Project update #18

Hi,

Here’s an update from the last three weeks — and it's a big one!

Outer Shell

We’ve received the updated outer shell, meaning all aesthetic exterior parts are now complete. We're very happy with the quality and sturdiness of the machine. Below is a picture showing the fully assembled outer panels.

Motion System

We're currently testing and finalizing the motion system. One major improvement is the relocation of the belt drive from underneath the structure to above it, making it easier to tension and repair. We also replaced the plastic connection plates with metal ones, resulting in a fully metal motion structure that significantly improves overall rigidity.

Firmware

Firmware remains our biggest challenge. While the system is already functional, our goal is to make it as open-source and modular as possible. The machine uses two Arduino-based systems:

One runs GRBL and is responsible for motion control.

The other handles the user interface, sparking control, and G-code analysis.

We chose this dual-system architecture to make upgrades easier and more flexible. For example, if a new version of GRBL is released, users can update it independently without waiting for a complete software update from us.

However, this setup also brings some challenges, primarily ensuring robust and reliable communication between the two systems. We are actively working on improving this interaction to make the experience seamless and dependable.