Scott Ellis wrote:
>From the information that I have gathered the following is the most basic
system we could get away with.
>
>Basic level vertical Milling machine (Sherline if the job is very small)
>MaxPro CNC control software from MaxNC to control the steppers on each axis.
>Stepper driver cards (we have our own versions of these from other
projects) & Motors
>3D modeling software to create the model in the first place (We will
probably use TriSpectives)
>STL to NC conversion software - possibly DeskProto from Delft Spline Systems
>
>Will this system work? Can anyone suggest better/cheaper alternatives in
any of the positions?
>We do not need super accurate parts.
>
Dear Scott,
My comments are twofold:
For the hardware: do NOT start constructing your own CNC machine by combining
elements such as mentioned above, unless in case you have both little money and
plenty of time. I have seen many disappointments up until now: to get the
combination
running smoothly is more complicated than you expect.
Either do contract a specialist to retrofit your conventional machine, or
buy a ready
(light) CNC machine. Note that stepper motor machines in most cases are too
light to
do serious machining in aluminium. Renshape is better (see Gregs mail on
this list)
For the software: your setup looks OK to me (of course this the the only
possible
comment that you would expect from me here).
Succes with your plan, do mail me in case you need my assistance.
Best Regards
Lex Lennings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delft Spline Systems, The Netherlands.
Active in CAD/CAM, Rapid Prototyping and NC milling
mailto:info@spline.nl
website:http://www.spline.nl
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