Design and Fabrication of A CNC Precision Router: Senior Design Project Report
Design and Fabrication of A CNC Precision Router: Senior Design Project Report
Precision Router
BY
Supervised by
January 2017
BY
Supervised by
January 2017
Name and
signature of Advisor(s):
Date:_____________
iii
Abstract
Although 3D printing for Additive Manufacturing has been around in the global market
for over two decades now, the concept is still alien to most of the developing countries
until a couple of years ago when research and development started with a rapid pace. Lack
of precision and accuracy and expensive technology not available locally are the core
issues encountered by the setups working on this type of manufacturing.
Nowadays, computer numeric control (CNC) machines are used to perform almost all of
the manufacturing processes. The main focus of this paper is to measure the vibrations of
the CNC router so that it can reach a precision up to the scale of microns (10-6) to facilitate
additive manufacturing.
This objective is made achievable by designing a router with ball screws instead of
customized lead screws to get better precision and accuracy. Similarly, new motors of
required torques are selected to avoid any kind of energy wastage in the form of vibrations
or noise, increasing the precision of the CNC router. The increased precision results in the
better production of products for additive manufacturing processes by changing the
routing head to accomplish the desired additive manufacturing technique.
Future prospects of this final year project includes micron scale precision of material
removal processes using spindle motors along with some further modifications like using
material removal carbon titanium (C-Ti) graded tools in place additive manufacturing
heads.
Key words:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract ............................................................................................................................ iii
Nomenclature ...................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1
1.1 Motivation and Background .................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement .................................................................................. 1
1.3 Scope of Work and Expected Outcomes ................................................. 2
1.4 Report Outline ......................................................................................... 2
1.5 Project Schedule ...................................................................................... 3
1.6 Individual and Team Contribution .......................................................... 3
Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................. 4
2.1 Literature review ..................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 History of the CNC Machines and Additive Manufacturing ............... 4
2.2 Inferences drawn out of Literature .......................................................... 5
2.2.1 Design ................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Type of Moving Screws ....................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Selection of Motors .............................................................................. 6
2.2.4 Selection of Micro Controller............................................................... 6
2.2.5 Selection of the Coding Language ....................................................... 6
2.2.6 Selection of the fabrication method of the body .................................. 6
2.3 Summary ................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 3 DESIGN AND ANALYSIS .......................................................................... 8
3.1 Design Methodology ............................................................................... 8
3.1.1 Load Evaluation ................................................................................... 9
3.2 Mathematical Model.............................................................................. 11
3.2.1 Assumption ......................................................................................... 11
3.2.2 Material Parameters for Ball Screw ................................................... 11
3.2.3 Free-Body Diagram ............................................................................ 12
3.2.4 Shear force and bending moment Diagram ........................................ 12
3.2.5 Analytical Solution ............................................................................. 13
3.2.6 FEM Solution using ABAQUS .......................................................... 14
3.3 Torque Calculation ................................................................................ 15
v
References ........................................................................................................................ 42
Appendices ....................................................................................................................... 43
Appendix A Design Calculations ................................................................ 43
Appendix B 2-D Drawings of CNC Routers and its Components ............. 46
TABLE OF FIGURES
Nomenclature
f friction coefficient
fc collar friction
g acceleration of gravity(mm/sec2)
I minimum second area moment of inertia of screw shaft cross section (mm4)
T total torque
Wx load on x axis
Wy load on y axis
Wz load on z axis
γ specific weight(N/mm3)
λ support factor
1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
In the late 1980s (1987 to be precise), the additive manufacturing processes were first
performed using CNC machines and ever since then the entire manufacturing industry has
never looked back to any other technology. Additive manufacturing was initially used to
produce the prototypes of highly complex and expensive products that were not cheap to
manufacture [3]. All types of analysis were performed on these prototypes and then the
expensive product was given a green signal to be manufactured if desired results are
obtained else the corresponding design alterations are performed by the designers. After
the success of CNC in making prototypes, processes of 3D printing, selective laser
sintering (SLS), laminated object manufacturing and other additive manufacturing
processes also started to get performed using CNC routers.
