Long beams & X/Y gantry

#1

This weekend I finally had a chance to put together my X/Y gantry (https://twitter.com/jenschr/status/429790034750111745). When I put it together it seemed so “flimsy” that I wanted to use some 2424’s I had to strengthen the construction. The end result is really solid and it highlighted something that I hope that the MakeBlock team will consider.

It would be VERY convenient if the longest 2424’s were the same length as the longest 0824’s. It would also be wise to make the Linear Motion Shafts the same length. I would suggest using the length introduced with the 2424 beams: 320mm and 512mm. This would make it much easier to create a solid gantry system. In other words - I would love to see the products:

  • 320mm Linear Motion Shaft
  • 512mm Linear Motion Shaft
  • 320mm 0824 Beams
  • 512mm 0824 Beams

As for how this would affect existing users - if someone really need a 496mm beam, they can just cut off a piece of a 512mm?

#2

We have got your suggestions. Could you take more picture about your X/Y gantry ? (The close-up of connection between long beams)

BTW, I think you could use thread groove to adjust the length of X/Y gantry.

#3

Hi Johnny,
I’m unsure about how I could use the threaded groove to adjust the length. Could you elaborate a little?

Here’s a couple video’s that shows my current progress:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4HY7nsZBbo (first test)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdWzPaXji0g (second test, with a pen)

I’ll try to post a closeup of the connection in the corners when I get home later today.

J

#4

Hi again,
Here’s some images of the corners. As you can see, I used an angular and a straight bracket to make a solid connection, but if the 24x24 extrusions had one more hole at the ends and the smooth rods were the same length, this could be a super-solid setup without a need for any plates.



Click to zoom the images.

J

#5

Thanks for your pictures @jenschr. I have sent them to our mechanical engineer.

I think the shaft is the problem. The length of the shaft can’t fit with 2424 beams well. It’s a little embarrassing…Do you have another angular brackets? You might use them to lift the shaft out of the gantry. Here is the picture to show my idea,

1.png674x820 754 KB

p.s. We are considering seriously to adjust the length of our 2424 beam.

#6

Hi again,
Yeah. Adjusting either the beams or the shafts would do the trick. While it is a good idea, I really don’t want to move the shaft up from the gantry/frame. This would then increase the height of the overall construction and I want to keep it as low as possible.

Right now I’m 3D printing a custom “gripper tool” that fits the MakeBlock servos that can grab different pen’s. The idea is to make the robot able to select different tools. I also plan to duplicate the main axis to increase precision since the lack of paralellism creates a bit of play. My only problem now is that I’m out of MXL belts that are long enough :wink:

By the way - here’s a link to the models I made to fit the SainSmart endstops I used: https://www.youmagine.com/designs/endstop-holders-for-makeblock

#7

Cool !!! I have watch the model you design to fit the SainSmart endstops. Did it made by 3D printer?

I’m very looking forward to your gripper tool. You might take a picture when it is finished.

#8

Yeah. I have an Ultimaker & an Printerbot that I use to make special parts that I need. I’ve also thought about building a Mackblock-based printer, but I don’t have the time or money at the moment :slight_smile:

Will post pictures, but something came up so it’ll be a few days.

#9

Here’s the first version of the gripper. The servo is beneath…

WP_20140213_001b.jpg1500x1125 439 KB

Next I need to find a way to lift it properly :smiley:

#10

Awesome!

I think there could be a screw to clamp the pen:)

1.jpg1500x1125 487 KB

#11

No, no. The servo will grab the pen, lift it up, draw with it, put the pen back and then grab another pen :slight_smile:

Here’s where I am now:

gantry5.jpg1280x820 519 KB

I’ve also started writing down a build log on my blog http://flashgamer.com/arduino/

#12

Wow, cool!! I can’t imagine that how would it be powerful if there are different pen to choose.

p.s: I have read your blog, it’s rich in content.

#13