M2 – Page 20 – The Smell of Molten Projects in the Morning

Makergear M2: Octopi Camera Mount

Octopirint / Octopi works wonderfully well as a controller / G-Code feeder for my Makergear M2. After putting up with an ungainly mass of tape for far too long, I printed Toddman’s Pi Camera Mount:

Pi Camera - M2 Mount - Slic3r — Pi Camera – M2 Mount – Slic3r

Which snapped together exactly like it should:

Makergear M2 - Pi Camera Mount — Makergear M2 – Pi Camera Mount

A strip of double-sided foam tape attaches it to the Pi’s case, which is Velcro-ed to the M2’s frame. The cable may be too long, but avoids sharp bends on the way out of the case.

The whole lashup works fine:

Pi Camera - M2 Mount - Octopi timelapse — Pi Camera – M2 Mount – Octopi timelapse

That’s a second set intended for the CNC 3018-Pro, but it didn’t fit quite as well. The B brackets are slightly too long (or their pivots are slightly too close to their base) to allow the C plates to turn 90° to the mount:

Pi Camera - M2 Mount - Config 2 diagram — Pi Camera – M2 Mount – Config 2 diagram

Nothing one can’t fix with nibbling & filing, but I long for parametric designs …

2019-10-04

CNC 3018-Pro: Hard Drive Platter Fixture

A variation on the CD fixture produces a 3.5 inch hard drive platter fixture:

Platter Fixtures - Hard Drive on 3018 — Platter Fixtures – Hard Drive on 3018

Which needed just a touch of milling for a snug fit around the platter:

CNC 3018-Pro - HD platter fixture - test fit — CNC 3018-Pro – HD platter fixture – test fit

Tape it down on the 3018’s platform, set XY=0 at the center, and It Just Works™:

CNC 3018-Pro - HD platter fixture - 70 g — CNC 3018-Pro – HD platter fixture – 70 g

The rather faint line shows engraving at -1.0 mm = 70 g downforce isn’t quite enough. Another test with the same pattern at -3.0 mm = 140 g came out better:

CNC 3018-Pro - HD platter fixture - 140 g — CNC 3018-Pro – HD platter fixture – 140 g

It’s in the same OpenSCAD file as the CD fixture, in the unlikely event you need one.

2019-09-30

CNC 3018-Pro: Tape-Down Platter Fixture

Diamond drag engraving doesn’t put much sideways force on the platters, so taping the CD in place suffices to hold it:

CNC 3018-Pro - CD taped to platform — CNC 3018-Pro – CD taped to platform

Wrapping a flange around the screw-down platter fixture provides plenty of surface area for tape:

Platter Fixtures - CD on 3018 - tape flange — Platter Fixtures – CD on 3018 – tape flange

Which looks exactly as you think it would in real life:

CNC 3018-Pro - CD fixture - taped — CNC 3018-Pro – CD fixture – taped

Admittedly, masking tape doesn’t look professional, but it’s low-profile, cheap and works perfectly. Blue painter’s tape for the “permanent” hold-down strips on the platform would be a colorful upgrade.

It’s centered on the platform at the XY=0 origin in the middle of the XY travel limits, with edges aligned parallel to the axes. Homing the 3018 and moving to XY=0 puts the tool point directly over the center of the CD without any fussy alignment.

The blue-and-red rings around the center hole assist probe camera alignment, whenever that’s necessary.

The OpenSCAD source code as a GitHub Gist:

	// Machining fixtures for CD and hard drive platters
	// Ed Nisley KE4ZNU February … September 2016
	// 2019-08 split from tube base models

	PlatterName = "CD"; // [3.5inch,CD]

	CNCName = "3018"; // [3018,Sherline]

	TapeFlange = true; // Generate tape attachment

	PlateThick = 5.0; // [3.0,5.0,10.0,15.0]

	RecessDepth = 4.0; // [0.0,2.0,4.0]

	//- Extrusion parameters must match reality!

	/* [Hidden] */

	ThreadThick = 0.25;
	ThreadWidth = 0.40;

	HoleWindage = 0.2;

	Protrusion = 0.1; // make holes end cleanly

	inch = 25.4;

	function IntegerMultiple(Size,Unit) = Unit * ceil(Size / Unit);

	module PolyCyl(Dia,Height,ForceSides=0) { // based on nophead's polyholes
	Sides = (ForceSides != 0) ? ForceSides : (ceil(Dia) + 2);
	FixDia = Dia / cos(180/Sides);
	cylinder(d=(FixDia + HoleWindage),h=Height,$fn=Sides);
	}


	ID = 0;
	OD = 1;
	LENGTH = 2;

	//———————-
	// Dimensions

	P_NAME = 0; // platter name
	P_ID = 1; // … inner diameter
	P_OD = 2; // … outer diameter
	P_THICK = 3; // … thickness

