Z Axis

[Ward Elder]

Hello Group:

 

I have my new adjustable Z axis almost done.  My Flickr account has pictures of the acme screws and steppers that I have chosen to drive my Z axis.  I used a Think-O-Matic 3D ABS printer from Makerbot to make the bearing mounts and the acme screw pulleys.  The steppers are small steppers from ebay.  My tests show they can easily lift several pounds.  The acme screw and motor are joined with a belt with a 2:1 reduction to give the steppers a bit more torque. I plan to put all the steppers in parallel.  I am currently using a Testra controller with a Z axis port (and an A axis port for Rotation!!! --- that is next...).  Here is a link to the new pictures.  More to come at a later time.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/wardelder/7059378753/in/set-72157628670348341

[Jamie@Home]

That's very cool!  Is the Testra controller one of the motor controllers, or is it one of the laser controllers they've got on their site?

Jamie

Sent from my iPad

[Ward Elder]

It is their top of the line Motion System, the SS-4544 with ssLaser control panel.  Here are the specs: http://testra.com/Motion/SS4544/Specs-SS.html

 

 

Thank you,

 

 

Ward M. Elder

ElderSoft

42 Appleton St.

Winnipeg, MB

R2G1K5

(204) 791-7754   (Cell)

 

wa...@eldersoft.ca

[Ward Elder]

Here is a crappy video of my Z Axis in motion.  Used a brick to load down one corner.  I now need to cable the steppers with shielded cable.  Next item is now the Z Axis limit switch(s)... not sure on the best way to impliment them.  Here is the Flickr link to the video:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/wardelder/6919039062/in/photostream

[Don Kellogg]

How many steppers are you using in this Z Axis setup 1 or 2? If two I would assume there is one in the front left and one in the right rear or something like that? The other two are simply linear bearings?

[Ward Elder]

I am using four small steppers.  One in each corner.  Believe it or not I am using only one stepper controller with all four motors in parallel.  This system works well but has a flaw.  If one of the steppers looses steps (jambs) there is no automatic way to re-level the table.  The table still works very good for my needs.

[Don Kellogg]

Wow four I would never have thought of that. I was thinking about belt around all four shafts to one stepper.

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[Ward Elder]

The stoppers were cheap and had a pulley already. I used my 3D printer to make the mount and pulleys for the Acme shafts. I then only needed four small belts.
Thank you
Ward Elder
Eldersoft
(204) 791-7754