M.L. wrote:
> It sounds like what you need is basically a giant ink-jet printer
> mechanism. It's been a couple years since I've taken one apart, but
> they have a cogged belt, stepper motor, and precise optical encoder.
> You can probably count steps and do without the optical encoder, but
> just use a couple microswitches perhaps at the ends and the middle. To
> get the speed you need, you may have to use a servo motor and rotary
> encoder.

Yes, inkjet printer was my first thought, too, and I even have a few around
here that could be sacrificed for the project. However I don't think hacked=
-
up printer is going to fly in terms of delivery to an end user.

But I think that's basically where we're headed. I found some nice "smart"
(integrated controller) servomotors at http://www.technosoftmotion.com/inde=
x.php
Their IM231-IS motor coupled to a belt-driven 300mm stage (perhaps this one=
:
http://www.bwc.com/products/pdu2.html) would be close to an ideal solution.

> http://www.mcmaster.com/#drive-belts/=3D9ypgg5
> http://www.mcmaster.com/#pulleys-for-belts/=3D9ypi25
> http://www.probotix.com/stepper_motors
>=20
> Use 80/20 aluminum and you won't have to machine anything. You could
> even get away with a hardwood frame if the customer doesn't mind that
> it looks too 19th century.
> http://www.8020.net/

Nice ideas, but like I said, we'd like to avoid dealing with too many low
level details on this prototyping pass. To the extent that we can purchase
complete major assemblies (within our budget), we will.

> It sounds like a fun project. If I can help out let me know.

I appreciate the offer. If we get into a time/resource crunch I'll certainl=
y
let you know.

BTW, if anyone wants to reach me off-list, please use the address "dtweed a=
t
dtweed dot com". The address that I use for posting here accepts incoming
mail only from the list server.

-- Dave Tweed
--=20
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