Re: How to install motors into a Grizzly or Enco Milling CNC?

Hi Jose,

for "sending the 3D image to the controller for interpolation, we
usually break the task down into several parts:

1) A CAD program allows us to define part, and create the toolpaths we
want. This toolpath could be .DXF file.

2) The .DXF tool path is then converted to Gcode (a little like a
plotter file). Call this a .DXF to Gcode translator, or add a "/CAM" to
the "CAD" software above, and do it in one convenient package.

3) The Gcode file is interpreted, and the "steps" to move the motors (do
the interpolation here) are calculated. This is a "controller"
program. Or it could be an "imbedded" program running on a dedicated
computer for a machine tool.

4) The step commands (step/dir) are send to "driver" hardware, and
THAT's what runs the motors, be they steppers, or servos.

Is that how you see it? What part(s) do you want to built? What
part(s) do you want to buy? Other then the motors, one can build any of
the "parts". ;>)

Alan KM6VV


Jose Ivan Quinones wrote:

>
> Thanks for all the help and comments which proved useful!
>
> I went into CADMANs site and I must admit it is extremely helpful.
> The machine I have is identical to his so I will keep posted. I am
> still wondering how to attach my motors but his picks have given me a
> lot of ideas. In case you guys are wondering at my plans, here is
> what I got. I bought the drill/mill (or bench mill) from Grizzly. It
> is pretty sturdy and although kind of small, it will serve me for
> almost everything I have in mind. I am an electric engineer and I
> work with motion controls for photocopiers at Xerox so the machine
> stuff is only for hobby robotics.
>
> At this moment I am not sure which motors I am going to use, but most
> likely it is going to be a DC with an encoder, a brushless DC with
> also an encoder or a Stepper. The one I like the most is the
> Brushless DC because of its ease to control. I plan on designing my
> own controllers as it seems to be pretty easy to use a microcontroller
> and send the appropriate signals. The problem is how to interface it
> with the computer program. I don't have a problem with sending
> commands to the motors through the serial or parallel port. But how
> to take a 3D image and send it to the controller for interpretation,
> I still don't know how I will manage.
>
> I do not plan on changing the ball screws on my machine as they seem
> to be quite expensive. I know there is a backlash on the ones my
> machine brought. At this time it is around 15 mils which is not good,
> but maybe I can compensate this with the code in the microcontroller.
>
> And basically that is my idea at this time. If you guys need any help
> with the electronics, let me know as that is my field and motion
> control is my actual area of expertise (this doesn't mean I am very
> good, but the folks I work with are geniuses and I won't hesitate to
> question them). Hope to talk to the group really soon! Take care!
>
> JIQ
>
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