MPCNC Z-Axis modification to allow quick CNC to Laser head changes.
WARNING: KILL POWER TO MPCNC WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING ANY WIRES FROM THE MACHINE
Since adding a laser Z-axis to my MPCNC toolkit, I was looking for a quick way to swap between my CNC and laser Z-axis. I originally had all of the wires with separate connectors to make it hot-swappable and I ended up breaking a few wires at the connector due to the movement of the Z-axis.
After a few trial and error attempts, I ended up designing a new motor mount for the Z-axis to hold a DB9 connector with all the supporting wires for swapping Z-axis assemblies with ease.
Most of the weight of the cable is being held up via retractable badge ID holders which doesn’t add unnecessary strain to the Z-axis core.
This modification pairs very well with my MPCNC Tornado dust collection/air assist setup!
https://gitlab.austinoneil.com/aoneil/mpcnc-tornado
STLs & Photos:
https://gitlab.austinoneil.com/aoneil/mpcnc-hotswap-z-axis-db9
Links:
- x1 Retractable ID Badge Holder
- 20ft 18 AWG Multi 9 Conductor Blue Speed Wire 18 Gauge Copper Stranded Cable
- 1 inch (Diameter) 3:1 Waterproof Heat Shrink Tubing Kit
- x2 Female DB9 RS232 D-Sub Serial Connectors
- x1 Male DB9 RS232 D-Sub Serial Connector
Cable Pinout
Note: These are the correct wire colors for my Z motor and laser assembly. Your mileage may vary. Double-check all wiring before applying power!
| # | Umbilical Cable: | Laser Head: | CNC Head: |
| 1 | Z-Motor: Black | Z-Motor: Black | Z-Motor: Blue |
| 2 | Z-Motor: Green | Z-Motor: Green | Z-Motor: Yellow |
| 3 | Z-Motor: Blue | Z-Motor: Blue | Z-Motor: Green |
| 4 | Z-Motor: Red | Z-Motor: Red | Z-Motor: Red |
| 5 | Laser: 5V Signal Pin (Purple) | Laser: 5V Signal Pin | Empty |
| 6 | Laser: Ground (Yellow) | Laser: Ground | Empty |
| 7 | Laser: 12v+ (White) | Laser: 12v+ | Empty |
| 8 | Buck Converter – | Empty | Empty |
| 9 | Buck Converter + | Empty | Empty |