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Just found an interesting project that may go to Kickstarter.

Discussion in 'General Talk' started by bobt, Sep 21, 2014.

  1. bobt

    bobt Well-Known
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    This is a project for a 5 axis machine and they are just sharing there info just now BUT I bet we could make a better one from Marks parts and a lot cheaper.

    Quoted from site:
    This machine uses Mach3 controller and we are developing a CAM script in Grasshopper that works on Rhino. The script is free and open source you can download current version (Its a very early versions and we will continue developing it and adding features as the project progresses) from 5axismaker.com/software// ( you need both Rhino3d and Grasshopper to run it ).

    Kickstarter page:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2003668803/176246113?token=d39a4343

    Very interesting.

    Bob
     
  2. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
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    I like the fact they use an RC Spindle ;)
     
  3. GrayUK

    GrayUK Openbuilds Team Elder
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    Looks interesting. I`m sure the guys here could design the axis gearbox.
    The idea is feasible from a CNC and probe point of view. Don`t know about the printer.
    Hope it works for them. I think that if they concentrated on a cheaper 5 axis CNC alone it may well do better.
    Still we can do that.
     
  4. Rob Taylor

    Rob Taylor Master
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    The 2-axis gearbox is very easy, it's just a couple of (low-backlash?) worm gear drives perpendicular to each other in a cast aluminium case.

    I feel like the printing and probing would have been better left to lab hackers and instead worked on bringing desktop 5-axis to the masses for a sub-£2000/$3000 pricepoint. I think the market's there for cheap small-scale precision subtractive machining.

    RC spindles: the page says it maxes at 1kW. If this means. say, 48V at 20A (or whatever you can squeeze through an ESC), would that have a performance parity with one of those dedicated 120V 800W spindles? Or is this really just a foam/plastic pre-vis tool?

    I'm also thoroughly interested in the software toolchain they're thinking about. I opted not to go 5-axis with my latest ideas because I assumed the (cheap/free) software wouldn't be there, and I don't know how many years I am from figuring out machine control from first principles. Sounds like it's worth taking a look at.
     
  5. Rob Taylor

    Rob Taylor Master
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    That was my assumption, the kW rating seemed pretty dubious to me. Thanks for clarifying!
     
  6. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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    The project has now gone live. It might be worth jumping in at the £50 level just for the software information it would provide.
     
  7. Dave Millard

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    Interesting project.

    I am not sure of the benefit of the completely multifunction machine for the price. The 5 axis mill on its own is pretty great.

    It is not that important whether this does become a commercial success (except for those involved of course). But their thinking and technology does provide shoulders for others to stand on.
     
  8. GrayUK

    GrayUK Openbuilds Team Elder
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    Absolutely!! :thumbsup:

    Marks shoulders have got loads and loads of footprints on them! :D :thumbsup::thumbsup:

    He is a little bent over now, I've heard.

    Gray
     
  9. Dave Millard

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    ;)
     

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