I thought I would post some photos of a four axis drive ox that I have been working on for a few months now. A lot of research and testing has gone into the choice of components and their layout inside the case. The case measures about 10" x 10" x 4" which vented top and bottom. It employs the venerable Gecko G540 and a 320W 48V MeanWell power supply, two 48V relays, and has a built spot for the SmoothStepper. All the lines for the VFD and Limit switch inputs are brought out to external DE9 connectors as is the 2nd port of the SmoothStepper (DB25). There is still room in the case for mounting other small components and the front panel was kept sparse to allow for for folks to mount indicator lights, pendant/MPG inputs etc.

I should have them up on the website in the next week or so along with complete kits for the Taig.

Very nice compact box, Jeff.

May I ask how one should keep the box from getting dust/dirt/chips into the vented areas?

Dave

The best way to is place the drive box away from the chip making area.

Seriously that is a good question. It is designed to draw air in from the bottom vents and exhaust out the top vents so there is a 'bit' of air flow that discourages chips from settling in the top vents. In fact there is an 'attic' floor that serves as both a secondary area to mount components as well as a thermal management device. It insures that the cool air drawn in the bottom of the case can only exit via the power supply fan or by convection past the G540. I did several 'torture' tests driving four steppers and adding several amps of static load to the power supply (to load it down). After several hours the case temperature was in the 95~97 degree range in a 70 degree room. It also maintains it cool in my 95 degree shop. So there is the proper amount of airflow through the case to keep it cool without adding lots of additional fans (that you often see in other cases) that only serve to encourage the inclusion of more chips and dirt.

Any enclosure that is vented (and almost all are) will have the same concern. I'm mounting mine on a shelf under the table that the mill sets on. The PC will be just below that. Some folks have there mills enclosed to prevent such issues as well. What ever case you use to house your drive components it doe spay to consider how to protect it from damage.

I love the idea of the upper "attic" as it almost acts like a sort of filter where the dust and debris can land instead of right on the parts inside.

Looks like a nice little productive unit, Jeff, I hope you sell many of them-

Dave