This is a simple CNC machine that I’ve built
with very few parts and the price is quite cheap.
This is a CNC plotter or a vinyl cutter machine.
I’ve made it because usually, for my projects, to give the final touches I sometimes use
vinyl.
With this machine we can cut any shape that you want and add it to your projects for a
better look.
You could also use it as a CNC plotter if you want.
All the body parts are 3D printed and together with some metal rods, screws and motors, we
make the machine.
I’ve designed this PCB and ordered it from PCBWAY and this will help us make the connections
for the drivers, the Arduino and so on.
Basically you can use this PCB for any other CNC project, is fully compatible with GRBL.
So guys, let’s see the schematic for such a project, what we need to make it, how to
assemble it, upload the code and test it out.
So, let’s get started.
What’s up my friends, welcome back.
For this project I’ve made this PCB.
This would actually adapt to any kind of CNC machine of 3 axis, because is made to be compatible
with the GRBL platform.
As you can see the design is made to work with an Arduino NANO and 3 step motor drivers,
one for each axis.
The board also has pin outputs for the motor, for spindle control and end stop switches.
So if you want to make a different CNC machine, you can use this PCB as well.
For that go below and download my GERBER files that I’m sharing for free.
Or if you want to support my work, you can also buy them from my website just as a simple
donation.
Then go to PCBWAY.com and click the quote now button.
In my case I insert the size of my PCB of 80 by 58mm and then I select 5 PCBs.
I chose the black color and I save to cart.
On the next page click the upload button and select the zip file with the GERBERs that
you have just downloaded from my website.
Wait for confirmation, make the payment and receive these awesome PCBs in just a few days.
As always, I receive them well secured inside some vacuum plastic protection.
PCBWAY did a pretty good job and everything seems to be correct.
Is time to add the components.
So, let’s first make the PCB, then we take a look at what else we need, the 3D printed
part, we assemble it and tune out the code.
Then we give it a test.
So, for the PCB we need and Arduino NANO and some female pins.
Aside from that we need 2 step motor drivers.
And for that, you could use the cheap ones, the A49 88 or you could spend a little bit
more for some silent step motor drivers such as the TMC 22 08.
The rest are just some jumpers and connectors, maybe a button, capacitors and even a MOSFET.
But the MOSFET is for a spindle control but this project doesn't have a spindle so we
don’t need power control.
This here is the schematic for this PCB in case that you want to make the same project.
This is the basic configuration of a GRBL platform.
I will first solder the capacitors.
I also add the small SMD resistors.
Then I solder the female pins for the Arduino NANO and the step motor drivers.
Then I add male pins for the microstepping jumpers and the output connections.
Finally, I add the power input connectors and the PCB should be ready.
I add the Arduino NANO and the drivers in place only for the X and Y axis.
The servo PWM pin must be connected at the Z minus pin on the PCB.
So I connect it to 5V, GND and the Z minus pin for PWM signal.
At this point we could even test it.
Connect some step motors to the PCB and go below and download the GRBL code for the Arduino.
Connect the USB cable and upload the code.
I supply the PCB using this DC adapter of 12V.
Then run the universal G code sender, and you can also download this platform from below.
It’s free software.
Select the COM of the Arduino and connect.
Now I move the X axis and we can see, one step motor spinning.
Then I do the same for the Y axis.
When I pull up the Z axis, the servo will go up and when I move down the Z axis the
servo will go down.
We will check the code with more details later.
So the PCB works.
Ok, it is time to assemble the machine.
So, aside from the PCB we need the 3D printed files.
There are a few parts and they were all printed with PLA material.
For this part here, which is the one that will carry the cutter, you need to use support.
So, download my 3D files from below and print them like this.
Then we also need the vinyl cutter.
This is a special cutter and is a very important part for this project.
You see, the blade is on a bearing so it can rotate freely.
Like that it can create curves on the vinyl without breaking.
It also has a spring inside and you can adjust the height of the blade.
We don’t need a linear bearing since the 3D part already has the needed shape for that.
But we do need some 8mm smooth rods.
I’ve bought ese ones and I will cut them to size.
