Frame layout CNC cutters
Frame & Motion converter

Frame layout (milling only)

There are a lot of different way to build up an 3D Frame. Here I showed 6 basic designs, where X & Y lay in horizotal level and Z vertical. Also the order of X,Y,Z could be changed, which could lead to more leading supports.
Concept:123
Schematic:
Tool:ZX,YX,Y,Z
Product:X,YZ-
Application:Frees machineSTL machineMeet machine
Pro's:robuustproduct beweegt nauwelijksproduct beweegt niet
Con's:
Concept:456
Schematic:
Tool:X,Z-X
Product:YX,Y,ZY,Z
Application:Frees machineFrees machine-
Pro's:robuust
Con's:product beweegtproduct beweegtonlogische opbouw

Frame choise: Concept 3

A lot of milling machines are based on concepts 1 (heavy duty), 3 (routers) & 4 (compact routers). For building RPT or measurement machines, you don't want to move the product. So the most logich choise would be concept 3.
Here are some pictures of different machines:

Frame layout (milling & foam cutting)

But I want to make a machine that's able to cut foam too! Now I need 2 more axis (X2 & Z2).
Concept 1Concept 2Concept 3
(no picture)
This is the first concept I could think of. There is a X1, X2, Z1, Z2 and a removable Y1. The second idea, is a frame wich has a X1, X2, Y1 and Z1. The Y1 could be changed to an Z2. In this concept, the Y1 & Z1 must be indentical! The third concept, is a normal router (like concept 3 above), with an extra light version Y2 & Z2 mounted on the end of the table.
5 motors4 motors5 motors (2 light)
Concept 4
This is also a nice concept! It's modulair, where X1 & X2 are always mounted. You can taken of the Y1 & Z1 and replace this with light Z1 & Z2. You can also position the y-axes up-side-down (normal router).
6 motors (3 or 4 active)