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C-Beam Machine XL
About the C-Beam Machine XL
The Maker store C-Beam Machine XL is part of our CNC Mill Kit line, designed to be a desktop plate making machine with the intention of milling aluminium, hardwoods, plastics and other materials. Based off an open source design, these machines are commonly used in plate making, key cutting, PCB milling and metal engraving while retaining a small footprint compared to a full CNC router.
Tools Required
Pre-Assembly Notes
Bill of Materials
*Note: 30 of the 32 Nylon Insert Lock Nuts – 5mm are inside the Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit’s
1.0 Pre-Assembly
1.1 Wheel Assembly
The Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit listed in the Bill of Materials comes with the parts mentioned in the table above. Take these parts out of the kit pack and start the assembly. Set aside the Nylon Insert Lock Nuts – 5mm for use in later steps.
Place the Solid V Xtreme Wheel (B) on a flat surface and insert one of the 6252RS Bearing (A) in the Solid V Xtreme Wheel (B).
Flip the Solid V Xtreme Wheel (B) and place the Precision Shim 10x5x1MM (C) inside the Solid V Xtreme Wheel, on top of the inner race of the already inserted bearing (A).
Insert the other 6252RS bearing (A) in the Solid V Xtreme Wheel (B) so that it rests on the Precision Shim 10x5x1MM (C). This will complete 1 wheel assembly.
Repeat the steps above for the remaining wheel kits. Refer to your Bill of Materials (BoM) for a complete account of Solid V Xtreme Wheels needed for this build.
Pro Tip: Use a mallet to gently tap the bearings (A) inside the Xtreme Solid V Wheel (B).
Pro Tip: Use one of the longer bolts to align everything (A,B,C) by threading the parts on one by one.
1.2 Cast Brackets Modifications
This build uses Cast 90-Degree Corner Bracket, which are designed for vertically aligned inline joints. To make these brackets sit flush with the V-Slot horizontally, simple modification will be necessary.
Insert the Cast 90-Degree Corner Bracket into a vice or suitable clamping device, use a file or grinder/sander to file off one sides nubs until the side is smooth to touch.
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2.0 Base Frame Assembly
2.1 Uprights
Insert 7x HARD-TNUT-M5 into the C-Beam – 250mm as shown below.
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Attach 6x Cast 90-Degree Corner Bracket to the base using 6x Low Profile Screws M5 – 8mm. The two brackets inside the C-Beam channel should have their bottom nubs filed off as described in section 1.2.
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Insert 6x HARD-TNUT-M5 into a V-Slot 20 x 60mm – 500mm as shown below.
Attach the C-Beam – 250mm to a V-Slot 20 x 60mm – 500mm using 6x Low Profile Screws M5 – 8mm through the 6x Cast 90-Degree Corner Bracket.
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Insert 3x M5 T-Nuts into the 20mm side of the V-Slot 20 x 60mm, flush with the C-Beam upright. Attach 2x 5 Hole 90 Degree Joining Plates to the inserted M5 T-Nuts and the end of the V-Slot 20 x 60mm with 6x Low Profile Screws M5 – 10mm Low Profile Screws.
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Insert 3x M5 T-Nuts into the opposite end of the V-Slot 20 x 60mm in the same slot as the previous step. Attach 2x 5 Hole 90 Degree Joining Plates to the inserted M5 T-Nuts and the end of the 20×60 Linear Rail with 6x Low Profile Screws M5 – 10mm.
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This completes the left side upright. Repeat the steps above, but mirrored to complete the right side as seen below.
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2.2 Base
This section uses the assemblies made in section 2.1, as well as the Bill of Materials listed below.
Insert 6x M5 T-Nuts into a V-Slot 20 x 60mm – 1000mm as shown below. Repeat with the second V-Slot 20 x 60mm – 1000mm.
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Slide the upright assemblies made in section 2.1 onto the ends of the V-Slot 20 x 60mm -1000mm. Secure the upright assemblies in place using 16x M5 Low Profile Screws – 10mm into the M5 T-Nuts and threaded holes of the 20×60 Linear Rail.
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Slide 2x M5 T-Nuts into an upright assembly C-Beam – 250mm. Attach 2x Cast 90 Degree Angle Brackets to the M5 T-Nuts using 2x M5 Low Profile Screws – 8mm. Repeat on the remaining C-Beam upright.
