CNC Router

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This page is a development stub. Please enhance this page by adding information, cad files, nice big images, and well structured data!

RepStrap

A RouterStrap is a RepRap made from a commercially made benchtop CNC router, with an extruder head fastened next to the Spindle.

There are lots and lots and lots of people making these things. Some are better than others. Do some comparative shopping. and help fill in this wiki page.

Many CNC routers designed to cut MDF are themselves built mostly of MDF, and therefore can be considered at least partly self-replicating (and therefore RepRap, not merely RepStrap).


Description

Other ones

  • suppliers
  • price
  • description

Please do not add to this page. (It is slightly overcrowded as it is.)

This Page Contains multiple RepRap development projects and should be split up. Each individual project/design/improvement should have its own development page within an encompassing category.

RepStrap

Seems to also duplicate MillStrap.

general design ideas

A router (subtractively) shapes solid materials using the sides of a rotating cutter. It is used to cut material that starts out as large flat slabs.

A router has a flat sole plate that presses against and slides over the face of the material.

A router both

  • (a) pushes a toolhead in the X and Y directions through the raw material, enduring significant forces in the X and Y axis (often both simultaneously), and
  • (b) requires precise positioning in the X and Y axis. (The Z axis is either "all the way up so nothing touches the raw material" or "all the way down with the sole plate against the material).

This is difficult, but not quite as difficult as a CNC Mill milling machine which requires strength in all three X, Y, and Z axis.

There are at least 2 ways that a router-based RepRap can help build its next generation:

  • Using a router bit that protrudes from the sole plate much less than the full thickness of the raw copper-plated FR4 raw material, a router can cut copper trace patterns and isolating gaps between them as part of Automated Circuitry Making.
  • Using a "straight" router bit that protrudes from the sole plate slightly more than the full thickness of the raw material, a router can be used to cut out FlatPack parts. (In this case, you need a sacrificial board under the raw material).


RepRap-Built

Cartesio

  • Cartesio is a reprap printed CNC machine

Eiffel

  • Eiffel is one of the CNC router projects. (Eiffel will also be a 3D printer.)

Mendel

BigRap

Other CNC Routers

These are generally non-self-replicating, non-GPL. (Boo, hiss!)

Despite this, they're very handy as RepStraps, bootstrap positioning systems for a RepRap extruder head, and will make great 3D printers.

Kits

ShapeOko

The ShapeOko is an opensource, hobby-level CNC machine using aluminum extrusions (MakerSlide for v1 and v2, a pair of custom extrusions for the nascent v3). ShapeOko 3 uses NEMA23 motors (previous models defaulted to NEMA17) and an Arduino based controller running open-source software in its stock configuration, like most RepRaps. (It runs Grbl on the Arduino, a Smoothieboard is an alternative controller option as defined on the B.O.M. page).

FireBall CNC Router

The FireBall CNC Router is a commercial, hobby class CNC router. It is made from MDF, rather than aluminum or steel. On the other hand, it is inexpensive, and this is very helpful, because we don't need a 150 lb unit to move a RepRap extruder around.

They're somewhat popular, and probably a decent buy.

If you are getting one to just use as a RepStrap, bargain hard with the salesperson for a 'naked' machine, without the stepper motors, electronics, and so on, and use the RepRap electronics and motor.

Without Motors, Electronics, Etc.

  • Base Price ~600USD.

(pre-shipping from US, pre-tax, etc.)

With Motors, Electronics

  • Price ~1000USD.

(pre-shipping from US, pre-tax, etc.)

Pages

http://www.probotix.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fireballcnc/

  • price
  • description

K2

See main article K2

Location: US http://www.k2cnc.com/shop/proddetail.asp?prod=KTM-0704&cat=26 K2 has good-looking machine, made from aluminum, and they're a mature brand (in internet years), so they may be quite reliable. They're rather expensive, as are their 'extras' but who knows, you may get great support with that. Also, they're probably turnkey systems that _just_work_, and this may justify the cost.


MechMate

  • http://www.mechmate.com/
  • "The drawings used for producing our in-house MechMate CNC routers are published on this site, for free ... to build "once-off" machines which may not be sold for profit."
  • one forum post claims that all the parts, motors, control electronics, etc. for a typical MechMate runs to around $6,000 (not including labor for assembly and calibration)
  • ... tweaking MechMate design for lower cost: discussion
  • Many MechMate CNC routers can hold and cut a full-size 9 foot x 6 foot sheet of material. That's bigger than even the biggest proposed RepRap, the BigRap.
  • Yes, but does it have enough resolution to use it as a RouterStrap?

The OXCNC is a current router designed to be easy to make with readily available materials, that can be customized and large size, upto 4 by 8 foot.

Zenbot

Nema-23 motors, steel rails, HDPE frame.

The entire machine is bolted together with Allen-head machine bolts so every part is replaceable. Zenbot has several CNC routers for under $ 1 500 (not including the spindle). Made in the US.

Creation Station

The Creation Station Open Source CNC Router. Creation Station. Creation Station on Kickstarter.

VLTIMA

VLTIMA project: low cost CNC (open-source hardware and software)

KL3 CNC

KL3 CNC router kit from BobsCNC.

User Guide

What is a CNC router? How does a CNC router work? What is a CNC router used for? How much does a CNC rouetr cost? How to buy a CNC router? A guide to buy your first CNC router

STYLECNC

CNC Router Catalog from STYLECNC.

Further reading

The CNC Zone Forum: DIY CNC Router Table Machines includes a "Open Source CNC Machine Designs" sub-forum.