I've designed a new plate, I haven't tested it or actually made one yet as I don't have the funds for a plate maker just now, But I would like some feedback on the design, and the concept in general. The idea is to build a sturdy, powerful and large cnc router using C-beam, Belt and Pinion, and one universal plate design. 2016-02-23 17.01.31 by Joshua James Rideout posted Feb 23, 2016 at 5:34 PM 2016-02-23 17.01.17 by Joshua James Rideout posted Feb 23, 2016 at 5:34 PM This design allows wheels on the top and bottom edges and the inside of the C-Beam for a maximum of 24 wheels per side. It can mount Dual NEMA 23 or NEMA 17 motors on either side riding on two GT2 belts (one on the inside top, and one inside bottom of the C-Beam channel). NEMA 23 motors can also be mounted on the top or bottom in the center, You could have up to four NEMA 23 motors per side with four belts, but that seams like overkill. The X-axis C-Beam mounts in the center of the plate, and up or down one set of holes if running with a motor in the center position on the same side. This is different than most designs in that the X-axis is aligned with the Y-axis instead of being offset above the Y-Axis. The X-axis would use the same plates for it's motion as the Y-Axis does. It would be used again as a brace on both sides of the C-Beam with a total of six plates per machine. The Z-axis is taken care of by a C-Beam Actuator that mounts in the center of the plate.
A few images to help better visualize how this plate could be used. This is not the only way to use it. I think that most builds would have the Y-axis motors on the outside, but this illustrates that compact builds would work just as well using it. Image by Joshua James Rideout posted Mar 1, 2016 at 10:20 AM C-beam universal plate top example by Joshua James Rideout posted Mar 1, 2016 at 10:21 AM Center motor by Joshua James Rideout posted Mar 1, 2016 at 10:23 AM