Insert 4x M5 T-Nuts into the V-Slot 20 x 40mm – 960mm on the bottom side of the rail.
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Insert the V-Slot 20 x 40mm – 960mm into the channel of the two C-Beam – 250mm uprights and on top of the 4x Cast 90 Degree Angle Brackets so that the top of the V-Slot 20 x 40mm – 960mm is flush with the top of the C-Beams and the 4x M5 T-Nuts are lined up with the Cast 90 Degree Angle Brackets. Secure the V-Slot 20 x 40mm – 960mm into place using 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 8mm.
Attach 2x 5 Hole 90 degree Brackets to the front corner of both C-Beam – 250mm with 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 10mm. See images below for reference.
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3.0 Actuator Axes
3.1 X and Y Gantries
IMPORTANT: In regards to the C-Beam Gantry Plate – XL, please make note of the logo. For the Y-Gantries, please use the C-Beam Gantry Plate – XL that has the “Maker Hardware” Logo, and for the X-Gantry please use the C-Beam Gantry Plate – XL with the “Maker Store” Logo.
From the Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit’s, you will also need the following:
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Attach 2x ACME-Nut-Block to one of the C-Beam Gantry Plate XL’s using M5 Low Profile 25mm & Nylon Insert Lock Nut – 5mm. On each screw, in between the ACME Nut Block and the Gantry Plate XL, there should be a 3mm Metric Aluminium Spacer. Only loosely tighten these screws so the ACME- Nut Blocks can still move side to side.
NOTE: At this point, if you have purchased Limit Switches, please attach the Z-Axis Limit Switch to the X-Axis Gantry before attaching the gantry to the X-Axis. It is exponentially easier to do so now than after installation. See the Limit Switch Installation instructions in section 5.3 and use the following images for reference.
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On the same plate that you attached the ACME Nut Block’s, insert 60mm M5 Low Profile Screws into each of the corner holes, also insert a 60mm M5 Low Profile Screw into the hole just above the Maker Store logo.
For the larger holes that you have inserted a 60mm M5 Low Profile Screw use a 6mm Eccentric Spacer. This will sit inside the hole.
In this order on the screws with 6mm Eccentric Spacers add a Solid V Xtreme Wheel, 9mm Metric Aluminium Spacer, another Solid V Xtreme Wheel, and then another 6mm Eccentric Spacer facing the opposite way to the first spacer.
For the leftover screws place a 6mm Metric Aluminium Spacer, Solid V Xtreme Wheel, 9mm Metric Aluminium Spacer, Solid V Xtreme Wheel and a 6mm Metric Aluminium Spacer.
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Add the extra C-Beam Gantry Plate XL and use Slot Washer – 15x5x2mm and M5-Nylon-Nuts to clamp it all together.
Repeat the above steps to make two more gantries.
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3.2 Y-Axes
This section uses the assembly made in section 3.1, as well as the following Bill of Materials.
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Line up the four counterbored mounting holes on the C-Beam End Mount V3.0 with the top two and middle two threaded holes on the end of the C-Beam with the counterbored side of the C-Beam End Mount facing out. Insert the 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 20mm through the plate and secure the C-Beam End Mount to the C-Beam using a 3mm Allen Key.
Slide a Lock Collar – 8mm onto the 8mm Metric Lead Screw followed by an 688Z Ball Bearing – 8x16x5. Insert the 8mm Metric Lead Screw into the C-Beam End Mount’s centre hole so that the end of the Lead Screw is roughly flush with the opposite side of the C-Beam End Mount.
Slide the 688Z Ball Bearing – 8x16x5 and Lock Collar – 8mm against the C-Beam End Mount, locking the Lock Collar in place by tightening the small grub screw with the 2mm Allen Key.
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Insert the 8mm Metric Lead Screw – 1040mm into the first Nut Block. Align the XTREME Wheels with the four 40mm side V-Slots of the C-Beam – 1000mm and screw the Lead Screw through the second Nut Block while easing the Gantry Assembly onto the C-Beam.
Repeat the end plate steps with the opposite end of the C-Beam, however, instead of making the 8mm Metric Lead Screw flush with the C-Beam End Mount, allow it to stick out to accept the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling in the following section.
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3.2.1 Motor Assembly
This section uses the assembly made in section 3.2, as well as the following Bill of Materials.
Loosen and slide the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling onto the protruding end of the 8mm Metric Lead Screw.
