Rotary Axis for Engraving Clindrical Workpieces

Several approaches can be taken for the design of a rotary axis. Backlash from the worm gear is a shortcoming when the rotary axis is built around a standard rotary table. Harmonic drive gears are free from backlash and have a large transmission ratio. With some luck, one may be able to purchase rather inexpensive used harmonic drives gears. The one I bought even came with a matching enclosure. 
All I had to do was turn a flange for the servo motor and adapt the motor shaft so that it could be coupled to the gear. I converted the huge timing belt pulley into an adapter for the 80 mm three-jaw chuck. The base is made from several aluminum plates which can be used to secure the rotary axis to the millling table. 


As a motor controller, I intended to use the surface-mount variant of UHU servo motor controller I had already successfully tested. The controller is now ready to be mounted underneath the servo motor before the entire rotary axis assembly is put into an enclosure. 

 

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