I'm currently considering building a decent sized prototyping centre (expandable multi axis CNC machining, multi head 3D printing and possibly laser engraving/etching) I'm going to need to control roughly 25 stepper motors and one dremmel(or similar tool). How possible is all of this with arduino? What products would you recommend? Also what software would you suggest? I know I'll use CAM software to run the CNC but what would be best for the 3D printing and possibly the laser engraving/etching?
Is this for home hobby use, or something you will rely on to run a business with? If a business, I'd recommend a commercial system with connections to standard commercial design tools, not a hobbyist level tool that will need some serious programming by an engineering team to do all you are after.
25 steppers is huge. I can't imagine how you could need so many simultaneously. Usually you don't do subtractive and additive fabrication on one machine because those activities are fundamentally incompatible. Metal shavings in your 3D print is usually very bad.
I'm sure it's all possible.
@CrossRoads' advice is very sound. If it is a commercial project you should spend your time making things, not making repairs to your DIY machine and software.
If you do intend a DIY solution why not use a number of separate Arduinos.
I recommend to anyone writing a program to develop it as a collection of small parts - each with a single purpose. Do the same with your "mechanical" project (and, in turn, with the software for each machine).
...R
Ok, so I'm not crazy, thanks guys. It would more be for home use. As far as additive and subtractive processes goes, I was thinking more along the lines of interchangeable modules for different tasks. Ie a heated bed that can be fitted onto and removed from the slotted milling table as needed with a 3 extruder head for printing that could be easily swapped out for a 3 axis milling head for machining or a gimble for a 3D scanner. I'm not overly worried If the laser engraver aspect falls in the too hard basket. I like the idea of multiple arduinos, that fits quite nicely with the concept of a modular system. Truth be told, I probably wouldnt get anywhere near needing 25 stepper motors, more like 11 or 12 at most. Can arduinos control the switching and speed for higher voltage motors? Sorry if I'm coming across as a little naive, it's just I've had so many concepts in my head for years now that seem like they can be acheived without a ridiculous budget and resources, so I'm kind of excited.
As far as fabrication goes I'll have no problem with building the mechanical or electrical side of things. I'm just very new to finding out what can and can't be achieved with programming and controls when it comes to arduino and RAMPS and all of that end of things.
RHeawood:
Can arduinos control the switching and speed for higher voltage motors?
Without knowing what switching speed you have in mind .....
I would be interested to know why you might need 11 or 12 motors. I can think of 3 axes and an extruder which makes 4.
...R
Stepper Motor Basics
8 axis milling and 3 extruder head 3D printing, no belts, positive drive to all axes with minimal back lash. No not all motors would be driven at once but having designated outputs for each motor saves on disconnecting motors, therefore reducing wear and tear on ports, plugs, wiring etc. I'm not asking for help with mechanical aspects of my design, merely just for suggestions as to which aduino hardware best suits my requirements.
Mega can drive up to 48 steppers, leaving 32 IO I think available for other stuff.
I sell a screw shield that makes connections a lot more secure too.
http://www.crossroadsfencing.com/BobuinoRev17/
RHeawood:
8 axis milling and 3 extruder head 3D printing, no belts, .....
But you said nothing about the required step rate.
...R
thanks crossroads, I'll keep that in mind