X/Y Forcing Mechanism for CNC Router Diagnostics

prusaprinters

The purpose of this tool is to gradually apply a known force to a CNC router, so that the deflection may be measured as a function of applied force.  (The deflection measurement is separate and not part of this design.)This can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify whether a CNC router is performing as well as expected, and potentially to identify the weak point.  It could also be useful when designing a CNC router to test the difference between design alternatives.For the mechanical fixture you will need:Wooden base plate from plywood or MDF8 M4 socket-cap screws for attaching printed parts to the load cells.2 M3 screws and 2 M3 nuts for gradually applying force to X/Y stageRubber bands to pull stage in X and Y direction (allows measuring push and pull forces with a single setup)Several #6 x ½" sheet metal screws (18 in total)4 to attach base to underlying plank6 to attach push/pull fixtures to plank (3 for left and 3 for right)4 for attaching rubber bands to pull stage back toward push/pull fixtures (2 for left and 2 for right)4 for fixing adapter plate to the platform (only 2 used in video below)And to complete the system as shown you will need2 load cells with HX711One OLED SSD1306Arduino controller like Mega 2560 or ESP32 should also workBatteries or USB connection for powerMore discussion here (including Arduino code):https://forum.v1e.com/t/deflection-measurement/37968/8?u=jamiek