New ShopBot Accessory: The Pressure Sensitive Z-Zero Plate

The new Pressure Sensitive Z-Zero Plate

For a while we have been looking at ways to simplify the process of determining tool length with a ShopBot by improving on the design of the current Z-Zero plate. The two limitations we wanted to address were the need for an alligator clip, which adds a manual step to a process that could otherwise be entirely autonomous, as well the fact that the current design relies on the flow of current through the cutter itself, making it unable to zero non-conductive bits.

The Pressure Sensitive Z-Zero Plate was designed to address both of these issues, while maintaining the strengths of the system stemming from its simple and robust design. The plate is effectively spring loaded by a compressible O-ring to isolate the aluminum plate from the base as shown in the section view below. In this way, the plate is interchangeable with our existing Z-Zero plate, using the same Wago connection and C2 command

Users can expect precision of 0.001” varying radially along the surface of the plate. By leveraging the lack of an alligator clip, designated X and Y coordinates can be set using the over-travel of a tool to fully automate the C2 routine. The example we have set up here at ShopBot uses a Desktop, where the tool has enough travel to allow the plate to sit permanently without loss to the tool’s cutting area, but the set-up can be implemented on any ShopBot tool.

To order one from our first batch, call ShopBot Tools at (919) 680-4800 and ask for Production Support.

Contributed by David Preiss