Custom 3-Axis CNC Machine (Hardware + Firmware + G-Code)
Electro-Mechanical Design, Microstepping Calibration, and G-Code Machine Automation
The Challenge & Context
Off-the-shelf industrial CNC machines in the local region are prohibitively expensive and lack modular customizability for specialized fabrication tasks, requiring a custom-engineered, cost-effective electro-mechanical solution.
Engineering Approach & Architecture
Designed a rigid gantry structure with dual Y-axis lead screws, calibrated NEMA stepper motors with A4988/DRV8825 drivers for 1/16th microstepping, integrated an Arduino ATmega core, configured spindle relay controls, and tuned acceleration/feed-rate parameters in Marlin/GRBL firmware.
Hybrid electro-mechanical control architecture coordinating high-level G-Code commands into real-time pulse-width modulated motor steps.
Key Architecture Highlights
- Custom 3-Axis Cartesian coordinate mechanics with dual-lead precision screws
- Arduino-based central control unit running tuned GRBL 1.1 firmware
- Hardware limit switches and emergency e-stop circuitry for failsafe operation
- Real-time serial stream parsing of G-Code/M-Code toolpaths with feed hold and spindle PWM
- Sub-millimeter backlash compensation and stepper microstepping calibration
Measurable Outcomes & Business Impact
Technologies Deployed
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