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Tramming: A generic guideline

Discussion in 'Tutorials' started by Peter Van Der Walt, Aug 16, 2022.

  1. Peter Van Der Walt

    Peter Van Der Walt OpenBuilds Team
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    How to TRAM a CNC Machine: The generic model/vendor-agnostic method to describe the basic principles

    Introduction:

    A CNC machine, can only be as accurate - as it is Built. Therefore, during initial assembly (or subsequent adjustments) it is in your best interest to build the machine as square as possible. The following generic concepts apply to any machine type - we won't go into the specifics of how to achieve it on a per-machine basis - but rather want you to understand the concepts so you are aware of what may need careful measurement or adjustment to ensure your machine is as tram as possible

    1) Square frame/base

    Make sure to square up the base assembly as exact as possible.

    upload_2022-8-16_16-25-9.png

    2) Perfectly flat XY plane:

    On most of our machines you have two Y rails sitting on some sort of base assembly. As the base of the machine, from which all other movable components attach - its important that this sub assembly creates a perfectly flat plane from which all the other axis can reference: This mean - that no corner is raised or lowered causing the frame to twist. Ensure the two Y rails (or whatever other substructure defines the base plane) are perfectly flat and true.

    upload_2022-8-16_15-59-9.png

    3) Perfectly Square Z / Uprights:

    Make sure that the Z axis / Uprights are perfectly square to the XY plane established in (2). If your Z axis leans forward or backward - your Z axis motion axis will also never be square to the XY plane

    upload_2022-8-16_16-3-5.png

    4) Gantry not rolled forward/back


    Make sure the Gantry beam is not "rolled" forward or backwards. It must also be perfectly square to the XY Plane.

    As on most of our machines the Z axis is solidly referenced off the Gantry (no forward or back lean adjustment in the Z axis itself) - you correct any lean in the Z axis by correcting the roll of the gantry itself, or the lean of the Uprights as in section (3).

    upload_2022-8-16_16-55-17.png

    5) Gantry parallel to the XY Plane


    Make sure that both sides of the Gantry are the same height above the XY plane - if one side or the other is lower than the other - your cuts will be deeper toward on side and cut edges will not be square either.

    upload_2022-8-16_16-15-20.png


    6) Router mount square in all directions


    With the knowledge that every axis is moving perfectly square in its X, Y or Z direction because you built/adjusted the entire frame to be square, the last thing to make sure of is that the Router mount itself is attached squarely to the Z axis. If its leaning left or right adjust it until the imaginary line through the endmill is perfectly square to the XY plane. Note only side to side adjustment is possible here. If its leaning forward/back - see sections (3) and (4) above

    upload_2022-8-16_16-15-7.png
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
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    Well done Peter! A simple tramming guide for making sure the machines are square and true.
    This will be a great help to many building their first machines.
    Thank you
     
    jeancnc and Peter Van Der Walt like this.
  3. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    Nice clear guide to the principles involved.
    Alex.
     
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  4. JustinTime

    JustinTime Veteran
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    Very nice, Peter. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
     
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  5. Carlos Urquidi

    Builder

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    Just did all these measurements and my Lead 1010 works perfectly after moving it from my house to the new Shop. Just some minor adjustments to the router mount, along the X axis. Great article, thank you.
     
    Giarc and Peter Van Der Walt like this.
  6. HeartMan

    HeartMan New
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    And many of these tramming ideas apply to 3D printers as well.
    Thanks!
     

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