Ever since the additive manufacturing processes are performed on CNC machines, the
problem has been, is of precision. Many improvements have been incorporated in CNC
machines, over the years to achieve the precision by operating/routing it at high speeds. A
lot of time was used to get spent on post-production surface finishing processes to achieve
the desired precision along with good surface finish. To have a better overall plant
efficiency, we are motivated to design and fabricate a CNC precision router with such
accuracy and precision after which surface finish processes can be left because of the high
micron level precision of the manufactured product. By reducing the overall time as a
result of no post production processes in the most ideal case, the efficiency of the small
industry of Pakistan utilizing this router will be increased tremendously resulting in more
prosperous financials of small scale industrial sector of Pakistan.
This CNC precision router is mainly focused on performing the process of additive
manufacturing using a pneumatic head but with some further modifications and using
spindle motors along with respective cutting tools, this router can further be utilized to
perform material removal machining processes with the same micron-scale precision. The
scope of this final year project is limited to additive manufacturing processes only but
micron scale precision for material removal processes is just one of the many promising
future prospects of this router. Micron-scale precision routing for any manufacturing
process is the ultimate expected outcome. Testing of this router to perform additive
manufacturing processes will validate the desired expected outcome to be implemented in
the small industries of Pakistan.
Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
The first commercial CNC machines were built in 1950’s. It proved to be very cost
effective and allowed tremendous increase in productivity. Before CNC the only
automation opportunity available to the manufacturers was in the form of hydraulic tracer
systems which used hydraulics to move cutting tools in a specified path (template) [2].
The amount of automation was tremendously increased by CNC. Nowadays it is the
dominant methods for machining processes, although traditional manual machining is still
quite common.
CNC machines usually require an operator and a CNC programmer to write the program
for automation. Programs are written in a special language called “G-Code”. G-Codes
were first used in MIT servomechanism laboratory in 1958 and later standardized in 1960.
Programs may either be directly coded, or CAM software may be used to convert a CAD
drawing into G-Code [2]. Usually a microcontroller such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi is
used to control the machine movements via motors. The programming languages used are
JAVA, C sharp or PYTHON. PYTHON, however, is preferred because of its line to line
compilation, file handling and data base, GUI compatibility and pipeline tasking (using
output of a process as a direct input to another process without any interference) [6].
Motors and lead/ball screws are used in combination for linear motion of axis [5]. Motors
used are either servo or stepper motors. Stepper motors are preferred choice for CNC
machines because of their small rotational steps (high resolution) although it lacks
feedback system and can be considered open loop.
Many types of CNC machines are being used today for commercial purposes. Most
common of them are CNC Lathe Machines, Milling Machines, Engraving Machines,
EDM Machines, water jet cutters and CNC routers. CNC routers are usually CNC Mill
that uses a gantry configuration used for cutting wood but this may not be the case.
5
Recently many more creative uses of the CNC routers have been introduced by the
enthusiasts around the globe.
Additive manufacturing (AM) first emerged in 1987 with stereo lithography (SL) from 3D
Systems [1].It is the process of building up a 3D component by adding layer upon layer of
material. The first AM system in the world was SLA-1 where SLA stands for Stereo
Lithography Apparatus. It was followed by SLA 250 and Viper SLA products. Many
companies commercialized SL system during this time period. In 1991, three AM
technologies by different companies were introduced. The AM technologies are fusion
deposition modelling (FDM), solid ground curing (SGC) and laminated object
manufacturing (LOM). In 1992, selective lase sintering (SLS) and Soliform Stereo
Lithography were introduced. In 1993, direct shell production casting (DSPC) using inkjet
mechanism was commercialized. Many other AM systems like Quick Cast, Model Maker,
AeroMet, ThermoJet, Solid Center, Quadra, Prodigy and Optoformetc others were
commercialized in next decade. All these processes use different techniques and have
different working principles [1].
Additive manufacturing has the ability to produce almost any part. It is used to bring
precision and accuracy to smaller components rather than larger and complex parts. Over
the years additive manufacturing has found its uses in medicine, aerospace, motor
vehicles, consumer products, business machines and military equipment [10].