	PlatterData = [
	["3.5inch", 25.0, 95.0, 1.75],
	["CD", 15.0, 120.0, 1.20],
	];

	PlatterSides = 345; // polygon approximation

	B_NAME = 0; // machine name
	B_OC = 1; // … platform screw OC, use small integer for slot
	B_STUD = 2; // … screw OD clearance

	BaseData = [
	["3018", [5.0, 45.0], 6.0], // slots along X axis
	["Sherline", [1.16inch,1.16inch], 5.0], // tooling plate

	];

	PlateRound = 10.0; // corner radius

	FlangeSize = [5.0,5.0,3*ThreadThick]; // all-around tape flange

	//– calculate values based on input parameters

	PI = search([PlatterName],PlatterData,1,0)[P_NAME]; // get platter index
	echo(str("Platter: ",PlatterName));
	Platter = [PlatterData[PI][P_ID],
	PlatterData[PI][P_OD],
	PlatterData[PI][P_THICK]];

	BI = search([CNCName],BaseData,1,0)[B_NAME]; // get base index
	echo(str("Machine: ",CNCName));

	AlignOC = IntegerMultiple(Platter[OD],10);
	echo(str("Alignment pip offset: ±",AlignOC/2));
	AlignSlot = [3ThreadWidth,10.0,3ThreadThick];

	StudClear = BaseData[BI][B_STUD]; // … clearance

	StudOC = [IntegerMultiple(AlignOC + 2*StudClear,BaseData[BI][B_OC].x), // … screw spacing
	BaseData[BI][B_OC].y];
	echo(str("Stud spacing: ",StudOC));
	NumStuds = [2,1 + 2*floor(Platter[OD] / StudOC.y)]; // holes only along ±X edges
	echo(str("Stud holes: ",NumStuds));

	BasePlate = [(20 + StudOC.x*ceil(Platter[OD] / StudOC.x)),
	(10 + AlignOC),
	PlateThick];
	echo(str("Plate: ",BasePlate));

	Flange = [BasePlate.x + 2FlangeSize.x,BasePlate.y + 2FlangeSize.y,FlangeSize.z];
	echo(str("Flange: ",Flange));


	//———————-
	// Drilling fixture for disk platters

	module PlatterFixture() {

	difference() {
	union() {
	hull() // basic plate shape
	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1])
	translate([i(BasePlate.x/2 – PlateRound),j(BasePlate.y/2 – PlateRound),0])
	cylinder(r=PlateRound,h=BasePlate.z,$fn=4*4);
	if (TapeFlange)
	hull()
	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1])
	translate([i*(Flange.x/2 – PlateRound),
	j*(Flange.y/2 – PlateRound),
	0])
	cylinder(r=PlateRound,h=FlangeSize.z,$fn=4*4);
	}

	for (i=[-1,0,1], j=[-1,0,1]) // origin pips
	translate([iAlignOC/2,jAlignOC/2,BasePlate.z – 2*ThreadThick])
	cylinder(d=4*ThreadWidth,h=1,$fn=6);

	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1]) { // alignment slots
	translate([i*(AlignOC + AlignSlot.x)/2,
	j*Platter[OD]/4,
	(BasePlate.z – AlignSlot.z/2 + Protrusion/2)])
	cube(AlignSlot + [0,0,Protrusion],center=true);
	translate([i*Platter[OD]/4,
	j*(AlignOC + AlignSlot.x)/2,
	(BasePlate.z – AlignSlot.z/2 + Protrusion/2)])
	rotate(90)
	cube(AlignSlot + [0,0,Protrusion],center=true);
	}

	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-floor(NumStuds.y/2):floor(NumStuds.y/2)]) // mounting stud holes
	translate([iStudOC.x/2,jStudOC.y/2,-Protrusion])
	rotate(180/6)
	PolyCyl(StudClear,BasePlate.z + 2*Protrusion,6);

	translate([0,0,-Protrusion]) // center clamp hole
	rotate(180/6)
	PolyCyl(StudClear,BasePlate.z + 2*Protrusion,6);

	translate([0,0,BasePlate.z – Platter[LENGTH]]) // disk locating recess
	rotate(180/PlatterSides)
	linear_extrude(height=(Platter[LENGTH] + Protrusion),convexity=2)
	difference() {
	circle(d=(Platter[OD] + 2*HoleWindage),$fn=PlatterSides);
	circle(d=Platter[ID] – HoleWindage,$fn=PlatterSides);
	}

	translate([0,0,BasePlate.z – RecessDepth]) // drilling recess
	rotate(180/PlatterSides)
	linear_extrude(height=(RecessDepth + Protrusion),convexity=2)
	difference() {
	circle(d=(Platter[OD] – 10),$fn=PlatterSides);
	circle(d=(Platter[ID] + 10),$fn=PlatterSides);
	}
	}

