Re: 4-AXIS FOAM CUTTER

Hi Coert,

I see, the foam probably would last quite a while outdoors, but UV would
eventually cause it to disintegrate, if not protected. I hadn't heard
about the differences in foam types, XPS and EPS.

Yes, I tend to re-use parts from old projects, so I can see why you
wouldn't have 5 "complete" machines around!

Ah, Stepster! Yes, I have seen it. I'm sure quite a few projects have
started from this program. Good to hear that you are able to write in
BASIC, and generate Gcode part files! I generated my first simple
"sprocket" files this way, before I had CAD/CAM available to me.

KM6VV is my Amateur Radio (Ham) call sign. I just got into the habit of
using it on some "Ham Radio" lists, and it's a simple way to distinguish
my self from the other Alan's on the lists.

Alan KM6VV

Van Der Sandt Coert wrote:

>
> Hi Alan
> No web site yet - sorry. I plan to create a web site as soon as I have some
> time. At the moment though I spend every free hour in my workshop (ex
> garage). It took five different designs and attempts to get the machine to
> do what I want it to do, I do not have 5 working machines (I wish :-)
>
> All the signs I made so far was just cutting the profile, I don't know what
> the people do with it afterwards. It was mainly for weddings and partys etc.
> so I guess it was for indoors. You get two different kinds of foam
> (polystyrene) expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS). The expanded is the normal
> white stuff we all know and extruded is the 'bluefoam' as it is known in the
> hobby world, it is very dense and quite strong as well. My guess is that it
> would last quite long outside.
>
> The software I used for driving the motor up until now was Stepster that I
> modified the basic code for it to work (I don't know which version I
> downloaded) it does the job fine for two axis and even for my rudamentary 3
> axis hobby engraver/router. The gcode I generate with a small basic program
> from the wing co-ords otherwise write it myself. Basically I've managed with
> shareware up until now.
>
> BTW : What does KM6VV stand for?
> Cheers
>
> Coert vd Sandt
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan Marconett KM6VV [mailto:KM6VV@...]
> Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2001 6:46 PM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: 4-AXIS FOAM CUTTER
>
> Hi Coert,
>
> Thanks for the descriptions. What else gets done to the foam you cut
> for signs? Or is the foam the finished product? I'm only familiar with
> the foam used for insulation in homes! Looks like this "wing" foam is
> finer, denser stuff?
>
> What software have you been driving your steppers with? I could see
> simple linear cuts being done with just rate generators, but anything
> more involved would need software!
>
> 5 machines! Do you have a web site where you've posted pix of your
> machines?
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
> Van Der Sandt Coert wrote:
> >
> > Hi Alan
> >
> > I have been working on getting the foam edm machine to cut for about two
> > years. I believe that I have it cutting just about OK now (within
> tolerances
> > for foam). I originally started this project to cut foam cores for RC
> > airplane wings, but as time went by I started to realize a lot of
> different
> > applications for the machine. I have cut quite a few signs so far as well
> as
> > some shapes for interior decorating. None of this on a commercial level
> > though (maybe someday) I have started the building of a 3 meter by 3 meter
> > by 1,5 meter high machine, with this I hope to do some bigger signs etc.
> > Some specs on the machines :
> >
> > Number 1 :
> > This is about the 5th version I built. Originally I built it from old
> > printer steppers and linear slides etc. It has now been upgraded with
> > industrial belts and slides etc. The stepper controllers were bought from
> an
> > electronics supplier to the industry as surplus. Steppers are from old
> > floppy drives run at half step to give 400 steps/rotation. Control is by
> > step/direction pulses from the lpt port. The linear increment per step is
> > 0.1021 mm which is fine because the wire cuts away about .7 mm of foam.
> > Cutting dimensions are 1,5 meters wide by 1 meter deep and 220 mm high.
> >
> > Number 2 :
> > This machine is my best attempt at a professional build with properly
> > machined parts and industrial standardized belts, pulleys, linear slides
> and
> > bearings etc. Step controllers are 4A per phase and BIG stepper motors (I
> > don't have the specs with me now) 3,1A current draw run in half step mode
> > (400 steps/rotation). This time I reduced the linear increment per step by
> > driving the carriages via a belt reduction (4:1) from the steppers. The
> > machine hasn't cut yet but should be completed soon. The wire will
> > ultimately be heated electronically (does anyone have a circuit for this?)
> > and cooled by ex RC electric ducted fan turbines where it is exposed.
> Again
> > control is by step/dir pulses from the lpt port.
> >
> > I hope I didn't bore you all to sleep.
> >
> > Cheers
> > Coert vd Sandt
> > Universe Administration (Unix)
> > Dimension Data
> > Alexander Forbes Business Unit
>
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