Proximity sensor mounting base

[acourtjester]

I switched from micro switch to proximity sensor for the home/limits on my table. The ones I used were flat plastic housing type as show in the images. They can be bought in either switching common (NPN) or switching a voltage (PNP) shown in the attached diagram. I used the PNP with the Mesa card I used for the controller electronics. Attached is the STL file for printing your own, the holes can be threaded with a 10-32 tap for mounting.
I used the tip of a 10-32 machine screw to trip the sensor. Here are 2 different mounting brackets to chose from, the longer one has brass inserts.

DSCN0495.JPG

proxity sensor circuit.JPG

Proxity sensor side mount open both.JPG

Proxity sensor side mount open both.stl

proxity switch mount X.JPG

proxity switch mount X.stl

[plasmanewbie]

Now that is cool Tom! Are you using Fusion to do your 3D models for your 3D printer?

[acourtjester]

No I use 123D Design it is a simple convert from DXF to STL program, I do want to learn Fusion 360 but this has done all I have needed to this point. It is not a precise as 360 but work very well.

[acourtjester]

Here are some video tutorials and a manual if you want to look at 123D Design.

123ddesign tutorials.rar

[plasmanewbie]

Awesome, thanks Tom I will check out 123D Design. If it's getting the job done then thats all that counts, Fusion is awesome but if you don't need it then why bother. Too much stuff to remember.

[Creative25]

Thanks for sharing I am actually looking to replace all my switches I was looking for affordable waterproof ones. They are large have lots of play. Not wat I expected when I ordered them.
Currently the plasma table has no shielded cables.
Except on the Emergency stops. My electric box is completely insulated from the frame of the machine.
Except the wires from the isolated power supply for ohmic sensing.
So I wonder if I use a hall sensor on the floating head will the magnetic fields of the torch cause false triggers?
Or could I use a reed switch?

[acourtjester]

Her is a video showing my Proximity sensor mount on the Z axis, the torch is mount closer then the route in the video and I have no problems with noise in the circuits. I don't remember the cables had shielding and the are completely molded closed in plastic. Here ae ones I used and they come faced as you see or 90 degrees from that.
I bought them from Amazon but cannot post the page they are about $12 for 3 this is what to look for
Comimark 3Pcs TL-W5MC1 5mm 3 Wire Inductive Proximity Sensor Detection Switch NPN DC 6-36V

[Creative25]

Thanks this looks great. Unfortunately I don’t have a 3D printer. But I guess I could use them as they are.
I see your machine is a router.
What happens if water sprays on them will they trigger? I know some capacitive light switches and touchscreens do that. Could you do me a favor and touch them with your wet fingers and see if they trigger?

[acourtjester]

Ok I did the test you wanted it had no effect on the sensor, this type is only triggered by metal.
My table is setup to be plasma or router operations I just switch out a mount on the Z axis plate.
Her is a sort video with the plasma torch mounted and the proximity sensor as a home switch, they are setup as both home and limit sensors.

[adbuch]

Tom - that is one sweet looking setup you have there in your shop. And very generous of you to take you time to test your proximity sensors and report back. Your videos also show Creative25 that your table is much more than just a router - cnc plasma cutter, engraver, drag knife, drawings, etc. The sky is the limit!!

David

[acourtjester]

THANKS David, I enjoy working on projects and as you do to help others to enjoy the projects they have. Many look past the flexibility of CNC and the optional tools that can be combined on them. As a DIY hobbyist many uses of the tools I have to do more then one function due to limited space and money make more sense to me. By exchanging options on my table allows me to work in different mediums and expand the projects I can do. Viewing the CNC big picture helped me with 3-D printing and the laser table, with both CAM and CAD functions. Like I say allow your mind to wonder, there is a lot of fun to be had.

[Creative25]

Thanks for doing the test for me now I am confident and ordered some.
I can get them
For less than 2 Dollar postage included if I order one at a time.

One of the things I plan to add to my machine is an air scriber.

[acourtjester]

I had air scriber for my table and stopped using it as it was to noisy (really noisy).
On the proximity sensor you can 3 in an order from Amazon for a good price just search for the name here.
Comimark 3Pcs TL-W5MC1 5mm 3 Wire Inductive Proximity Sensor Detection Switch NPN DC 6-36V

[adbuch]

THANKS David, I enjoy working on projects and as you do to help others to enjoy the projects they have. Many look past the flexibility of CNC and the optional tools that can be combined on them. As a DIY hobbyist many uses of the tools I have to do more then one function due to limited space and money make more sense to me. By exchanging options on my table allows me to work in different mediums and expand the projects I can do. Viewing the CNC big picture helped me with 3-D printing and the laser table, with both CAM and CAD functions. Like I say allow your mind to wonder, there is a lot of fun to be had.

Tom - this reminds me of the Shopsmith machine that a friend of mine had years ago. He was limited on space (and funds) and this Shopsmith could be converted to a table saw, drill press, belt sander, and I think there was even an attachment with a compressor for painting. It was a very versatile machine. So a very similar idea (although different functions) to your table setup where you have cnc plasma cutting, routing, engraving, drag knife, and probably much more.

David

[acourtjester]

Well I did make another cutter for cardboard or gasket material, the videos show 2 types. One is a utility blade and the other is a exacto blade. the corrugations in the cardboard with deeper cuts make it wiggle a little but it still does the job.

[Creative25]

I was just wondering if I could spray paint with it?
Has it been done before?

[acourtjester]

Well there are videos of cars being painted with robotics, and powder coating with robots. These are controlled by CNC systems. I'm sure they are more then 3 axis systems to get all the angles they need.

[adbuch]

I was just wondering if I could spray paint with it?
Has it been done before?

If it was a flat panel, I see no reason that one could not attach a spray gun to the cnc table and paint a flat panel. Of course - this might make a big mess with the over spray getting on your table. Maybe us an HVLP gun and spray at low pressure.

David