Pseudonymous Macedonian CNC specialist CNC Maker has turned a classic three-axis mill right into a four-axis computer-controlled beast — retro-fitting it with the parts required for management through Newfangled Options’ Mach3 software program.
“The [Stankoimport] 8H80G mannequin [mill] is a high-precision milling machine that has been designed to offer wonderful accuracy and repeatability,” CNC Maker explains of the need to re-use the classic machine. “It incorporates a sturdy building, an honest mattress measurement, and a strong spindle that may simply deal with powerful supplies like metal and aluminum.
“The spindle on the 8H80G mannequin is a high-speed motor that may rotate at a most pace of 1439 rotations/minute, with an influence ranking of three kW and a present draw of 6.5A. This spindle operates at 380 volts and is designed to work on a 50Hz energy provide.”
Fairly than utilizing it manually, although, CNC Maker — as hinted by the title — sought to improve the system to pc numeric management alongside 4 axes. What adopted was a days-long technique of retro-fitting appropriate electronics, custom-built alternative mechanical components milled and laser-cut, new NEMA 23 stepper motors on 1:10 planetary gears, and extra — plus some points with a damaged weld and bent shaft on the Z axis which wanted to be resolved.
As soon as the X, Y, and Z axes had been upgraded, the machine was examined by getting it to attract a easy circle beneath pc management — however the thought was not solely to transform the mill for CNC operation however so as to add a fourth axis too. Extra fabrication adopted, together with the addition of a 1:50 gear system and a chuck that would settle for supplies to be rotated.
The profitable improve is seen within the above video or on the CNC Maker YouTube channel — although design information for the fabrication haven’t been made publicly accessible.
