This blog contains the daily technical endeavours of a freelancing software-designer. 

2017-04-02

4th axis improvements to the YOOCNC 6040Z+S80 CNC

Why? 

I want to be able to machine larger diamter parts on the 4th axis of my 6040Z-S80 machine. 
Because the space below the gantry was limited to about 110mm, the original plan was to machine larger side-plates that hold the gantry higher. 

However that would mean making the entire machine less rigid. 

What? 

Closer inspection shows a much better path. 
The bed of the machine consists of 4 plates, each 120mm in width. 
They can be removed individually. 
The 4th axis (a chinese build 100mm K11 chuck on a 50:1 harmonic drive) needs 110mm of width and has the center of rotation at 65mm above ground. 

...

Without the T-slot plate it sits a -20mm and thus the center of rotation is at 55mm.  Perfect. 

I can mount it to the t-slot plates on the left and right. 
The edge of one of them makes sure it is perfectly square and parallel to the X axis. 

The only problem are the chucks. 
They extend beyond the 100mm circle. 
So I will have to cut slots into the T-slot plates left and right of it. 

...

Luckily the traperoidal spindle that drives the Y-axis gantry has enough clearance to not collide witgh the chucks. 
Mounting some plastic foil onto the t-slot sides will prevent them and the bearings to get covered in dust and shavings.