Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] WTB small 3 axis CNC for microscopic 3d inspection

Tom,
 
..0001 resolution over an inch might be tough.  Depending on screws and linear bearings used and how backlash is dealt with .001' might be reasonable.  To keep the weight low and size small it would seem to need parts to be precision machined and a lot of planning the design.
 
In the size you mention I would think that you would need to build it.  I have seen short ball screw/nuts go on eBay for a song.
 
Interesting project! 
 
Jack

--- On Fri, 2/27/09, Tom Hubin <thubin@...> wrote:

From: Tom Hubin <thubin@...>
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] WTB small 3 axis CNC for microscopic 3d inspection
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 5:38 PM






Hello,

I am an optical and electrical engineer. I am developing a Mach3 plugin
for 3d optical scanning. I am not finished with it but I am pleased with
how it is coming along.

Due to health problems I am limited to projects that require very little
exertion. So I am moving toward smaller and smaller machines. Especially
since I like to transport them to demos and shows for training.

So I want to build a very small 3d scanning system. Maybe an inch of
travel for each axis. Maybe less than 10 pounds.

http://www.thorlabs .com/thorProduct .cfm?partNumber= PT3-Z7 is something
like I had in mind. Weight less than 7 pounds. I don't need the
accuracy. Probably 0.0001 inch resolution would be good enough. Maybe
even 0.001 inch would be adequate.

This is pricey at $2k without electronics. I hope to find something like
this used for maybe half that price.

Then add motor drive electronics and my own camera/laser combination.
Plug it in to the parallel port and run it with Mach3.

I will be watching ebay. Any other suggestions for where to shop for a
small and lightweight 3 axis motorized stage for less than $1k?

Tom Hubin
thubin@earthlink. net
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