Insert the M5 Low Profile Screws – 55mm into the four mounting holes of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m, then slide the Metric Aluminium Spacers – 40mm onto the M5 Low Profile Screws.
Mounting the motor to the actuator assembly is easiest done while the actuator is laid flat horizontally. Insert the shaft of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m into the open side of the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling, lining up the M5 Low Profile Screws – 55mm and Metric Aluminium Spacers – 40mm with the threaded mounting holes of the C-Beam End Mount V3.0. Screw the motor assembly tightly into place with the 3mm Allen Key.
Note: Consider what direction you would like the motors wire to go before fixing it in place.
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Lock the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling into place by tightening both M4 screws with the 2.5mm Allen Key. Tighten the M3 alignment grub screws with the 2mm Allen Key anywhere on the 8mm Metric Lead Screw and on the flat part of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m shaft.
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Repeat the steps in 3.2.1 to build a second identical axis.
3.3 X-Axis
This section uses the assembly made in section 3.1, as well as the following Bill of Materials.
Insert 6x M5 T-Nuts into the top V-Slot of the 40mm side of the C-Beam – 500mm and 2x M5 T-Nuts into the V-Slot on the opposite 40mm side.
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Slide a Lock Collar – 8mm onto the 8mm Metric Lead Screw followed by an 688Z Ball Bearing – 8x16x5. Insert the 8mm Metric Lead Screw into the C-Beam End Mount’s centre hole so that the end of the Lead Screw extends roughly 20mm past the end.
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Insert the 8mm Metric Lead Screw – 1040mm into the first Nut Block. Align the XTREME Wheels with the four 40mm side V-Slots of the C-Beam – 1000mm and screw the Lead Screw through the second Nut Block while easing the Gantry Assembly onto the C-Beam.
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To prep the motor side mounting plate, line up the four counterbored mounting holes on the C-Beam End Mount V3.0 with the top two and middle two threaded holes on the end of the C-Beam with the counterbored side of the C-Beam End Mount facing out. Insert the 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 20mm through the plate and secure the C-Beam End Mount to the C-Beam using a 3mm Allen Key.
Slide a Lock Collar – 8mm onto the 8mm Metric Lead Screw followed by an 688Z Ball Bearing – 8x16x5. Insert the 8mm Metric Lead Screw into the C-Beam End Mount’s centre hole so that the end of the Lead Screw extends out from the plate roughly 30mm.
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3.3.1 Motor Assembly
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Loosen and slide the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling onto the protruding end of the 8mm Metric Lead Screw.
Insert the M5 Low Profile Screws – 60mm into the four mounting holes of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m, then slide the Metric Aluminium Spacers – 50mm onto the M5 Low Profile Screws.
Mounting the motor to the actuator assembly is easiest done while the actuator is laid flat horizontally. Insert the shaft of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m into the open side of the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling, lining up the M5 Low Profile Screws – 60mm and Metric Aluminium Spacers – 50mm with the threaded mounting holes of the C-Beam End Mount V3.0. Screw the motor assembly tightly into place with the 3mm Allen Key.
Note: Consider what direction you would like the motors wire to go before fixing it in place.
Lock the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling into place by tightening both M4 screws with the 2.5mm Allen Key. Tighten the M3 alignment grub screws with the 2mm Allen Key anywhere on the 8mm Metric Lead Screw and on the flat part of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m shaft.
Slide the Lock Collar – 8mm and 688Z Ball Bearing – 8x16x5 firmly against the C-Beam End Mount V3.0 and tighten the Lock Collar’s M4 grub screw against the 8mm Metric Lead Screw with a 2.5mm Allen Key.
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3.4 Z-Axis
3.4.1 C-Beam XL Gantry
IMPORTANT: In regards to the C-Beam Gantry Plate – XL, please make note of the logo. For the Z-Gantry please use the C-Beam Gantry Plate – XL with the “Maker Store” Logo.
From the Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit’s, you will also need the following:
Attach the Anti-Backlash Nut Block by inserting 2x M5 Low Profile Screw – 20mm through the top or bottom set of holes about the centre hole, then slide on the Metric Aluminium Spacers – 3mm. See Figure 7 for reference.
Insert 2x Nylon Insert Lock Nuts – 5mm into the hexagonal openings on the Anti-Backlash Nut Block, then slide the Nut Block assembly onto the 2x M5 Low Profile Screw – 20mm, securing the whole assembly in place by tightening the M5 Low Profile Screws with a 3mm Allan Key.
