts and leave two wires under each remaining nut. When at rest, the shelf pins will close the circuit, and the switch is closed. If anything touches the tip and one or more of the shelf pins stop making contact with the domed nuts, the switch will open. Post-Printing Tips * All parts are tight fit, so some sanding is needed to avoid jams in the probe. * Take special care of the piece holding the shelf pins so it doesn't jam. * I had problems keeping the magnets fixed in place in the cover printed part. Regular glue tape did the trick, but you can also use super glue or something else. Note The probe has no wire output holes. You can drill them yourself according to your wiring scheme, usage, or not using electronics at all.