Backlash compensation

Post date: Apr 28, 2013 10:38:33 PM

It turns out LinuxCNC has backlash compensation built in, so I took advantage of it (a result can be seen in Pictures). It seems to have helped quite a bit, as the traces between pads are much more similar in size to those on the edges now than previously.

Runout is still definitely a concern, though... cutting the traces in the picture shown and a few other traces (definitely under a linear foot total, with no abuse or mishaps) killed yet another bit. I'm looking at a number of options for fixing that (ie, real spindles). The ones I can think of off the top of my head (in no particular order):

-Wolfgang Engineering- Looks good overall- low runout and not too expensive (notice how the definition of "too expensive" has crept upwards?). Powering it is my biggest concern.

-Taig spindle, as used on their mini-mills. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I'd need to make this work- the Taig website and other places aren't terribly clear on the matter. The other concern is that they claim a max 10000 RPM, which I gather is pretty low for PCB milling.

-Various water-cooled options- I'm not so sure I want to deal with liquid cooling and the VFD, but they've got the runout spec down. That, and liquid cooling is evidently good for bearing life, which is definitely desirable.