Resources for upgrading my laser diode gantry to accommodate a heavier unit

Community Laser Talk
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I’ve been using my laser diode and upgraded it to increase the engraving area. Recently, I thought a 40W laser would swap relatively easily, but I did not account for the increase in weight, which is putting a lot of stress on the 2020 extrusion.

Now, according to the manufacturer, I’m looking at a heavier unit (60W) that weighs nearly 6 lbs, which doesn’t seem like it’ll work due to the weight, and upgrading to NEMA 23 motors presents its own issues with voltage/current.

What am I dealing with regarding upgrading the NEMA 17 motor to NEMA 23? I don’t want to ask many questions as I’m unsure what to ask or where to look for resources on making my gantry. I’m not engraving all that much so speed is not a concern as I understand NEMA 17 does better for speed than the heavier 23.

Regarding the gantry, I’ve redesigned the stock 2020 extrusion using a mix of 2040 extrusions and understand the basic operation of these belt-driven XY gantries. Are there non-belt-driven systems or designs I should look into?

I’ve seen some pre-built gantries on various sites including Amazon for CNC but wasn’t sure how they work with a laser diode; assuming it can with the correct power supply and controller?

What components need to be changed outside of designing a gantry that accommodates and holds NEMA 23 motors? I assume the power supply for the NEMA 23 motors and a controller compatible with Lightburn?

Any insight will be appreciated! I’m here to learn and love learning new things so more information, the better as I’m in no hurry to get this machine up and running either.

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NEMA 23 because they have more torque. You will need it when trying to whip that 6-lb brick around.

Big difference in size, weight, mounting pattern, amperage requirements, and shaft diameter. It would be surprising if you could adapt your existing frame and motor mounts to the new motors.

Heavy machinery, which is where you are going, use BALL or ACME screw drives. Another option is a gantry using rack and pinion drives. Plenty of torque at the sacrifice of speed.

If you are going to be doing laser work, I would make this #1 on the list.

Ever consider turning a Volkswagen Beetle into a dump truck? That is what you are trying to do with your lightweight frame. I recommend building a new machine from the ground up. You are buying most of the parts for it anyhow.

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Because she could:

That doesn’t make it a good idea … :grin:

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