	}


	//———————-
	// Build it

	PlatterFixture();

view raw Platter Fixtures.scad hosted with ❤ by GitHub

2019-09-12

CNC 3018-Pro: LM6UU Linear-bearing Diamond Drag Bit Holder

The CNC 3018-Pro normally holds a small DC motor with a nicely cylindrical housing,so this was an easy adaptation of the MPCNC’s diamond drag bit holder:

CNC 3018-Pro - Diamond bit - overview — CNC 3018-Pro – Diamond bit – overview

The lip around the bottom part rests atop the tool clamp, with the spring reaction plate sized to clear the notch in the Z-axis stage.

The solid model looks about like you’d expect:

Diamond Scribe - Mount - solid model — Diamond Scribe – Mount – solid model

The New Thing compared to the MPCNC holder is wrapping LM6UU bearings around an actual 6 mm shaft, instead of using LM3UU bearings for the crappy diamond bit shank:

CNC 3018-Pro - Diamond bit - epoxy curing — CNC 3018-Pro – Diamond bit – epoxy curing

I cut the shank in two pieces, epoxied them into 3 mm holes drilled into the 6 mm shaft, then epoxied the knurled stop ring on the end. The ring is curing in the bench block to stay perpendicular to the 6 mm shaft.

The spring constant is 55 g/mm and it’s now set for 125 g preload:

CNC 3018-Pro - Diamond bit - force measurement — CNC 3018-Pro – Diamond bit – force measurement

A quick test says all the parts have begun flying in formation:

CNC 3018-Pro - Diamond bit - test CD — CNC 3018-Pro – Diamond bit – test CD

It’s definitely more rigid than the MPCNC!

The OpenSCAD source code as a GitHub Gist:

	// Diamond Scribe in linear bearings for CNC3018
	// Ed Nisley KE4ZNU – 2019-08-9

	Layout = "Build"; // [Build, Show, Base, Mount, Plate]

	/* [Hidden] */

	ThreadThick = 0.25; // [0.20, 0.25]
	ThreadWidth = 0.40; // [0.40, 0.40]

	/* [Hidden] */

	Protrusion = 0.1; // [0.01, 0.1]

	HoleWindage = 0.2;

	inch = 25.4;

	function IntegerMultiple(Size,Unit) = Unit * ceil(Size / Unit);

	ID = 0;
	OD = 1;
	LENGTH = 2;

	//- Adjust hole diameter to make the size come out right

	module PolyCyl(Dia,Height,ForceSides=0) { // based on nophead's polyholes
	Sides = (ForceSides != 0) ? ForceSides : (ceil(Dia) + 2);
	FixDia = Dia / cos(180/Sides);
	cylinder(r=(FixDia + HoleWindage)/2,h=Height,$fn=Sides);
	}

	//- Dimensions

	// Knife holder & suchlike

	ScribeOD = 3.0; // diamond scribe shaft

	Bearing = [6.0,12.0,19.0]; // linear bearing body, ID = shaft diameter

	Spring = [4.5,5.5,3*ThreadThick]; // compression spring around shaft, LENGTH = socket depth
	//Spring = [9.5,10.0,3*ThreadThick]; // compression spring around shaft, LENGTH = socket depth

	WallThick = 4.0; // minimum thickness / width

	Screw = [3.0,6.75,25.0]; // holding it all together, OD = washer

	Insert = [3.0,5.0,8.0]; // brass insert
	//Insert = [4.0,6.0,10.0];

	Clamp = [43.2,44.0,34.0]; // tool clamp ring, OD = clearance around top

	LipHeight = IntegerMultiple(2.0,ThreadThick); // above clamp for retaining

	BottomExtension = 25.0; // below clamp to reach workpiece

	MountOAL = LipHeight + Clamp[LENGTH] + BottomExtension; // total mount length
	echo(str("Mount OAL: ",MountOAL));

	Plate = [1.5ScribeOD,Clamp[ID] – 02*WallThick,WallThick]; // spring reaction plate

	NumScrews = 3;
	ScrewBCD = Bearing[OD] + Insert[OD] + 2*WallThick;

	echo(str("Retainer max OD: ",ScrewBCD – Screw[OD]));

	NumSides = 9*4; // cylinder facets (multiple of 3 for lathe trimming)

	// Basic mount shape

	module CNC3018Base() {

	translate([0,0,MountOAL – LipHeight])
	cylinder(d=Clamp[OD],h=LipHeight,$fn=NumSides);
	translate([0,0,MountOAL – LipHeight – Clamp[LENGTH] – Protrusion])
	cylinder(d=Clamp[ID],h=(Clamp[LENGTH] + 2*Protrusion),$fn=NumSides);
	cylinder(d1=Bearing[OD] + 2*WallThick,d2=Clamp[ID],h=BottomExtension + Protrusion,$fn=NumSides);

