What is a milling machine and how can it be done by yourself

Universal CNC milling machine is widely used in small- and medium-series production to perform milling operations, drilling and boring parts with their individual production.

With its help, various parts are processed from such materials as:

- steel;
- cast iron;
- non-ferrous metals;
- other materials.

To make curly details, use a three-axis machine. It can be made independently. Such a device with computer control will serve as the main tool for both specialists and home masters. With the help of a desktop machine, you can perform engraving and volumetric milling; Cut out figures or letters from wood, plastic and polystyrene.

The milling machine is often used to manufacture parts and kits for assembling aircraft models. In this case, it is also indispensable.

How to make a homemade milling machine?

All parts for this device are on sale. You, of course, can save money and use guides from an old inkjet printer or typewriter, but it is better to buy them in a furniture fittings store.

The motors can also be removed from the printer or scanner. True, in the market you will find more powerful at an affordable price. Thus, if you can not afford to purchase a milling machine, then it is possible to acquire the necessary details.

When choosing the type of construction, the masters prefer either a portal CNC machine, or a device with a milling part and a moving portal. The second option is preferable, because you can process long enough workpieces along the Y axis and heavy parts. It is very convenient for them to work with printed circuit boards.

The machine must be designed in the correct geometric form and without welding (if possible). Ideally, it is very good to upgrade the machine and change the dimensions.

Phased work

It is necessary to construct a flat horizontal frame. The equipment will be installed on it. In the frame, it is necessary to provide a knee in a U-shape to fix the Z-axis, and it may not be located in the center. Conventional pipes for a 2.5 cm water pipe can be used as a frame of the machine. Joints should be sealed with sealant after assembly. Also the details can be bought in the store. For the X axis, select the guides wider and stronger. Next, you need to install a stepper motor with a holder. It is connected by studs to the shaft of the electric motor by 1/4 of the length. A piece of rubber hose is used.

How to install a movable X-axis platform?

The very first thing you have to do is to prepare a piece of metal or plexiglass in the form of a rectangle. It is attached to the U-shaped frame. Then attach a bearing to the piece of aluminum bar and screw the coupling nut 0.5 cm into the bar. A bearing is needed to attach the horizontal platform to the guide, and the clamping nut - to allow movement along the platform. Lubricating the nuts and guides, you can simplify the movement.

How to install a movable platform of the Y axis?

When constructing the Y axis, a similar work is performed perpendicular to the X axis.

To assemble the platform, you need these materials:

• plexiglass or metal (piece);
• guides (2);
• U-shaped profile.

Also, according to the scheme indicated above, the bearing and the clamping nut are fixed. Here everything repeats in the same sequence. To a piece of Plexiglas are attached all the details (guides, engine, etc.). The engine will hold four racks. The platform will move up and down. In order to avoid the skid off the rail, add a roller bearing to each of their ends. At the end, the engine is attached to the Z platform. It is installed in the frame. If you want the milling machine to work, then secure the power supply and controller, connect the motors to the controller and install the program on the computer.

Electrical Appliance

The circuit must be equipped with a power supply, a controller, a stepper motor driver. You will easily find a lot of typical controller circuits and a stepper motor driver to design a drilling and milling machine yourself. But if you do not have skills in this area, then buy a ready controller for the machine. To operate the instrument from a PC, you need an LPT port.

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Quite popular program for controlling the machine - VRI-CNC Roman Vetrov. The milling machine is connected via the LPT port by means of stepping motors from the drives. There are other programs: Mach 3 and Kcam4, Turbo CNC, Linux CNC.