Due to expiration of patents, there has been an increase in research and development of
additive manufacturing processes such as projector based digital light processing (DLP)
technology, multi-color and multi-material processes, printed electronics, printed sugary
food and ceramics, sand printing, low cost 3D printers, direct energy deposition (DEP),
powder bed fusion, laser sintering and many more [10].
2.2.1 Design
Traditional CNC machines were mostly made on knee and column design which were
quite efficient for material removal processes as they provided a full supported workspace
to counter the high cutting forces. But with the development of additive machining
processes the gantry design are mostly preferred. The reason behind the selection of gantry
design is the ease of movement of the tool in all 3-axis and its stable structure. Gantry
6
design further consists of 2 type’s i.e. fixed and moving gantry. In fixed gantry the table
moves in 2 axes (x and y axes) and tool moves only in z-axis while in moving gantry the
table remains stationary and tool moves in all 3 axis. Considering the structural stability
we have selected the fixed gantry design for our machine.
2.3 Summary
Keeping in mind the literature review and all the aspects discussed, the final decisions
were made. Depending upon the stability and ease of movement in workspace fixed gantry
design was selected. In order to maintain precision and speed ball screws were selected as
the moving screws. 23 NEMA stepper motors were used as driving sources. Python
language was selected to program Raspberry Pi 3 micro controller depending upon the
number of interrupts of the machine. Structural steel grade 1045 was used for casting the
body of the machine.
8
Chapter 3
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
The Figure 3-1-1 shows the router movement axis and the assemblies associated with it.
The ball screws and the supporting shafts have to bear the loads of each assemblies. The
design and analysis of the router is carried out in the following steps.
9
Literature Review
Solving the Model Analytically and using ABAQUS to justify Dimensions of Ball Screw
In X-axis the router has to move the bed on which the substrate has to land. The
calculations are as follows.
For Z axis
Mass assumed = 2 kg
Wz = 19.6 N
S.F = 1.5
Wsy = 29.4 N
For Y-Axis
Centre of mass
(CM)
The Figure 3-1-3 shows the Y-Axis assembly. The loads are applied eccentrically so a
moment (M) is also applied the center of the Ball Screw. The CM is shown on the Figure
is calculated using Solidworks. Mass of the assembly is also calculated using Solidworks.
Mass = 8 kg
Distance of CM to center of Ball Screw (d) = 54 mm
Wy = 78.5 N
S.F = 1.5
Wsz = 118 N
M = (108 N) (54 mm) = 6.4 Nm
So the critical load (Fc) will be applied on Y-Axis because the load applied is the greatest
and a moment is also applied as well. This will now be modelled mathematically to be
solved analytically and using FEM.
Fc = 118 N
11
3.2.1 Assumption
1. The ball screw behaves like a simply supported beam.
2. Cross section area the beam is circular.
3. As bed has extended size and there is some load over the bed. Uniformly
distributed load of 1180 N/m is applied from 0.2m to 0.3m as shown in Figure 3-4.
4. Moment of magnitude 5.6 N.m. is also applied at the center of beam at 0.25 m.
The length of the ball screw is 500 mm or 0.5 m. The model is solved using different
diameter of ball screw. For our precision applications we want deflection of ball screw
due to loading to be less than 0.5 mm. Analytical solution are carried out using equations
of beam deflections and are compared with the solutions of FEM using abaqus to ensure
correct application of equations and boundary conditions. The results of analytical and
FEM techniques are illustrated in Table 3-2.
Reactions at each end of beam are calculated and shown in Figure 3-2-2.
1 243.85𝑥 3 −39.77𝑥
𝑦1 = E ∗ ( ) for 0 < x < 0.2m (3.1)
d4
Figure 3-2-5: Vertical Deflection for cross sectional beam using ABAQUS
Table 3-1 gives the max deflections and the % differences among the analytical and
computational results. The differences are very small and within the range of allowable
accuracy. The diameter and lead of different ball screws are taken from SFU Catalogue.
For our requirement we have selected 16 mm as the diameter of lead screw for which
deflection are less than 0.5 mm.