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To attach the Eccentric Spacers and Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit to the C-Beam Gantry Plate – XL, insert a M5 Low Profile Screw – 25mm through the largest hole on the outside edge of the C-Beam Gantry Plate, then, in this order, slide an Eccentric Spacer and a Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit onto the M5 Low Profile Screw – 25mm. Make sure the smaller diameter side of the Eccentric Spacer is inserted into the plate.
Secure this wheel assembly in place with a Nylon Insert Lock Nut – 5mm by tightening the M5 Low Profile Screws – 25mm with a 3mm Allan Key while holding the Nylon Insert Lock Nut with an 8mm Spanner.
To attach the Metric Aluminium Spacers – 6mm and Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit to the C-Beam Gantry Plate, insert a M5 Low Profile Screw – 25mm through the hole on the outside of the C-Beam Gantry Plate (see above images for reference), then, in this order, slide a Metric Aluminium Spacer – 6mm, and a Solid V Xtreme Wheel Kit onto the M5 Low Profile Screw – 25mm.
Secure this wheel assembly in place with a Nylon Insert Lock Nut – 5mm by tightening the M5 Low Profile Screw – 25mm with a 3mm Allan Key while holding the Nylon Insert Lock Nut with an 8mm Spanner.
Repeat these steps for the remaining 4 wheel assemblies, as shown in the images above.
NOTE: For best results, tighten the wheels completely then loosen one turn.
3.4.2 Gantry Installation
This section uses the assembly made in section 3.4.1, as well as the following Bill of Materials.
Align the Solid V Xtreme Wheels with the top two V-Slots of the 40mm side of the C-Beam – 250mm. Screw the Lead Screw through the Anti-Backlash Nut Block while easing the Gantry Assembly onto the C-Beam.
Note: Some force may be needed to align the wheels into the v-slot grooves, however, excessive force should not be needed.
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Turn the eccentric spacers with the 8mm spanner to tension the gantry into place. The gantry should roll smoothly in the v-slot grooves. Non-linear or stuttering movement are both outcomes of misaligned eccentric spacers or over/under tightened wheel assemblies.
3.4.3 End Assembly
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Slide the 688Z Ball Bearing – 8x16x5 and Lock Collar – 8mm against the C-Beam End Mount, locking the Lock Collar in place by tightening the small grub screw with the 2mm Allen Key.
Repeat these steps with the opposite end of the C-Beam, however, instead of making the 8mm Metric Lead Screw flush with the C-Beam End Mount, allow it to stick out to accept the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling in the next section.
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3.4.4 Motor Assembly
Loosen and slide the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling onto the protruding end of the 8mm Metric Lead Screw.
Insert the M5 Low Profile Screws – 55mm into the four mounting holes of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m, then slide the Metric Aluminium Spacers – 40mm onto the M5 Low Profile Screws.
Mounting the motor to the actuator assembly is easiest done while the actuator is laid flat horizontally. Insert the shaft of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m into the open side of the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling, lining up the M5 Low Profile Screws – 55mm and Metric Aluminium Spacers – 40mm with the threaded mounting holes of the C-Beam End Mount V3.0. Screw the motor assembly tightly into place with the 3mm Allen Key.
Note: Consider what direction you would like the motors wire to go before fixing it in place.
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Lock the 6.35 x 8mm Flexible Coupling into place by tightening both M4 screws with the 2.5mm Allen Key. Tighten the M3 alignment grub screws with the 2mm Allen Key anywhere on the 8mm Metric Lead Screw and on the flat part of the Nema 23 Stepper Motor 1.26N.m shaft.
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4.0 Attaching Axes to Base
4.1 Y-Axes to Base
Attach 4x Cast 90 Degree Angle Brackets to the Y-Axis C-Beam Actuator with 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 8mm as shown below. The Cast 90-Degree Angle Brackets should have the C-Beam attached nubs filed off as described in section 1.2.
Repeat with second Y-Axis C-Beam Actuator.
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Place the two Y-Axis C-Beam Actuators onto the base frame with 8x Slot Washer – 15x5x2mm between the base frame extrusion and the 8x Cast 90 Degree Angle Brackets. Secure the C-Beams to the base using 8x M5 Low Profile Screws – 10mm.
