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I'm building a custom NC manufacturing robot from scratch. I was unhappy with availability, pricing, and business model (SaaS lock-in) of the existing hardware
by fxtentacle 2y ago
I'm building a custom NC manufacturing robot from scratch.
I was unhappy with availability, pricing, and business model (SaaS lock-in) of the existing hardware/software solutions. But to my delight, I noticed that you just need better amplifiers to use 3D printer mainboards for driving industrial stepper motors. Everything is controlled with Gcode, which is just text. And sensors can send back logging messages over the same USB connection.
That means the control software can be just a python script with a little state machine inside :)
- arunabha 2y agoInteresting! The use of 3D printer electronics is a great idea as they are cheap(ish) and get reasonable accuracy. I'm curious what you mean by a custom NC manufacturing robot? A CNC mill?
- fxtentacle 2y agoNo, its neither a CNC mill nor a lathe nor a robot arm. It's a specialised machine that automates one production step. But it needs to react to variations in the input work pieces, which is why it needs to be computer-controlled.
- HeyLaughingBoy 2y ago3D printer/laser engraver electronics are great for lots of things actually. You get A (at least) 3-axis motion control system with G-code processor Spindle controller (usually) Limit switch input A nice graphical display (Sometimes) Wi-Fi or BLE Arduino framework All for around $50. I was exploring the use of one for an open-source infusion pump controller. However, it turned out to be too bulky, but it would probably have been fine otherwise. Even after all these years, I was blown away by the insane amount of capability that I could buy for $50. Before anyone else asks: https://github.com/makerbase-mks/MKS-DLC32 https://github.com/makerbase-mks/MKS-DLC32