Finding a freezer
Writing about what to look for in a freezer.
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
Size |
IN PROGRESS |
Modularity (No cooling rods in-between levels) |
IN PROGRESS |
Supercooling function (to reach lower temps) |
IN PROGRESS |
When we were looking for a freezer, there were three main requirements it had to meet.
Firstly, it had to be big enough for us to be able to fit a CNC and our other hardware into, but not so big that it would be unpractical to have stationed at a lab. Utdyp
Secondly, the freezer had to be modular. To ensure a maximized use of space, the freezer could not have cooling rods in-between the different freezer drawers. This would make it impossible to find a big enough CNC. Vis med bilder
Thirdly, the freezer had to be able to reach low temperatures. Since freezers are made for storing food, not drilling prostates, they usually did not go below -18*C. However, more modern freezers often come with a super cooling function, meant for cooling the freezer more than usual after if had been opened, to help protect the food. This can often take them down to -30*C. Vis
Finding a CNC
Writing about what to look for in a CNC.
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
Size |
IN PROGRESS |
Modifiability (How easy is it to change/alter components) |
IN PROGRESS |
Temperature resistance (Can it withstand -30*C) |
IN PROGRESS |
|
|
When we were looking for a CNC we had several requirements it had to meet.
Firstly, it had to be big enough, but not too big. Milling prostate slices would require a minimum bed size of approximately ... mm X ... mm. But the CNC also has to fit inside the freezer. Here you have two options. Measure the size of your freezer and order a CNC that fits within the specifications, or buy a CNC that is modifiable and can be cut down to fit in the freezer. Utdyp om hva som gjør at den kan bli kuttet ned
Secondly, since the components are to be operating in a -30*C environment, it is important that they can withstand it. How can this be checked/What components are most important to check
Modifying the CNC
Writing about what changes must be made for the CNC to be compatible with the freezer.
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
Measuring |
QA |
Cutting to size |
QA |
Double-checking the fit |
QA |
Incorporating our own components
|
IN PROGRESS |
Tips and tricks for making the modifying process easier. (Marking the axes with colors) |
NOT COMPLETE |
The CNC needed some modifying in order to fit into the freezer, and to mill in the way we want it to mill.
The first thing we did was cut the profiles and leadscrews so that the CNC would fit together.
Since the axes came pre-built with stepper motors and end-plates, we first had to dismantle it. To ensure that the right motors would be assembled with the right profiles, all pieces were marked with tape. Every piece from the first y-axis was marked with white tape, every piece from the second y-axis was marked with white tape, and every piece from the x-axis was marked with blue tape.
We measured the freezer and found that the freezer was ... cm wide and ... cm deep. We then measured up that distance on the x-axes, starting from the end of the stepper motors. We added an extra 0,5 cm for the end plate and and extra 0,5 as a safety margin.
We marked the distance with several rulers, and a square tool, and the areas to be removed were marked with tape.
We then measured how much material was to be removed from each of the profiles and marked the same length of material on the leadscrews.
The components were then sent to the workshop to be cut. The profiles were cut with a ... (Kappsag?) and the leadscrews were cut with a (vinkelsliper?).
Next the newly cut edges on the leadscrews and profiles had to be made similar to their other ends.
- The leadscrews were rounded using a drill and a (Båndsliper).
- The profiles were filed using had files
- New holes were tapped in the profiles using M5x0.8 tapping tools.
The y-profiles were then reassembled with their end-plates and stepper motors.
Next the x- axis was attached to the y axes and its stepper motor too.
After all the axes had been connected, the CNC was placed inside the freezer to double check if it would fit.
- New Base-plate
- Use Baseplate.dxf file to create component. The baseplate used made for this CNC was made using a platecutter and an 5mm aluminium plate. After the plate was cut, the 4 mounting holes showed in the DXF-file was drilled out using a pillar drilling machine, and a 5mm drillbit. Lastly, the rough edges around the hole was removed using a 6.3mm countersink bit.
- The plate was mounted to the CNC machine using soe existing threaded holes in the bottom of the y-axis beams. They were mounted through the rubber feet that came with the CNC kit, and four M5x25mm bolts were used.
After the axes had been assembled, some components from the original design needed replacing. The original design contained a base plate and a frame to stiffen the machine. The designs of these components were slightly changed to better fit our purpose.
The first component to be made was the base plate.
This component can be created by downloading the "Baseplate.dxf" file
Building the CNC
Writing about how the instructions were followed to assemble the CNC.
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
Following the instructions (Say which instructions we follow, and which we don't) |
NOT COMPLETE |
Attach the endstops |
NOT COMPLETE |
Plug in the wires |
NOT COMPLETE |
Here we will begin writing...
The clamping mechanism
Writing about how to produce and attach the clamping mechanism
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
| Explaining the concept |
NOT COMPLETE |
How to acquire the parts |
NOT COMPLETE |
How to attach the parts |
NOT COMPLETE |
Here we will begin writing...
The z-axis
Writing about how to produce and attach the z-axis with the spindle
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
| Explaining the concept |
NOT COMPLETE |
How to acquire the parts |
NOT COMPLETE |
How to attach the parts |
NOT COMPLETE |
Here we will begin writing...
The Z-axis part of the CNC, containing the spindle motor, will have it's own frame and setup. The development process of this is described here.
The frame of the Z-axis is made from leftover material from the downsizing of the CNC, as well as beams meant for use in the frame. This was done so that as much material and parts as possible comes from the CNC building kit.
The main beam was cut from what remained of the X-axis beam from the downsizing process. This was cut to a length of 242mm using a kappsag.
The camera
Writing about how to produce the mount and attach the camera
The camera will be attached on the left side, above the x and y axis. This will maximize the how much of the bed we will see. It will be attached to the z axis frame, pointing first to the left, and then another beam pointing backwards (Like an L).
| Key-points | Status |
|---|---|
| Explaining the concept |
NOT COMPLETE |
How to acquire the parts |
NOT COMPLETE |
How to attach the parts |
NOT COMPLETE |
Figuring out the requirements (camera angle) |
NOT COMPLETE |
Here we will begin writing...