At VoidLoop Robotics, our goal has always been to make industrial-grade precision accessible. When we set out to build our 2-axis gantry, we knew we had to strike the perfect balance between cost, rigidity, and speed.
The Problem with Traditional Gantries
Most commercial gantries are either incredibly expensive or lack the rigidity needed for fast, accurate movements. Hobbyist systems, often built with 3D-printed parts and v-slot wheels, suffer from deflection under load.
Engineering the Solution
We opted for:
- Linear Guide Rails (MGN12/MGN15): Providing zero play and high load capacity.
- NEMA 23 Stepper Motors: Delivering the necessary torque for rapid acceleration.
- CoreXY Kinematics: By keeping the motors stationary, we reduced the moving mass on the Y-axis, allowing for faster speeds with less vibration.
Custom Controller Integration
Instead of locking users into a proprietary ecosystem, we designed the control board to be open. It interfaces seamlessly via standard Step/Dir signals, meaning you can drive it with anything from a basic Arduino to an industrial PLC.
The result is a system capable of 1000 mm/s speeds with a repeatability of ±0.1mm—perfect for automated assembly lines or high-speed pick-and-place tasks.
Stay tuned for our next post where we'll discuss the software stack powering the automation!