(3.5)
It is assumed that ball screws are single threaded so lead ‘l’ will be equal to the pitch of
screw. For friction coefficient ‘f’, generally the material used for power screws is steel for
the screw and the nut is made of bronze. This is to reduce the wear of the mating materials
Generally the sliding coefficient of friction for the power screws is about 0.10-0.15. The
table for friction coefficients is taken from Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design
In addition to frictional forces of ball screw, the motor also have to provide torque to
overcome the frictional force of thrust bearing. A thrust bearing is installed to give support
to the lead screw. Ordinary ball bearing cannot be used since it cannot bear axial forces, it
can only withstand radial forces. Torque required to overcome collar fiction is as follows
(3.6)
(3.7)
16
𝜆2 𝐸∗𝐼∗𝑔 60
𝑛𝑐𝑟 = √ ∗( ) (5)
𝐿2 𝛾∗𝐴 2𝜋
L = 500 mm
E = 2.05×10^6 N/mm^2
I = π*d^4/64
g = 9810 mm/s^2
γ = 7.71×10-5 N/mm^3
A = π*d^2/4.
12 4 0.289968099 5702.357764
16 4 0.37384134 7603.143686
20 4 0.457938052 9503.929607
25 4 0.563193885 11879.91201
32 4 0.710668627 15206.28737
40 5 0.888335784 19007.85921
50 10 1.144845129 23759.82402
The result of the analysis showed the maximum deflection due to static loading to be 0.28
mm.
20 19.1 2 0.32
60 57.3 6 0.95
As inferred from the results, we can safely assume that our structure operating frequencies
in not within natural frequency range.
Now to find the displacements during dynamic motion of the screw the model is analyzed
in Solidworks for the linear displacement in the working conditions. The results are plotted
below.
The Figure 3-6-1 shows the maximum displacements that occurs during working
conditions and Response Graph of the center point of the ball screw is shown the Figure
3-6-2 in the working range.
3.8 Summary
In this chapter design and analysis for the Precision CNC Router is carried out. The
dimensions are finalized. Mathematical model of the critical load assembly is developed
and solved using analytical and using ABAQUS. Torque and critical speeds are calculated.
The results from the beam analysis is justified using Static and Dynamic analysis using
Solidworks. In the end the calculations provides surety that with given dimensions the
structure will be stable statically and dynamically.
The complete CAD Model with all its main components are shown as well. The design is
ready to pass on to the fabrication stage.
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Chapter 4
PHYSICAL MODEL DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING
The structure of the main gantry was made from ASTM A36 Steel because it was rigid
and could cater the vibrations easily that can develop in our structure. The material was
procured from Qadri Group. The universal bearing were also purchased from the Qad
Bros factory inventory.
The unused ball screws that were used were procured from Ali Express, China. Similarly
the linear ball bearing was also purchased from the same source.
Both of the side gantry, supporting blocks, X-Axis table and the Z-Axis movement
structure as shown in Figure 4-1-1 were prepared to the best possible accuracy by using
the CNC machines.
Then the whole model machine as shown in the Figure 4-1-1 was assembled with the help
of the workers at Qadri Group. For the joining purposes nuts and bolts were used. For
alignment of the supporting blocks dowel pin was used in addition to nuts and bolts to
ensure the alignment of the structure.
After the assembly was complete the machine was checked for any defects or
misalignment. When fully satisfied about the machine build, surface finishing was applied.
After the whole fabrication process, the physical model of the machine was developed
which is shown in Figure 4-1-2.
4.2 Instrumentation
While working on the fabrication of precision router one of the major hurdles was the
selection of the instrumentation components.
1) Physical Testing
After the physical model is coupled to the electronics and software interfaces it is to be
tested for its movement is each direction without any blockage and play.
The movement of router in each axis X, Y and Z were checked with the limit switches
installed to prevent damage to machine.
30
The machine was given instructions using open source GUI available called Mach 3 which
give signals to steppers motors. Each of the movement assembly of their respective axis
were tested with back and forth motion for 10 cycles.
The movement of the structure was found to be smooth and the testing confirmed it. The
motors were coupled properly to the ball screws. The RPM of the motor shaft and coupled
the ball screw were found using the Tachometer which turned out to be same for both the
shafts within acceptable range.
