Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Linear Actuator question

>
>
>It doesn't appear that linear actuators are part of their product
>line. I'd assume that it's a solenoid.
>

Reasonable...but it might be safer to assume that they're not
*currently* a part of their line. I've been known to pick up
discontinued parts at these sales, before. Regardless, proceeding with
the assumption that it's a solenoid, is perfectly fine with me. It's
probably correct, too...

>If I'm correct you'd have to make some provision for locking the
>router in both the up and down position as looking at their website,
>many of their products have less than a 100% duty cycle. You'd also
>not be able to control the plunge rate, and would have to take care
>to accurately position your bits within the chuck.
>

Controlling the vertical position of the bit is trivial -- creating some
sort of height adjustment for the Z axis sled is relatively simple, and
more than adequate for gross adjustments. Since this is for
woodworking, I'll be using a woodworking router -- most have the ability
to set the height of the bit by moving the collet in and out, or by
utilizing the plunge feature of the router. This aspect is no big deal.

As for the plunge rate -- I'm talking about cutting 2D shapes from
plywood, basically. Even if the plunge rate is not ideal, it likely
won't be a problem. If I was engraving granite, or UHMW, it might be a
different story.

As for locking the router in the up and down positions, I have an idea.
This particular one is spring loaded, with a reasonably heavy spring
holding the plunger in the "out" position. It takes some serious effort
to even get it pushed back into the body of the solenoid. This, if used
properly, should be sufficient to hold the router and sled up, and away
from the work. So, on a power loss, the spindle will auto-retract away
from the work. I'm proceeding with the assumption that it can hold its
position indefinitely when the solenoid is activated -- so I'd just need
to keep it active while in the "pen down" state. If it's just a matter
of applying voltage, it's trivial to control a relay.

>Alternatevly, you may be able to implement a system to ratchet the
>router up or down using the solinoid.
>

An excellent idea, and one that I will probably pursue.

I've already emailed the company, and requested a spec sheet and any
other data they have. But, no answer from them, yet...

-- Chuck Knight

P.S. Have I ever said thank you to this group, in general? It's an
amazing source for information, and all the members deserve a lot of
gratitude from me. My sincerest thanks to you all.