By the way, you have all the sizes on electronoobs.com.
We also need some 608 bearings like these ones.
To move the cutter up and down, I will use a servo motor.
We also need screws and nuts, and usually, I use M3 size for that.
And obviously, we also need those 2 NEMA stepper motors like these ones or maybe even smaller
since we don’t need too much force.
And to transfer power we need some GT2 belts.
To merge the motor with the rod, we can use a coupler like this one or you can even 3D
print your own coupler.
So, this is pretty much all we need for this project.
Now let’s assemble it.
First we need to merge these 3 parts together but without adding the screws.
The parts are very easy to join together.
Then I place them on top of a wood board and mark the holes.
Then, I drill the holes of 3mm.
Then we add a bearing to the left part support like this.
Add some screws from below to one side of the wood board.
On top we can add that support we have made before.
And on top of that we add the left support of the machine.
We do the same on the other side.
We add the nuts and the bottom part is ready.
Now I get this rod and cut it to size.
We add 2 small bearings.
Then we add those here, and these will roll the paper on the Y axis together with the
plastic barrels.
On the right side we add another bearing for the belt.
Now we can screw in place the stepper motors on both sides.
On the right side I screw in place the plate for the PCB.
On top of the plastic rollers, I’ve added some tape so they would be thicker.
I’ve also tried printing some thicker barrels, but I think the idea of adding some flexible
tape is better for now.
I add the rolls to the metal rod and add it in place.
I join it to the motor using the coupler.
Now we have the Y axis.
For the X axis I add the cutter support on the smooth rod.
We can also add some vaseline.
Then I add the rod in place.
Now I add the belt around the motor and the bearing and tie it to the cutter support.
I use zip ties for that.
Then I add the servo motor in place and on top of it I add the plastic support and a
plastic tube.
That will move the cutter up and down.
On this support I add a screw and that will keep in place the cutter but also act as a
weight and pull the cutter downwards.
Now all axis are complete.
Get the PCB and I screw it on the side plate.
I make all the connections for the motors and the servo.
You will later see that it also has a plastic case to cover all the wires.
Connect it to the USB cable and to 12V and we can test it.
I first made a test with a circle using a pen and white paper.
I had to adjust the height of the pen and some configurations in the GRBL platform.
But I was finally able to make a circle and I have to say, it is not that good.
I still have to fix some problems with this design.
Then I tested the vinyl cutter.
The first test was awful since the blade was too low and cut through the entire paper.
It should only cut the surface.
But after some tests and lifting the blade a bit more I was able to cut a circle out
of the vinyl.
Anyway, I’ve made more tests but they were all bad so I will have to fix some problems
with the design.
For example the cutter should be more vertical so I will have to change the angle of this
support part.
Also, the right barrel of the Y axis was skipping a bit so the paper was moving wrong.
Also, my vinyl paper was not perfectly flat and that affects the cutting process.
To change the GRBL settings, once you are connected to the machine with the USB connection,
in the console we type dollar dolar and press enter.
These are the current settings.
We must change these 2.
Measure the diameter of the Y axis barrels and the X axis pulley.
To calculate the steps per mm we have to make these calculations so write these down with
your values.Then get these values and we add them in the GRBL software.
For that, in the console, type dollar sign, 100 equal to 84.88 in my case for the X axis,
and press enter.
Then type dollar sign 101 equal to 36.2 and press enter for the Y axis.
Type dollar dolar again just to check if the data is saved.
For the code, download this GRBL zip file from electronoobs.com.
Then go to Arduino IDE, sketch, include library and add zip library.
Select the downloaded GRBL zip file and import it.
And once you do that, you go to examples, GRBL and open the upload file.
Compile and upload it to the Arduino NANO.
If you want to change the servo angle you have to open this file from the GRBL folder,
the spindle_control.c.
Then you can change these servo up and servo down values to match your desired angle in
order to move the blade up and down.
Get my PCB from below, the code, the 3D printed files and the part list from electronoobs.com
and make your own CNC machine.
I will correct the small errors I have with this project, stay tuned.
I hope you have learned something new and if so, give me a like or comment below.
Thanks again and see you later guys.