The Challenge: Text Goes Here
Technical Approach: Text Goes Here
Selected Design Features: Text Goes Here
An H-bot for XZ motion, and a rack-and-pinion for Y. This configuration puts the motors in all the right places. | The removable table, with V-grooves and a gear rack built-in, allows the user to load/unload work outside the machine. |
An H-bot, built with similar construction to Popfab, provides motion in the XZ plane. | Using an H-bot keeps the motors stationary, simplifies wiring, and lowers the tool's center of mass. |
A high-speed spindle builds on work done in earlier projects like Fab in a Box. | A communications port supports future development of a wide range of toolheads. |
The UI is browser-based and uses MIT's Fab Modules for toolpath generation. | A typical setup for using the Magic Mill. |
Power and USB plug into ports on the back of the tool. | The control PCB includes a micro-controller and three stepper drivers. |
The PCB is both mounted and heatsunk to one of the aluminum plates. | Wiring is kept short by the proximal location of all the stepper motors. |
The bottom plastic housing is 3D printed in a single piece. | The bottom of the tool. Note the inset rubber pad and the low-profile fan for better heat extraction. |
A rack and pinion drives the work table in the Y axis, while four V bearings provide support. | Two of the V bearings are spring-loaded into their groove by flexures to prevent over-constraint. |
The H-bot belt path is tensioned by sliding the stepper motors in mounting slots. | The belt terminates in cam type clamps. |
Shaft parallelism is set by laser-cut delrin yokes. | Inspired by David Carr's work, the bushings are epoxied in place to copy alignment from the shafts. |
All of the pieces nest within an 9 1/2" square piece of aluminum plate for water-jet cutting. | The tool, along with accessories, fits inside a small travel case. |
Ready for the road. |