Amateur CNC project

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Introduction

The goal of this project is to build a CNC (Computer Numerical Command) able to produce shapes made of wood, plastic or aluminum. The project relies on the GNU-linux community as well as the support of the amateur CNC builder community.
 

Configuration

The CNC system is separated in 4 major modules:

 

 
Computer: Responsible of decoding the compiled G-code and sending the XYZ axis movements to the command card through a parallel port. The G-code is extracted from vector drawings done with inkscape using the Gcodetools inkscape plugin.

 

Command card: Receives each of the XYZ coordinates from the computer with axis dedicated signals (Clock and direction) coming from the parallel port. The card is responsible of the power distribution to the step motors with the help of a custom power supply. Moreover, the card forwards the PC commands to the Stepper motors of the 3-axis rotary cutter.

 

Power supply: Ensures the power distribution on the command card and the 3 step motors operating on the 3-axis rotary cutter. The power supply also needs to be appropriately cooled with ventirads.

 

3-axis rotary cutter: This hardware is completely built with recovered material. The 3 axes motion is guaranteed by simple printer step motors. The precision reached is in the order of 0.01 millimeters