Few more pics of the adapter
(Yes, i wear flip-flops in my shop… don’t judge me)
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Thank you for sharing the update and images. Machines helping to make machines is always something enjoyable to see. Is the narrow channel with the attached black metal strip a sensor trigger? Also, did you make the new slider mount the same height as the supplied linear bearings?
Yes, to both of your questions.
The mount encompasses the entire length of the linear bearings. The last picture shows the counterbores for clearance of the Socket Head Cap Screws that secure the motor mount so it can fully traverse in Z.
I also flipped the Ball Nut over so the unit isn’t being held up by 4 small screws (yikes!), but is now sitting on the Ball Nut… i didn’t trust a $5k spindle to those 4 small little screws into aluminum. I am 3D printing caps out of TPU to close off the cavities on the opposite side of all the Ball Nuts to keep debris out.
Because the mount is the full length of the Linear Bearings, the location of the Z-axis Homing Sensor was in the way, so it got moved up to the top plate of the Assembly, and I machined a channel in the side of my Mount for the Sensor Trigger to align with the Homing Sensor.
I have already ordered the high output Z motor with brake, so that will get installed soon, and I am also making a counter- balance system that will mount on the back side to offset the weight of the spindle.
The Adapter Plate will be able to accept whatever i choose to mount on it.
The next big purchase for it will be a 1500W Raycus Laser.
Adapter Plate:
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Looks great - form and function.
Although I also installed my own stepper with brake, I had also researched other options to address the mass of my ATC spindle. I am considering a pneumatic solution, with the goal of reducing added mass to the gantry, but have not yet decided on the final design and components.
I am running a similar spindle from CNCDepot, the one from www.solafidedesignskc.com. Alex (CNCDepot) made the mounting plate for the Z20 axis.
Trip, a side note for you. The spindle has case pressurization, which can suck down a lot compressed air. If you are not cutting dusty stuff such as graphite, stone etc. or require lots of flood coolant, you probably don’t need case pressurization. Blocking my port of has silenced my compressor.
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The nice thing as well with these spindles is that because case pressurization is optional, depending on material machined (stated by CNCDepot), there should be no worries with voiding a warranty. This is not true for all spindle manufacturers.
I plan on running the spindle air curtain continuously at a low pressure (~10psi) during operation, and then full pressure during tool changes.
I will be getting a scroll compressor at some point in the future. Right now I’ve got an compressor with an 80gal. tank, so i am hopeful that it will be enough for now.
Trip, sounds good. I have a little Makita compressor (MAC2400, 4.2 CFM @90). With case pressure on it cycles 20 sec on 20 sec off, which I thought was to heavy a duty cycle. Dropping case pressure I get 20 sec on 20 min off. Yes I have a small like in my air dryer somewhere.
Ok, Trip, almost time for the 1 yr review.
I have virtually the same setup as you. Frankly I could not be more pleased. The machine has done everything I have asked it to do. This machine definitely punches above it’s weight class.