Thinking about designing a dedicated OpenPNP controller board – what's your biggest hardware headache right now?

[Tero Koiranen]

Hi everyone,

I'm an electronics student and I've been deep-diving into OpenPNP through build videos and documentation lately. Coming from a pure hardware and electronics background, one thing stands out to me: most builds seem to be fighting with modified 3D printer boards or generic CNC controllers.

It looks like PnP machines have very specific demands (huge amount of axes, electrical noise from pumps/solenoids, messy feeder wiring) that these generic boards weren't really built to handle.

I'm really tempted to sit down with KiCad and design a dedicated, rugged controller board from scratch, purely optimized for OpenPNP. But since I'm looking at this from a hardware designer's perspective rather than an experienced machine operator, I wanted to check in with the community first.

    What is the absolute biggest hardware headache or bottleneck with your current controller setup?

    If you could change one thing about the hardware market for OpenPNP right now, what would it be?

    Are there specific things (like connectivity, opto-isolation, specific voltage rails, or feeder bus ideas) that you feel are completely missing?

I want to map out what a "perfect" board layout would look like for a modern build. Any feedback, wishlists, or rants about current hardware flaws are highly appreciated!

Best regards,
Tero Koiranen

[Pierluigi Garaventa]

Hi Tero,

 I suggest to check Duet3D Mini5+ Board.

I'm using it in my DIY OpenPnP setup. I have to say that this board works really well for a desktop PNP machine.

I'm able to control 5 axis, vacuum pump, 2 vacuum sensor, 2 led camera light and X,Y stop all with DUET3D board. 

I'm not really sure if it's possible to do something better, but perhaps you can optimize the cost.

However, I suggest to spend some time regarding feeders. It's a really important part of the PnP machine.

It's both a mechanical and electronic problem. I personally feel OpenPnP lacks a reference for a good feeder that can be integrated into any DIY machine.

Ciao,

Pierluigi

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