How to change precision milling machine into CNC milling machine

How to change the precision milling machine to CNC milling machine ? Generally, it only takes four steps to convert a machine into a CNC system. First of all, take out the lead screw, the lead screw nut and the hand wheel. But the main effort has to be devoted to installing ball screws, ball nuts, and stepper motors. Most conversion kits need to take the machine apart, measure all its dimensions, design and model all its parts, and repeat the process until you are satisfied with the results.

Let's check the tools we're going to use: 1. Metric Hexagon Wrench 2. Pliers 3. Flat head 4. Philips screwdriver  5.17 & 19 MM SPANNER   6. TAPE  7. Callippers   8. Drill

Before we begin to install the hardware, let's talk about bearings. This kit uses angular contact bearings, which is a major upgrade from deep groove bearings, and was used for the first conversion project. Angular contact bearings come in two sets and they must be mounted in the correct direction. They sometimes have colored stamps and markings to Orient them. In any case, you should always check your angular contact bearings with calipers.

Step one, simply measure the thickness of the outer rings on both sides of the bearing. One side is thinner than the other. Mark the thinner side, which must be facing or away from the flange bearing side. Measure and mark all three groups, starting at the Z axis. Check that the Z axis is securely locked and that part of the thread is in the four screws that attach the ball nut to the Z axis ball screw holder. Rotate the ball nut so that it is at the end of the ball screw. Be careful not to keep the ball nut open. It's GonNa make you lose your mind. The ball screw assembly is inserted into the cylinder, threatening four screws, all tightened. Two Ball NUT BRACKETS TO Z axis saddles with screw sleeve heads. Don't tighten them all, because we still need to align the nuts. Install the two stanchions to the Z axis base with four inner hexagon screws. Look closely at their position. These two grooves need to be bent to face each other. They coincide with the round protuberances on the surface of stepper motor. Two threaded holes need to be installed on the front of the column. They are used to install an optional autopilot switch.

Step two, tape the screw. Slide an angular contact bearing down the face of our bull-screw sight with its logo. Slide the Z axis flange over the bearing and insert the second bearing with the marked side up. Place the thread on the locking nut and carefully preload the angular contact bearing with wrench and pliers. The tape prevents the pliers from sticking to the ball screw, and the flange should rotate freely without any restraint. Rather choose too little peeler, do not choose too much pre-loading. Lock the knot on the ball screw shaft by tightening the ball screw and remove the tape. The Lower Z axis Flange is flush with the top of the column head, and the thread is loosened in the four socket head screws. Install a drill at the end of the ball screw, then take the drill and open the Z axis. When you lock the Z axis, the drill prevents the screws from turning freely and the head from falling off. We can use the drill to lift the head now. Make sure they get frank cleaned up. Lock the z-axis until the drill is removed.

Step 3-install the stepper motor flange on the head of the machine while tightening its four mounting screws on the front case. This will align the flanges. We can now tighten the nut bracket and socket head screws. Now we are ready to install the stepper motor: slide the connector to the end of the bull head screw. The adjusting step motor is fixed in place and is fixed on the stanchion by four inner hexagon screws. The connector is locked in place with two clamping screws. Install the cover plate on the post. The holes in the cover plate provide a convenient passage for lubricating the ball screw. With the Z axis at the head, we can now move to the y axis. First bolt the y-axis bracket firmly to the ball nut. Rotate the ball screw so that the bone is approximately 5 inches from the end of the ball screw. Now Insert the ball screw assembly under the saddle and through the hole in the milling machine base. Attach the screws to the ball nut bracket, but do not tighten them, as we still need to align the ball nut. As we slide the saddle back and forth, the caliper detects our ball screw at two points. Once the two points are a few millimeters apart and our ball nuts are aligned, we can lock the screws in the ball nut bracket. (a useful trick is to secure the calipers with a piece of double-sided tape, then wrap the ball screw with the tape and slide an angular contact bearing through the ball screw end, simulating the sight facing back. Slide the y-shaft flange onto the bearing, insert the second bearing, Chimney face forward, and screw the connector to the end of the ball screw. Pull a couple apart, carefully preloaded angular contact bearings using screwdriver shafts and pliers. The flange rotates freely, does not stick, tightens the fastening screw, locks the connector on the ball screw, removes the adhesive tape, reinstalls the other half of the connector. Slide the saddle back until the flange rests against the base of the milling machine. Two socket head screws with loose thread. Move the saddle forward by rotating the connector. Flatten the Flange and secure it with two socket head screws. We should be able to easily translate the saddle back and forth by hand, without any binding force. Make additional adjustments as needed.

Step 4-install the stepper motor into the stepper motor shaft coupler. Using firm pressure, the seat shaft all the way forward and clamp it in place. Pull back the stepper motor and separate the connectors. Align spacer to face of stepper motor. Reconnect the connector and install the stepper motor safely using four screws. To move to the x axis, first bolt the ball nut to the x axis ball nut bracket. Rotate the ball screw so that the ball nut is approximately at the halfway point of the screw. Slide the step motor coupler to the end of the ball screw and lock it with a clamping screw. The stepper motor can be installed at both ends of the worktable. Install the stepper motor on the right side to install the ball screw bracket. So that the motor connectors are ready. Before tightening the screws, align the ball screws with the saddle with a caliper. The left and right sides of the saddle are a few hundredths of a millimeter apart. Fastening ball nut bracket screws. Clear the path. PUT The table back in the saddle. Watch out for the ball screws. Insert the guide rail and lock it with the guide rail adjusting screw. The table should be easy to slide back and forth. Tape the end of the ball screw. Slide an angular contact bearing over the end of the bull head screw with the marking side facing back. The sliding x-shaft fin bearings and insert a second bearing with a small side facing forward. Tighten the threads on the nut. Carefully preload angular contact bearings with wrenches and pliers. The flange should be free to rotate without binding. Tighten the drill screw, lock the nut on the ball screw shaft, and then remove the tape. Attach the Flange to the table with two socket head screws. Flatten the flange and tighten the screw. Push the bearing cap into place. Install x-axis stepper motor. Insert the step motor shaft into the connector. Using firm pressure, the seat shaft all the way forward and clamp it in place. Pull back the stepper motor and separate the connectors. Install the step motor flange on the worktable with two socket screws. Do not tighten them, reconnect the coupler and install the stepper motor on the fan using four socket head screws. Flatten the motor support flange and raise it slightly to compensate for the weight of the stepper motor. Fix it in place by tightening the two inner hexagon screws. Install Z and Y lids.