Vibrations are a matter of concern regarding the accuracy and precision of the router.
There are multiple sources of vibrations such as mechanical joints, motor, eccentric
loading on the ball screws and supporting shafts etc. The purpose of this testing is to
analyze, compare and make efforts to reduce the vibrations and hence increase the
precision and accuracy of the CNC precision router.
It is important to limit vibrations as their presence results in poor accuracy, surface finish
of the work pieces. Vibrations can damage other machine parts or result in complete failure
which would require repairs. Since, machine cannot be repaired while working, thus it is
costly. Vibrations also decrease the efficiency of the machine.
The purpose of this testing is to model and analytically measure the deflections and
vibrations produced in the CNC precision router. The analysis is done on shafts and C
section of the machine (shown in Figure 1).
The instruments used are accelerometer, Myrio card and a Personal Computer.
Reason for using accelerometer is that natural frequency of our system is very high and
displacement in our shafts is very low to be sensed by any other sensor with less
sensitivity. Impact hammer testing was also done with accelerometers after calibration and
readings are presented in Chapter 5.
Chapter 5
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Frequency vs Mode No is given in the following graph. The graph shows that as we
increase the mode no. frequency increases exponentially.
Where y represents frequency in hertz (Hz) and x represents mode no as positive integers.
Chart Title
450
400 y = -1.255x4 + 22.839x3 - 102.34x2 + 179.56x
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 5-1-7: Graph showing relationship between Frequency (y-axis) Vs Mode No (x-
axis)
Figure 5-2-1: FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) plot in origin for acclelaration
Above graphs shows acceleration (g) vs time (sec). The peak shows the impact from
impact hammer testing.
Above graphs gives the value of frequency at the nodes. The first node gives 95 Hz while
the second node gives 107.
that was used to study vibrations is very stable statically as well as dynamically. The first
and second mode frequencies obtained from simulation closely resemble that obtained
experimentally.
Chapter 6
IMPACT AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
This project can also help increase in the automation of industry in the areas where only
conventional machining is being used for most processes. Automation smoothens the
production line, requires less work force and decreases complexity of the process.
Although this will result in the loss of jobs of manual workers, it will generate job
opportunities for people skilled in CNC.
Another social aspect of this project is that it can become a source of knowledge for
people pursuing mechanical engineering and industrial engineering. People can use it as a
base to find a wide number of applications and derivatives.
Taking initial cost of the project Rs.106090/-, transportation charges Rs.20000/- and
maintenance cost of PKR 10000/-. The total project expanses become Rs. 136090/-
Considering the fact that the price of a CNC router worldwide is almost 1.2 million Rs,
we will be able to recover our investment by selling only 1 unit.
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6.2.2. Installation
The CNC precision router is basically designed to be used in small scale manufacturing
firms. So it will be installed in those firms. It will run smoothly for moderate speeds.
Although it is being used for additive manufacturing, it can also be installed in the material
removal industry with small design changes.
During the fabrication of this process many processes were included which are potential
hazards. These include gas cutting of material, machining, welding and grinding of the
sheets. The safety measures followed against these are published by many safety standards
such as ISO and OHSAS. It is necessary to follow them in order to avoid any injury
causing accident.
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6.5 Summary
This chapter discusses the social, economic and environmental aspect of our project. The
impact of router is studied during manufacturing and after installing and running of the
router. Since, this project was designed to incorporate multiple heads, it has the capability
of tapping into wide range of industries. Its cost is low, profit is high and suitable for small
scale firms.
40
Chapter 7
CONCLUSION
7.1 Summary
The objective of this Final Year Project was to design and fabricate a 3-Axis CNC
precision router with a precision of micron level. This objective was achieved with the
help of proper designing, selecting the standardized ball screws, bearings, motors, driver
circuits and a powerful microcontroller. In designing, both analytical and software
methods, static as well as dynamic, were used to find the deflections, vibrations and torque
in the critical parts of machine and design was modified many times to obtain a stable
working machine. Most of the components were imported from China to assure precision.
