Z-Axis Rigidity Question

Mostly Printed CNC - MPCNC Hardware Development
1

I know rigidity in the Z-axis is a big issue with the MPCNC resulting in recommendations of it being no bigger than 81mm.

I had an idea but I do not have the knowledge to know if this would improve, not help, or make worse Z-Axis rigidity.

What if the four legs were stepper motors with thick lead screws attached and the whole machine was raised and lowered rather than using the existing Z-axis machinery in the MPCNC?

Just a thought, curious what the answer is from people more knowledgeable about this than me.

2

That’s basically the LowRider… :sweat_smile:

1 Like
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I did not know that, just that its Z-axis was limited to 50mm in the Lowrider.

4

Yeah, because it’s the same problem. If you raise four feet (or two in the LR’s case) it starts to wobble as well the higher it gets. :smiley:

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You can get 100mm with a drop table. With either, useable Z is cut in half due to the tool length. Most endmills can only cut 25mm or less anyway.