	}

	// Mount with holes & c

	module Mount() {

	difference() {
	CNC3018Base();

	translate([0,0,-Protrusion]) // bearing
	PolyCyl(Bearing[OD],2*MountOAL,NumSides);

	for (i=[0:NumScrews – 1]) // clamp screws
	rotate(i*360/NumScrews)
	translate([ScrewBCD/2,0,MountOAL – Clamp[LENGTH]])
	rotate(180/8)
	PolyCyl(Insert[OD],Clamp[LENGTH] + Protrusion,8);
	}

	}

	module SpringPlate() {

	difference() {
	cylinder(d=Plate[OD],h=Plate[LENGTH],$fn=NumSides);

	translate([0,0,-Protrusion])
	PolyCyl(Plate[ID],2*MountOAL,NumSides);

	translate([0,0,Plate[LENGTH] – Spring[LENGTH]]) // spring retainer
	PolyCyl(Spring[OD],Spring[LENGTH] + Protrusion,NumSides);

	for (i=[0:NumScrews – 1]) // clamp screws
	rotate(i*360/NumScrews)
	translate([ScrewBCD/2,0,-Protrusion])
	rotate(180/8)
	PolyCyl(Screw[ID],2*MountOAL,8);
	}

	}


	//—–
	// Build it

	if (Layout == "Base")
	CNC3018Base();

	if (Layout == "Mount")
	Mount();

	if (Layout == "Plate")
	SpringPlate();

	if (Layout == "Show") {
	Mount();
	translate([0,0,1.25*MountOAL])
	rotate([180,0,0])
	SpringPlate();
	}

	if (Layout == "Build") {

	translate([0,-0.75*Clamp[OD],MountOAL])
	rotate([180,0,0])
	Mount();
	translate([0,0.75*Plate[OD],0])
	SpringPlate();
	}

view raw Diamond Scribe.scad hosted with ❤ by GitHub

2019-09-10

CNC 3018-Pro: Probe Camera Case for Anonymous USB Camera

The anonymous USB camera I used with the stereo zoom microscope not only works with VLC, but also with bCNC, and it has a round PCB with ears:

CNC 3018-Pro - Probe Camera - PCB — CNC 3018-Pro – Probe Camera – PCB

Which suggested putting it in a ball mount for E-Z aiming:

CNC 3018-Pro - Probe Camera - ball mount — CNC 3018-Pro – Probe Camera – ball mount

Black filament snippets serve as alignment pins to hold the ball halves together while they’re getting clamped. They’re epoxied into the upper half of the ball, because who knows when I’ll need to harvest the camera.

The clamp mount descends from the Tour Easy Daytime Running Lights, with more screws and less fancy shaping:

USB Camera - Round PCB Mount - solid model - build — USB Camera – Round PCB Mount – solid model – build

The clamp pieces fit around the ball with four M3 screws providing the clamping force:

USB Camera - Round PCB Mount - solid model sectioned — USB Camera – Round PCB Mount – solid model sectioned

The whole affair sticks onto the Z axis carrier with double-sided foam tape:

CNC 3018-Pro - Probe Camera - alignment — CNC 3018-Pro – Probe Camera – alignment

It barely clears the strut on the -X side of the carriage, although it does stick out over the edge of the chassis.

After the fact, I tucked a closed-cell foam ring between the lens threads and the ball housing to stabilize the lens; the original camera glued the thing in place, but some fiddly alignment & focusing lies ahead:

Alignment mirror - collimation — Alignment mirror – collimation

It’s worth noting that the optical axis of these cheap cameras rarely coincides with the physical central axis of the lens. This one requires a jaunty tilt, although it’s not noticeable in any of the pictures I tried to take.

All in all, this one works just like the probe camera on the MPCNC.

The OpenSCAD source code as a GitHub Gist:

	// CNC 3018-Pro Probe Camera mount for anonymous USB camera
	// Ed Nisley KE4ZNU – August 2019

	Layout = "Show"; // [Show, Build, Ball, Clamp, Bracket, Mount]

	//——-
	//- Extrusion parameters must match reality!
	// Print with 2 shells

	/* [Hidden] */

	ThreadThick = 0.25;
	ThreadWidth = 0.40;

	HoleWindage = 0.2;

	Protrusion = 0.1; // make holes end cleanly

	function IntegerMultiple(Size,Unit) = Unit * ceil(Size / Unit);

	inch = 25.4;

	ID = 0;
	OD = 1;
	LENGTH = 2;

	//——-
	// Dimensions

	//– Camera

	PCBThick = 1.2;
	PCBDia = 25.0;

