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-   40. Z-Slide (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22)
-   -   An approach to extending Z-Axis. (http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?t=920)

bradyaero Mon 04 August 2008 06:52

An approach to extending Z-Axis.
 
1 Attachment(s)
Hi Gerald,

Can you critique the following approach to extending the z-axis. (My application is 90% foam cutting).

Is it possible to add height to the parts 1020451PA and 1020456PA in such a way that torsional stiffness is not comprimized? Is there another way that makes more sense?

Thanks, Greg

btw the parts from domino11 are works of art! Thanks Heath.

Gerald D Mon 04 August 2008 09:42

I wouldn't do it.

Robert M Mon 04 August 2008 11:17

Greg, Why would you want risking rising the gantry assy & felx when you could just conceive a lower table ( Lowering the X-bearers ) ??
Playing with flex, I would say !!

smreish Mon 04 August 2008 11:24

Greg,
I actually have a bolt together table so I can remove the center of the table and cut up to 48" below the Gantry as designed. I am currently remaking my Z-slide with a few Gerald suggested changes to accommodate a 36" stroke z-slide.
I have taken a few pages from the SB forum by raising the machine slightly off the floor to allow for a complete 48 x 48 x 96" billet of EPS foam for mold making.
I trust this is a similar approach you are considering.
Let me know...maybe we can compare notes.

Sean

bradyaero Mon 04 August 2008 18:05

Ahhh nice,

So if I keep the upper structure as designed, and put my energy into lowering the table center I can achieve my goal?

Thanks for the Info Sean.

bradyaero Mon 04 August 2008 18:07

here we go.. I think it'll work great!

domino11 Mon 04 August 2008 18:10

Greg,
No problem , glad you like the parts. :)

Sean, Greg,
Hopefully you will compare notes in a build or mod log so the rest of us can chime in? :):eek:

smreish Tue 05 August 2008 06:31

Chiming in will be no problem.
I have already sent the new, longer and larger spider to laser cutting.
I hope to have it back in a week or two. It's on the LOW priority list at the cutters. They said they would put in the works when the table had a large enough drop to accommodate it. Nils was kind enough to order the eccentric bushings and additional bearings for me with his order, thus I have most everything I need on hand now.

Sean

domino11 Tue 05 August 2008 06:44

This sounds really interesting. :)

Gerald D Tue 05 August 2008 07:09

1 Attachment(s)
I sent Sean a "doodle" I found on PC. Can't remember when or why I did it. To use entirely at own risk . . . :)

Change the attached extension to .dxf when you save it, open with CAD. Wonder if the holes still line up?

smreish Tue 05 August 2008 08:41

I did change a few holes, added a few to match the Mamba carriage and extended the open area for the gearmotor stepper clearance.
pm me if you want the cadfile i can't get the revised version under my kb limit sean

Gerald D Tue 05 August 2008 10:27

Okay Sean, you finish the development on that, and then we will place your drawing in the set. :)

smreish Tue 05 August 2008 18:38

...I LOVE being the guinea pig:D

bradyaero Tue 05 August 2008 18:45

Wow, now that's nice! Is there a bending schedule or does it pretty much follow the smaller spider plate?

smreish Tue 05 August 2008 19:43

1 Attachment(s)
The bending schedule is identical to the regular spider plate.
Nothing on that front to change. I have attached the plate with modifications as a general reference of the idea.
Sean
Attachment 1849

sailfl Wed 06 August 2008 02:51

Sean,

That is one strange looking plate but I am looking forward to seeing you use it.

Gerald D Wed 06 August 2008 03:32

Maybe we can call it the "pirate" plate - a skull with an eye-patch?

Marc Shlaes Wed 06 August 2008 07:01

yeah, I can't say I understand what I am looking at.

Greg J Wed 06 August 2008 07:15

I'm in Marc's camp. :confused:

Shouldn't the holes for the V-rollers line up with the long axis (up/down in the drawing).

Gerald D Wed 06 August 2008 07:29

It is a way of getting 2 more z-rollers above the z-motor. Bottom half is the standard spider.

Gerald D Wed 06 August 2008 07:36

1 Attachment(s)
Does this give the hint?:


Marc Shlaes Wed 06 August 2008 08:04

Oh, the z motor "peeks" through the big hole????

Alan_c Wed 06 August 2008 08:20

1 Attachment(s)
This might help clear things up, based on Geralds original drawing.

Attachment 1851

Alan_c Wed 06 August 2008 08:48

1 Attachment(s)
You can see why Sean had to make some changes, the motor bracket would foul the spider and the holes dont line up with the car, thats why its called a doodle :)


Greg J Wed 06 August 2008 09:01

Thanks Alan and Gerald,

Nice models.

Gerald D Wed 06 August 2008 09:44

Thanks Alan!

Marc Shlaes Wed 06 August 2008 10:36

I'm impressed.

domino11 Wed 06 August 2008 10:41

Impressive,
Maybe we could call it the super spider.:)

Marc Shlaes Wed 06 August 2008 10:58

Tarantula

Leko Wed 06 August 2008 13:42

Looks great! Now how long a z-slide can you have before it needs reinforced?

And once you get a 36" z-slide are we going to put on a little baby cable chain for the router's cord?

I suppose a 4:1 reduction on the gas spring will be needed as well so that it doesn't need to be 24" long...

wait..wait..wait...you know what we really need? Neon!


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