CNC Machine

In this project I had to figure everything out for myself. Some of the main challenges,

• how to control the motors.

• How to generate gcode.

• A comprehensive cad model.

• How I could get the motor controller to reflect the kinematics.

• How to make the pen sturdy.

• How to make the pen actuate cleanly.

• Wire management with a large moving machine

These and many more were what I would have to tackle in the project. Building a CNC machine is something entire companies try to do, I was able to manage it by myself and it shows a little bit. I think the weakest part is the pen actuator. Despite my efforts. It does not rise and fall cleanly. Also even though I added a second Y-axis to help with stability, when the plotter is at the extent of its reach there is such a moment that it sags a few mm and that can make unwanted drawings. Overall I crossed the major hurdles of this project and am quite pleased with the result.