	KeySize = [28.0,8.5,IntegerMultiple(PCBThick,ThreadThick)];
	KeyOffset = [0.0,2.0,0.0];

	KeyRadius = IntegerMultiple(sqrt(pow(KeySize.y – KeyOffset.y,2) + pow(KeySize.x/2,2)),0.01);
	echo(str("Key radius: ",KeyRadius));

	Lens = [14.0,18.0,25.0];

	BallID = PCBDia;
	BallOD = IntegerMultiple(2*KeyRadius,5.0);
	echo(str("Ball OD: ",BallOD));

	WallThick = 3.0;

	CableOD = 3.75;

	NumPins = 3;
	Pin = [1.75,1.8,5.0];

	Screw = [
	3.0,6.8,25.0 // M3 ID=thread, OD=washer, LENGTH=below head
	];

	RoundRadius = IntegerMultiple(Screw[OD]/2,1.0); // corner rounding

	ClampSize = [BallOD + 2WallThick,BallOD + 2WallThick,20.0];
	echo(str("Clamp: ",ClampSize));

	MountSize = [5.0,BallOD,25.0];
	MountClearance = 1.0; // distance between clamp and mount

	Kerf = 2*ThreadThick;

	ScrewOC = [ClampSize.x – 2RoundRadius,ClampSize.y – 2RoundRadius];
	echo(str("Screw OC: ",ScrewOC));

	Insert = [ // brass insert: body, knurl,length
	3.9,4.9,8.0
	];
	UseInsert = false;

	NumSides = 12*4;

	//——-

	module PolyCyl(Dia,Height,ForceSides=0) { // based on nophead's polyholes
	Sides = (ForceSides != 0) ? ForceSides : (ceil(Dia) + 2);
	FixDia = Dia / cos(180/Sides);
	cylinder(r=(FixDia + HoleWindage)/2,
	h=Height,
	$fn=Sides);
	}


	//——-
	// Components

	module CamBall(Section="Both") {

	Offset = (Section == "Both") ? 0 :
	(Section == "Upper") ? BallOD/2 :
	(Section == "Lower") ? -BallOD/2 :
	0;

	render(convexity=4)
	intersection(convexity = 3) {
	difference() {
	sphere(d=BallOD,$fn=NumSides);

	sphere(d=BallID,$fn=NumSides); // interior

	PolyCyl(CableOD,2*BallOD,8); // cable & lens holes
	translate([0,0,-Lens[LENGTH]])
	PolyCyl(Lens[OD],Lens[LENGTH],NumSides);

	translate([0,0,-PCBThick])
	PolyCyl(PCBDia,PCBThick,NumSides);

	translate(KeyOffset + [0,-KeySize.y/2,-PCBThick/2]) // PCB key
	cube(KeySize,center=true);

	for (i=[0:NumPins – 1])
	rotate(i*360/NumPins)
	translate([0,-(BallID + BallOD)/4,-Pin[LENGTH]/2])
	PolyCyl(Pin[OD],Pin[LENGTH],6);
	}
	translate([0,0,Offset])
	cube([BallOD,BallOD,BallOD] + 2*[Protrusion,Protrusion,0],center=true);
	}
	}

	module Clamp(Section="Both") {

	Offset = (Section == "Both") ? 0 :
	(Section == "Upper") ? ClampSize.z/2 :
	(Section == "Lower") ? -ClampSize.z/2 :
	0;

	render(convexity=4)
	intersection() {
	difference() {
	hull()
	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1])
	translate([iScrewOC.x/2,jScrewOC.y/2,0])
	cylinder(r=RoundRadius,h=ClampSize.z,$fn=NumSides,center=true);

	sphere(d=BallOD + 2*HoleWindage,$fn=NumSides); // space around camera ball

	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1]) // screws
	translate([iScrewOC.x/2,jScrewOC.y/2,-ClampSize.z])
	PolyCyl(Screw[ID],2*ClampSize.z,6);

	if (UseInsert)
	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1]) // inserts
	translate([iScrewOC.x/2,jScrewOC.y/2,-(ClampSize.z/2 + Protrusion)])
	PolyCyl(Insert[OD],Insert[LENGTH] + Protrusion,8);

	cube([2ClampSize.x,2ClampSize.y,Kerf],center=true); // clamping gap

	}
	translate([0,0,Offset])
	cube([ClampSize.x,ClampSize.y,ClampSize.z] + 2*[Protrusion,Protrusion,0],center=true);

	}
	}

	module Bracket() {

	translate([ClampSize.x/2 + MountSize.x/2 + MountClearance,0,MountSize.z/2 – ClampSize.z/2])
	cube(MountSize,center=true);

	translate([ClampSize.x/2 + MountClearance/2,0,-(ClampSize.z + Kerf)/4])
	cube([MountClearance + 2*Protrusion,MountSize.y,(ClampSize.z – Kerf)/2],center=true);

