March 29, 2019
Description
These parts upgrade a Zen Toolworks CNC mill to 3d print large parts. It requires taller plates to convert the single z axis gantry over x design to x gantry over dual z axis that many 3d printers share. The z axis is sized to use the same x/y leadscrews that is provided by zentoolworks.
The CNC mill was purchased from Zen Toolworks. https://www.zencnc.com/
This setup still lets me switch back to CNC milling with a few bolts. However, it's at slightly reduced capacity for stiffness but it still handles most things such as plastics, wood, and milling circuit boards. The new z-axis need to be locked with clamps if F8 lead screws are used because they will move quite easily.
The cnc mill can be used to make new brackets for the x-carriage to allow quick switch between milling and printing modes. This converts the screw design to bolts that are changed faster.
Plates were made with the same plastic and were 16.28mm thick. Not exactly sure what the nominal puchase thickness of the material is as I got it second hand. The closest SAE measurement comes to 41/64s.
DXFs were included to size and drill the new plates.
Complete description of the machine's features and parts can be heard in the videos.
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike