MilleBot is a deep-tech company whose mission is to create next-generation mobile manufacturing technologies that give people the ability to create anywhere. Using this philosophy, they have successfully designed and built the first patented advanced digital-manufacturing system within an ISO shipping container. Andy Tran, founder of MilleBot, describes their system as a conex machine platform for advanced digital manufacturing. It can print, mill, and more, with multiple interchangeable tool heads that extrude plastic (PLA), clay, concrete, and metal hybrid pelletized materials. It also contains a laser deposition head, with options for customization, as well as a newly integrated a five-axis CNC that is used for cutting composite carbon fiber panels.
One of the unique features of this machine platform is that it is housed within a shipping container, allowing it to be rapidly deployed in all types of locations. This challenge of building a mobile system that will operate in a variety of conditions requires a machine that is equipped with enduring components, software, and a robust overall structure. This was especially true when it came to implementing the multi-axis linear motion hardware.
This system is responsible for the fine-tuned movement of the additive and subtractive manufacturing heads. For the measure of flexibility, the hardware needed to meet the demands of dirty, harsh environments such as dust and temperature variations, and endure rough transport. Accuracy in linear travel and repeatability was also critical. For the installation requirement, the hardware would need to work within a defined space, and easily integrate into the overall design. In addition to these technical requirements, there was a desire to have hardware that was visually appealing.
The engineers at MilleBot were able to work with representatives from PBC Linear to investigate a variety of products that would be best suited for their mobile manufacturing system. They concluded that the Integral-V Technology (IVT) would satisfy the needs for their linear motion gantry, implementing it along both the X and Y axes of the machine.
The Integral-V two-piece carriage and rail system offered an easy installation solution with less hardware, along with flexible mounting options. Hardened stainless steel engineering and V-raceways provided superior resistance to the toughest environments, allowing the machine to function under potential adverse conditions. Accuracy was more than sufficient for the directional and repeatable motion, and the machined rail edges offered rigidity and smooth linear motion. In fact, once the prototype was equipped with IVT, the MilleBot team was impressed with being able to move X-Y gantry with one finger.
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