	}


	module Mount() {

	union() {
	Clamp("Lower");
	Bracket();
	}

	}



	//——-
	// Build it!

	if (Layout == "Ball")
	CamBall();

	if (Layout == "Clamp")
	Clamp();

	if (Layout == "Bracket")
	Bracket();

	if (Layout == "Mount")
	Mount();

	if (Layout == "Show") {
	difference() {
	union() {
	color("Purple")
	Clamp("Upper");
	Mount();
	color("LimeGreen")
	CamBall();
	}
	rotate([0,0,45])
	translate([-ClampSize.x,0,0])
	cube(2*ClampSize,center=true);
	}
	}

	if (Layout == "Build") {
	Gap = 0.6;
	translate([-GapBallOD,GapBallOD,0])
	CamBall("Upper");

	translate([-GapBallOD,-GapBallOD,0])
	rotate([0,180,0])
	CamBall("Lower");

	translate([GapClampSize.x,-GapClampSize.y,ClampSize.z/2])
	rotate([0,180,0])
	Clamp("Upper");

	translate([GapClampSize.x,GapClampSize.y,ClampSize.z/2]) {
	rotate(180)
	Mount();
	}
	}

view raw USB Camera – Round PCB Mount.scad hosted with ❤ by GitHub

2019-09-03

CNC 3018-Pro: Probe Camera Case for Logitch QuickCam Pro 5000

The ball-shaped Logitch QuickCam Pro 5000 has a rectangular PCB, so conjuring a case wasn’t too challenging:

Probe Camera Case - Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 - bottom — Probe Camera Case – Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 – bottom

That’s more-or-less matte black duct tape to cut down reflections.

The top side has a cover made from scuffed acrylic scrap:

Probe Camera Case - Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 - top — Probe Camera Case – Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 – top

The corners are slightly rounded to fit under the screw heads holding it in place.

The solid model shows off the internal ledge positioning the PCB so the camera lens housing rests on the floor:

3018 Probe Camera Mount - solid model — 3018 Probe Camera Mount – solid model

The notch lets the cable out, while keeping it in one place and providing some strain relief.

I though if a camera was recognized by V4L2 and worked with VLC, it was good to go:

Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 - short focus — Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 – short focus

Regrettably, it turns out the camera has a pixel format incompatible with the Python opencv interface used by bCNC. This may have something to do with running the code on a Raspberry Pi, rather than an x86 box.

The camera will surely come in handy for something else, especially with such a cute case.

The OpenSCAD source code as a GitHub Gist:

	// Probe Camera Mount for CNC 3018-Pro Z Axis
	// Ed Nisley – KE4ZNU – 2019-08

	Layout = "Block"; // [Show,Build,Block]

	Support = false;

	/* [Hidden] */

	ThreadThick = 0.20;
	ThreadWidth = 0.40;

	HoleWindage = 0.2;

	Protrusion = 0.1; // make holes end cleanly

	function IntegerMultiple(Size,Unit) = Unit * ceil(Size / Unit);

	ID = 0;
	OD = 1;
	LENGTH = 2;

	inch = 25.4;

	//———————-
	// Dimensions

	PCB = [45.0,38.0,1.5]; // Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 ball camera

	PCBLip = 1.0; // max non-component border
	PCBChamfer = 3.0; // cut along XY axes for corner bevel

	PCBClearTop = 15.0; // cables & connectors
	PCBClearSides = [0.5,0.5]; // irregular edges & comfort zone
	PCBClearBelow = 5.0; // lens support bracket rests on floor

	Lens = [11.5,14.2,3.0]; // LENGTH = beyond PCBClearBelow bracket
	LensOffset = [-1.5,0.0,0]; // distance from center of board

	CableOD = 4.5;

	BaseThick = Lens[LENGTH];

	Screw = [
	3.0,6.8,18.0 // M3 OD=washer, LENGTH=below head
	];

	RoundRadius = IntegerMultiple(Screw[OD]/2,1.0); // corner rounding

	ScrewOC = [PCB.x + 2sqrt(Screw[OD]),PCB.y + 2sqrt(Screw[OD])];
	echo(str("Screw OC: ",ScrewOC));

	Lid = [ScrewOC.x,ScrewOC.y,1.0/16.0 * inch]; // top cover plate
	echo(str("Lid: ",Lid));

	BlockSize = [ScrewOC.x + 2RoundRadius,ScrewOC.y + 2RoundRadius,
	BaseThick + PCBClearBelow + PCB.z + PCBClearTop + Lid.z];
	echo(str("Block: ",BlockSize));

	NumSides = 234;

