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CHOX CNC
Completed
Role
Project management, Mechanical design, Electrical design, Manufacturing & set-up
Redefining Precision in Desktop CNC Machining
Introducing CHOX - an exceptional desktop CNC machine designed for precise cuts in wood, acrylic, soft metals like aluminum and brass, and even routing of PCB boards. This compact powerhouse reshapes the desktop workspace, offering unparalleled versatility and exactness for elevated creative endeavors.
This project marks the genesis of my fascination with numerical control machines and manufacturing. Serving as my introduction to third-party work and project development, it holds a special place as the emblem of my initiation into a journey that has unfolded over the years - one where curiosity continues to open unforeseen doors.
Project Description
This project undertakes the meticulous development of a desktop CNC machine, driven by the core objective of transcending its role as a mere tool - crafting a versatile apparatus capable of serving as a facilitator for a diverse range of project endeavors. A pivotal requirement was the ability to handle aluminum effectively.
A notable feature is its capacity to achieve precision levels necessary for PCB fabrication, allowing for a remarkably low deviation of merely 0.01mm - instrumental in producing intricate PCB designs with full reliability.
Evolution
CHOX-V1
The initial iteration boasted rapid XY movements via timing belts and side-mounted stepper motors, with a drilled-wood work surface and a 100V DC 500W spindle. While CHOX-V1 excelled in speed, it lacked the force and inertia needed for stiffer materials.
CHOX-V2
Timing belts were replaced with power lead screws, prioritizing increased XY force. The spindle was upgraded to an AC 3-phase 2,200W air-cooled unit with a dedicated speed control inverter - a significant performance enhancement across a broader spectrum of materials.
Key Features
High-Speed Spindle
An efficient, high-speed spindle enhances cutting performance, reducing processing time and increasing overall productivity.
Rigid Frame Structure
A stable frame minimises vibrations, ensuring consistency and accuracy - especially crucial for intricate designs and tight tolerances.
Integrated Cooling System
Featuring both fluid coolant and air cooling, essential for temperature control during machining and preventing overheating.
User-Friendly Control Interface
An intuitive control interface simplifies programming and operation, making CHOX accessible to users with varying levels of expertise.
Dust Collection System
A dedicated dust collection system prevents debris buildup, contributing to a clean working environment and machine longevity.
Versatile Material Compatibility
CHOX accommodates a range of materials - from softwoods to metals like aluminum and brass - broadening its application possibilities.
Technologies Used
Design
Every nuance of CHOX's blueprint was meticulously crafted in Autodesk Inventor, including intricate components tailored for both CNC manufacturing and laser cutting, ensuring each design element aligned seamlessly with the project vision.
Manufacturing
Laser cutting added finesse to specific elements while CNC machining formed the structural backbone. These techniques synergised to manifest the project's form and function with an unmatched level of accuracy.
Software & Firmware
GRBL firmware - compiled using PlatformIO on the Arduino platform - orchestrates the movements and functionalities of CHOX. Calibration and operational control are executed via Chilipeppr, a user-friendly interface for fine-tuning and managing the machine's operations.
Details