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4.2 X-Axis to Frame
Attach a Cast 90 Degree Angle Brackets to bottom of the X-Axis C-Beam Actuator with 1x M5 Low Profile Screws – 8mm as shown below. The Cast 90-Degree Angle Brackets should have all nubs filed off as described in section 1.2. Repeat on the same side at the opposite end.
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Secure the X-Axis to the C-Beam Uprights using 2x M5 Low Profile Screws – 8mm.
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Secure the top of the X-Axis C-Beam Actuator to the 2x 5 Hole 90 Degree Joining Brackets using 6x M5 Low Profile Screws – 10mm.
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4.3 Z-Axis to X-Axis Gantry
Secure the Z-Axis C-Beam Actuator Assembly to the X-Axis Gantry by lining up the edges of the Z-Axis Gantry with the X-Axis Gantry and Screwing 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 12mm through the Z-Axis Gantry into the X-Axis Gantries threaded holes. See image below for reference.
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5.0 Finishing Touches
5.1 End Caps
Attach 2x Endcap 2040 to the C-Beam uprights as seen in the first image below using 4x M5 Low Profile Screws – 8mm.
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5.2 Limit Switches
Limit Switch Kits are sold separately.
There are two types of mechanical limit switches available for the Outback. The Micro Limit Switch (Type A) and the CMV103C Long Arm/CMV104D Short Arm (Type B). See images below for reference.
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5.2.1 Limit Switch Assembly
To assemble the CMV103C/104D Limit Switch, use the BoM and follow the steps below:
Insert 2x 12mm M3 Cap Head Bolts (3) into the two holes of the CMV103C Limit Switch (1)
Referring to figure 4, line up the appropriate threaded holes of the Limit Switch Plate V2 (2) with the 12mm M3 Cap Head Bolts (3) so that the limit switch lever hangs off the front of the plate.
Finally, screw in the 12mm M3 Cap Head Bolts (3) into the threaded holes of the Limit Switch Plate V2 (2).
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It is possible to invert the limit switch for right-side sensing.
To mount the limit switch and plate to your machine:
Line up the limit switch arm with a suitable flat surface to trigger the limit switch lever on your machine. This can be a gantry plate, bearing or a V-Wheel.
Insert the Spring Loaded Tee Nuts (5) into a V-Slot channel and then line up the slot of the limit switch plates with the Spring Loaded Tee Nuts. Use an Allen key to fasten the M5-Button Head Screws-8mm (4) into the Tee Nuts through the plate to secure the micro limit switch assembly.
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This completes the assembly of the CMV103C/104D limit switch kit.
To assemble the Micro Limit Switch, use the BoM and follow the steps below:
Insert the 2x M3-Cap Head Screw-10mm (1) through the Limit Switch Plate (5) so that the screws are lined up (horizontally or vertically). Configuration is dependant on how you plan to mount the limit switch plate.
Line up both holes of the Micro Limit Switch (4) with the 2x M3-Cap Head Screw-10mm (1), secure the Micro Limit Switch to the plate.
Note: Some force may be needed if the Micro Limit Switch has not been threaded beforehand.
Note: Do not over tighten!
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Line up the red limit switch with a suitable flat surface on your machine, such as a gantry plate, bearing or even a V-Wheel. Insert the Spring Loaded Tee Nut (2) into a V-Slot channel, then use an Allen key to turn the M5-Button Head Screw-8mm (3) clockwise into the tee nut through the plate to secure the micro limit switch assembly.
Limit switch kits can be placed in any location you can secure it. For our machines we suggest limits and homing to be located on the Front of the Y – axis, Left of the X – axis, and Bottom of the Z – axis.
5.2.2 Limit Switch Mounting
X-Axis Mounting
Placement for the CMV103C/104D Limit Switch are shown in the images below. Please see the Micro Limit Switch mounting guides for full mounting, wiring and placement instructions.
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Y-Axis Mounting
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Z-Axis Mounting
If you have not installed the Z-Axis limit switch during construction of the X-Axis Gantry, you will likely need to remove the X-Axis Gantry to insert the M3x16mm Button Head Screws in place.
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Additionally, a lever is attached to the bottom C-Beam End Plate of your Z-Axis, as shown in the images below.
In order from the screw head, you will insert a M5x50mm Low Profile Screw into 1x SHIM-7851, 1x SHIM-M5-8-040, 1x SHIM-7851, 1x SHIM-51-8-003, 1x SHIM-7851. Secure tightly in place.
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