CNC controllers for the DIY machine with Stepper Motor

Now we know the stepper motors required for our project we can match them to a suitable CNC controller. The controller converts the g-code we’ve created and sends step pulses to the stepper motors. It also takes input signals from the machine such as limit switches and E-stops.

So there are 3 things we need to know:-

• Number of Axes. So usually 3 for routers and 4 for a foam cutter
• Current and voltage we need to supply to the stepper motors
• How do we intend to connect the computer to the CNC controller

Number of Axes

CNC routers can use 3 or 4 axis controllers. There is only 3 planes of movement X, Y and Z but some designs use two stepper motors on one axis. My OX CNC router uses two NEMA 23 on the Y-Axis as its a gantry type router. Some move the table bed for the Y-Axis on sliders and only need 1 motor for the Y-Axis. Like a 3d printer bed

Y-Axis complete and running very smooth

Foam cutters need 4 axes to allow the hot wire to move in any direction on 4 planes usually X,Y,U and V.

economy planetary gearbox    stepper precision planetary gearbox

https://www.createdebate.com/debate/show/Geared_Nema_17_vs_Nema_23_Motor_Which_is_better