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Ivan Jovanovski
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IJ
Ivan Jovanovski

Electrical Engineer building practical solutions in energy systems, automotive electronics, and embedded systems.

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Built 3-Axis CNC Machine

CNCstepper-motorsEMIArduinopower-electronics
General

Project Overview

Built a full-metal 3-axis CNC router from bare mechanical and electrical components, featuring NEMA 23 steppers, custom power distribution, Arduino-based auxiliary control, and EMI mitigation for 0.1mm positioning accuracy.

Version:v1.0
Time:~80.0 hours
Cost:~$800
Status:complete

Materials

  • NEMA 23 Stepper Motors × 4
  • DM-series Stepper Drivers × 4
  • 36V Power Supply × 1
  • DC-DC Converters (24V/12V/5V) × 3
  • Arduino Nano × 1
  • Relay Board × 1
  • Spindle Motor × 1
  • Ferrite Chokes × 10
  • Aluminum Extrusions & Linear Rails × 1

Tools

  • Oscilloscope
  • Multimeter
  • Soldering Station
  • Wire Crimpers
  • Allen Keys & Wrenches

Build Steps

1. Mechanical Assembly

⏱️ ~20.0h

Assembled the full-metal frame using aluminum extrusions and linear rails. Mounted 4× NEMA 23 stepper motors with DM-series drivers for X, Y, and Z axes.

2. Power Distribution Design

⏱️ ~10.0h

Designed and wired the complete power stack: 36V rail for steppers, separate 24V/12V/5V busbars via DC-DC converters. High-current motor stages and low-voltage logic/telemetry are cleanly isolated.

3. Auxiliary Control System

⏱️ ~8.0h

Implemented Arduino Nano-based auxiliary control with relay board to switch spindle power, drive temperature-controlled cooling fans and work-area lighting, and display spindle RPM/telemetry on a dedicated screen.

4. EMI Mitigation

⏱️ ~6.0h

Mitigated EMI and step-loss issues by reorganizing cable routing, introducing star-grounding topology, and adding ferrite chokes. Achieved repeatable ≈0.1mm positioning accuracy over multi-hour routing jobs.

Results

Fully operational CNC router with 0.1mm repeatability over multi-hour jobs.

  • Positioning Accuracy: 0.1 mm
  • Work Area: 600x400x100 mm

Safety Notes

High voltage (36V) and spinning spindle. Always use eye protection and ensure emergency stop is accessible.