ASTM A36 steel was selected to be the material for our main gantry structure because of
its greater machinability, weld ability and stability towards vibration inducing forces. Nuts
and bolts were used for the parts to be removed for maintenance while welding was used
on other parts of the gantry as a joining mechanism.
The machine was tested in GIKI and it routed in all 3-axis perfectly. The noise from motors
was minimum and running was smooth.
You should be clear about what you want to make i-e your objectives of the project. Do
your analytical calculations by different mathematical models to optimize the design.
2) CAD/CAM
At least one member of your group should have knowledge of any CAD/CAM software.
Make sure that your design incorporates all the components (bearings, supports, bolts and
nuts, screws, ball screws and motors) according to the standard because customized
41
components take time and increase complexity of the project. Also if you do not use
standardized dimensions then the fabrication will not go as smoothly as you would
imagine.
Make sure that you do the market survey before going into fabrication phase or better yet
in the design phase. This will tell you about your limitations and what to do next.
5) Make sure you correctly select the components you want to buy
If you are going to buy a component, you should be 100% sure about it. e.g if you are
going to buy a stepper motor , you should know all about its specifications. Similarly if
you are going to buy a ball screw, make sure you pitch, diameter and thread length are the
same as in the design.
Since this not a purely mechanical project, you need to seek help from other faculties such
as electronics, computer science and material science. Start working on your software and
electronics part as soon as possible as being a mechanical engineer you lack the knowledge
in this field and need to come up.
7) Use of blogs
There are many blogs on the internet where you can get your queries answered. Also you
can find answers to your questions already explained. These blogs include cnczone, quora
and many other blogs related to CNC machining and 3D printing. However, you should
be aware that these blogs are open source and everyone will not give correct answer. You
should be extremely careful and cross check an answer you get from a blog.
42
References
[1]T. Wohlers, Wohlers report 2014, 1st ed. Fort Collins, Col.: Wohlers Associates, 2014.
[5]Ball Screws Product Reference Guide, 1st ed. NSK, pp. 2-8.
[7]Microstepping Programmable Stepper Motor Driver With Stall Detect and Short
Circuit Protection, 1st ed. Allegro, pp. 13-25.
[8]R. Budynas, J. Nisbett and J. Shigley, Shigley's mechanical engineering design, 1st ed.
New [9]History of additive manufacturing, 1st ed. WOHLERS ASSOCIATES, INC,
2014, pp. 1-20. York: McGraw-Hill, 2011.
[10]"Practical Applications & Uses | Additive Manufacturing | SPI Lasers", SPI Lasers.
[Online]. Available: http://www.spilasers.com/whitepapers/practical-applications-and-
uses-for-additive-manufacturing/. [Accessed: 10- Jan- 2017].
43
Appendices
Calculation of Deflection
Consider the figure shown in 3-2-2. The ball screw is considered as a circular simply
supported beam. The material is supposed AISI 1045 with Young’s Modulus of 2*1011
Pa. The reactions at the ends are calculated as.
RA+RB=118N
∑MA=0
RB*(0.5)=1180*(0.3-0.2)*0.25-6.4
RB=46.2N
RA=118-46.2=71.8N
Section 1 0<x<0.2
M1=71.8x
d2 𝑦 𝑀
= (A)
dx 2 EI
πd4
I=
64
𝑑𝑦1 71.8𝑥 2
EI = + C1 (1)
𝑑𝑥 2
71.8𝑥 3
𝑦1 = + C1 𝑥 + C2 (2)
6
44
Section 2 0.2<x<0.25
M2=-590x2+307.8x-30
Section 3 0.25<x<0.3
M3=-590x2+307x-30
Section 4 0.3<x<0.5
M4=-46.2x+23.1
𝑑𝑦4 −46.2𝑥 2
EI = + 23.1𝑥 + C7 (7)
𝑑𝑥 2
46.2𝑥 3 23.1𝑥 2
EI𝑦4 = − + + C7 𝑥 + C8 (8)
6 2
45
By calculating Eq (1) to Eq(8) simultaneously the equations obtained for deflection in each section
are
1 243.85𝑥 3 − 39.77𝑥
𝑦1 = ∗( )
E d4