How to create a CNC router for beginners?
Are you facing such a problem: you want to build a CNC machine tool, but you are not sure what kind of machine you want to build? We will try to create a framework that you can use to decide what your first CNC project should be.
The first thing you need to do is to take some notes on some of the questions you want to know beforehand. Try this questionnaire:
Cost: How much can you spend on CNC machine tools? Some are more expensive than others. Some will require more software or tools than others, which will add additional costs. Make a truly honest assessment of the level of the cost you are willing to handle for the project.
Difficulty: Following the cost is a realistic assessment of the skills you can bring in building the machine. Some machines are easier to build than others. Some people will prefer tolerances that are looser and easier to achieve. Strong woodworking and strong metalworking skills will also affect your choice.
Time: As long as you have enough time, you can build almost anything. But how much time can you actually invest in this project? How interested are you in creating the machine itself and using the machine after it is finished? Considering that before graduating to the final CNC project, it might be a good idea to keep working on simpler machines. You will learn a lot on simpler machines, and you will be more prepared to handle complex machines.
Project: What do you want to use your CNC machine tool for? This will greatly affect the type of machine you build and the specifications required for that machine.
How to create a CNC router for beginners?The precise assembly of a CNC machine tool depends on the type of machine you choose to build, the customization options you choose, what you plan to make with the machine, and many other factors. Nevertheless, the key steps to build your own CNC machine tools are usually as follows:
1. Design your machine
Creating a design for your CNC machine will help you have a clear understanding of the completed project. You can choose to start with a sketch, and then use a program such as Scan2CAD to convert the drawing to CAD.
2. Get parts
Once you have designed your machine, you can continue to buy parts for it. Use the list above as a guide, but feel free to customize the machine to meet your requirements!
3. Build the framework
Your frame connects all the other parts of the machine together. Therefore, this is the first construction you will perform when building your own CNC machine. Metals such as aluminum are a good choice for your frame because they ensure stability and rigidity. In turn, this will help extend the life of other hardware.
4. Add gantry
Not all CNC machines are equipped with a gantry, but as one of the most popular design options, we introduce it here. The gantry allows your machining tool to move along the Y-axis; it will fix your tool above the work area. Ensure that the forces acting on the frame are balanced to reduce the possibility of deformation or shaking of the machine.
5. Introduce the Z-axis
Your tool itself will move up and down along the Z-axis. However, you need a place to put your tools. You install this shell on the gantry to provide your tools with a greater depth range.
6. Then the X-axis
Adding bearings and guide rails will help maintain the rigidity of the CNC machine tool and enable your tool to move back and forth along the X-axis.
7. Drive!
Now that you have added the parts that allow your CNC to move forward and backward, it is time to add those parts that actually make it move on that axis. This is the drive system, usually composed of motors, pulleys, spindles, screws, bolts, and nuts.
8. Introduction of electronic parts
You are now ready to add many electronic components that form the core of a CNC machine tool. The key is the motor that will eventually drive the machining tool. In this case, you can choose a stepper motor or a servo motor. Learn more: Which Is Better, Stepper VS Servo Motors?
9. Put on the desktop
You can't machine parts without a place to put them! Your cutting table can be made of plywood, MDF, or metal. But keep in mind that not all of these materials are suitable for the type of CNC machine you are creating!
10. From rotary motion to linear motion
The motor you install will cause the machine to rotate. However, your CNC machine tool usually requires linear motion. The spindle converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion, which means your machining tool will be able to move up and down.
11. Choose your controller
The CNC controller is essential to the operation of CNC machine tools. This is the part that interprets the signals given by the processor or computer and converts them into the signals of the electronic parts of the CNC machine tool. Therefore, it acts as the "brain" of the entire system.
12. Choose your software
Your machine is almost ready to run now! But first, you need to choose the software that controls the CNC machine tool. Most of them will use languages??such as G codes to control the movement of the machine along the three axes, enabling you to perform machining operations.
13. Add your processing tools
There are a variety of processing tools to choose from. Metal cutting tools are one of the simpler varieties, but more complex machines may use laser or plasma cutting tools.
14. Start making things!
Your machine is now complete and you are ready to start working on your own project!