	//———————-
	// Useful routines

	module PolyCyl(Dia,Height,ForceSides=0) { // based on nophead's polyholes

	Sides = (ForceSides != 0) ? ForceSides : (ceil(Dia) + 2);
	FixDia = Dia / cos(180/Sides);
	cylinder(r=(FixDia + HoleWindage)/2,
	h=Height,
	$fn=Sides);
	}

	// Basic shapes

	// Overall block

	module Block() {

	difference() {
	hull()
	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1])
	translate([iScrewOC.x/2,jScrewOC.y/2,0])
	cylinder(r=RoundRadius,h=BlockSize.z,$fn=NumSides);

	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1]) // corner screws
	translate([iScrewOC.x/2,jScrewOC.y/2,BlockSize.z – Screw[LENGTH]])
	cylinder(d=Screw[ID],h=2*Screw[LENGTH],$fn=8); // cylinder = undersized

	translate(LensOffset + [0,0,-Protrusion]) // lens body
	PolyCyl(Lens[OD],2*BlockSize.z,NumSides);

	translate([0,0,BlockSize.z/2 + BaseThick]) // PCB lip on bottom
	cube([PCB.x – 2*PCBLip,PCB.y,BlockSize.z],center=true);

	translate([0,0,BlockSize.z/2 + BaseThick + PCBClearBelow]) // PCB clearance
	cube([PCB.x + 2PCBClearSides.x,PCB.y + 2PCBClearSides.y,BlockSize.z],center=true);

	translate([0,0,BlockSize.z – Lid.z/2]) // lid recess
	cube(Lid + [0,0,Protrusion],center=true);

	translate([0,Lid.y/2 – CableOD/2,BaseThick + PCBClearBelow + PCB.z]) // cable exit
	hull()
	for (j=[-1,1])
	translate([0,j*CableOD/4,0])
	rotate(180/8)
	PolyCyl(CableOD,BlockSize.z,8);
	}

	}


	//- Build it

	if (Layout == "Block")
	Block();

	if (Layout == "Show") {
	Block();

	}

	if (Layout == "Build") {
	Block();
	}

view raw 3018 Probe Camera Mount – QC Pro 5000.scad hosted with ❤ by GitHub

2019-09-02

CNC 3018-Pro: Platter Fixtures

Up to this point, the Sherline has been drilling 3.5 inch hard drive platters to serve as as reflecting bases for the vacuum tubes:

LinuxCNC - Sherline Mill - Logitech Gamepad — LinuxCNC – Sherline Mill – Logitech Gamepad

The CNC 3018-Pro has a work envelope large enough for CD / DVD platters, so I mashed the Sherline fixture with dimensions from the vacuum tube code, added the 3018’s T-slot spacing, and conjured a pair of fixtures for a pair of machines.

Because I expect to practice on scrap CDs and DVDs for a while:

Platter Fixtures - CD on 3018 — Platter Fixtures – CD on 3018

And a 3.5 inch hard drive platter version:

Platter Fixtures - hard drive platter on 3018 — Platter Fixtures – hard drive platter on 3018

The holes sit at half the 3018’s T-slot spacing (45 mm / 2), so you can nudge the fixtures to the front or rear, as you prefer.

The alignment dots & slots should help touch off the XY coordinate system on the Sherline, although it can’t reach all of a CD. Using bCNC’s video alignment on the hub hole will be much easier on the 3018.

After fiddling around with the 3018 for a while, however, the CD fixture doesn’t have many advantages over simply taping the disc to a flat platen. Obviously, you’d want a sacrificial layer for drilling, but it’s not clear the OEM motor / ER11 chuck would be up to that task.

The OpenSCAD source code as a GitHub Gist:

	// Machining fixtures for CD and hard drive platters
	// Ed Nisley KE4ZNU February … September 2016
	// 2019-08 split from tube base models

	PlatterName = "CD"; // [3.5inch,CD]

	CNCName = "3018"; // [3018,Sherline]

	PlateThick = 5.0; // [5.0,10.0,15.0]

	RecessDepth = 4.0; // [0.0,2.0,4.0]

	//- Extrusion parameters must match reality!

