Re: robotic workcell design

I split this discussion off from the laser safety one because that
one is certainly off topic. I think this universal gantry is
perfectly on topic with this group.

I also had the idea of using aluminum extrusion and getting the parts
pre-cut from a place like 80/20. I have found it is very very easy
to cut aluminum on a regular wood cutting miter saw if you have a
good Freud carbide tipped saw blade. Mine has like 120 teeth and is
specifically meant for cutting non-ferous metals. I picked up the
porter cable miter saw at Costco for about $280 and the 12" Freud
blade at home depot for around $50. It cuts a 2 inch x 2 inch block
of aluminum like butter. Enco and other places sell a type of solid
lubricant (green colored) that looks like a bar of soap. I wipe this
on the sides of the blade after a few cuts.

But I digress, since 80/20 and others will pre-cut your extrusions to
exacting specifications for a nominal fee. Techno-Isel makes a nice
T-slot table surface, but I am not sure how much that is. Perhaps
the table surface could just be several pieces of 80/20 bolted
together, or a ground aluminum plate available at most metal
suppliers. A total ballpark on the extrusion prices...$500?

If the linear rails/carriages can be had for another $500, the
ballscrews and ballnuts for another $300, and leaving $700 for servo
motors, drives, and power supply (would really have to scrimp
here...gecko g320 might be out of the question).

I think this would make an excellent article, and should make the
editors at Servo drool.

Rick