	/* [Hidden] */

	ThreadThick = 0.25;
	ThreadWidth = 0.40;

	HoleWindage = 0.2;

	Protrusion = 0.1; // make holes end cleanly

	inch = 25.4;

	function IntegerMultiple(Size,Unit) = Unit * ceil(Size / Unit);

	module PolyCyl(Dia,Height,ForceSides=0) { // based on nophead's polyholes
	Sides = (ForceSides != 0) ? ForceSides : (ceil(Dia) + 2);
	FixDia = Dia / cos(180/Sides);
	cylinder(d=(FixDia + HoleWindage),h=Height,$fn=Sides);
	}


	ID = 0;
	OD = 1;
	LENGTH = 2;

	//———————-
	// Dimensions

	P_NAME = 0; // platter name
	P_ID = 1; // … inner diameter
	P_OD = 2; // … outer diameter
	P_THICK = 3; // … thickness

	PlatterData = [
	["3.5inch", 25.0, 95.0, 1.75],
	["CD", 15.0, 120.0, 1.20],
	];

	PlatterSides = 345; // polygon approximation

	B_NAME = 0; // machine name
	B_OC = 1; // … platform screw OC, use small integer for slot
	B_STUD = 2; // … screw OD clearance

	BaseData = [
	["3018", [5.0, 45.0], 6.0], // slots along X axis
	["Sherline", [1.16inch,1.16inch], 5.0], // tooling plate

	];

	//———————-
	// Drilling fixture for disk platters

	module PlatterFixture(Disk,Machine) {

	PI = search([Disk],PlatterData,1,0)[P_NAME]; // get platter index
	echo(str("Platter: ",Disk));
	Platter = [PlatterData[PI][P_ID],
	PlatterData[PI][P_OD],
	PlatterData[PI][P_THICK]];

	BI = search([Machine],BaseData,1,0)[B_NAME]; // get base index
	echo(str("Machine: ",Machine));

	AlignOC = IntegerMultiple(Platter[OD],10);
	echo(str("Align OC: ",AlignOC));
	AlignSlot = [3ThreadWidth,10.0,3ThreadThick];

	StudClear = BaseData[BI][B_STUD]; // … clearance

	StudOC = [IntegerMultiple(AlignOC + 2*StudClear,BaseData[BI][B_OC].x), // … screw spacing
	BaseData[BI][B_OC].y];
	echo(str("Stud spacing: ",StudOC));
	NumStuds = [2,1 + 2*floor(Platter[OD] / StudOC.y)]; // holes only along ±X edges
	echo(str("Stud holes: ",NumStuds));

	BasePlate = [(20 + StudOC.x*ceil(Platter[OD] / StudOC.x)),
	(10 + AlignOC),
	PlateThick];
	echo(str("Plate: ",BasePlate));
	PlateRound = 10.0; // corner radius

	difference() {
	hull() // basic plate shape
	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1])
	translate([i(BasePlate.x/2 – PlateRound),j(BasePlate.y/2 – PlateRound),0])
	cylinder(r=PlateRound,h=BasePlate.z,$fn=4*4);

	for (i=[-1,0,1], j=[-1,0,1]) // origin pips
	translate([iAlignOC/2,jAlignOC/2,BasePlate.z – 2*ThreadThick])
	cylinder(d=4*ThreadWidth,h=1,$fn=6);

	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-1,1]) { // alignment slots
	translate([i*(AlignOC + AlignSlot.x)/2,
	j*Platter[OD]/4,
	(BasePlate.z – AlignSlot.z/2 + Protrusion/2)])
	cube(AlignSlot + [0,0,Protrusion],center=true);
	translate([i*Platter[OD]/4,
	j*(AlignOC + AlignSlot.x)/2,
	(BasePlate.z – AlignSlot.z/2 + Protrusion/2)])
	rotate(90)
	cube(AlignSlot + [0,0,Protrusion],center=true);
	}

	for (i=[-1,1], j=[-floor(NumStuds.y/2):floor(NumStuds.y/2)]) // mounting stud holes
	translate([iStudOC.x/2,jStudOC.y/2,-Protrusion])
	rotate(180/6)
	PolyCyl(StudClear,BasePlate.z + 2*Protrusion,6);

	translate([0,0,-Protrusion]) // center clamp hole
	rotate(180/6)
	PolyCyl(StudClear,BasePlate.z + 2*Protrusion,6);

	translate([0,0,BasePlate.z – Platter[LENGTH]]) // disk locating recess
	rotate(180/PlatterSides)
	linear_extrude(height=(Platter[LENGTH] + Protrusion),convexity=2)
	difference() {
	circle(d=(Platter[OD] + HoleWindage),$fn=PlatterSides);
	circle(d=Platter[ID] – HoleWindage,$fn=PlatterSides);
	}

	translate([0,0,BasePlate.z – RecessDepth]) // drilling recess
	rotate(180/PlatterSides)
	linear_extrude(height=(RecessDepth + Protrusion),convexity=2)
	difference() {
	circle(d=(Platter[OD] – 10),$fn=PlatterSides);
	circle(d=(Platter[ID] + 10),$fn=PlatterSides);
	}
	}

	}


	//———————-
	// Build it

	PlatterFixture(PlatterName,CNCName);

view raw Platter Fixtures.scad hosted with ❤ by GitHub

2019-08-30

Tag: M2

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CNC 3018-Pro: Platter Fixtures