My book, Build Your Own 4-Axis Multifunctional CNC Machine (Elektor 2022), is about the construction, hardware, software, and operation of the Z99 CNC machine. Finally, we dare to say that anyone who can drill a hole in a Medium Density Fiber (MDF) baseplate can construct the Z99.

Why the Name “Z99”?

Z99 can be defined as a multifunctional four-axis machine for home construction. All the options use the same XY mechanism. The only component with some differences is the Z carriage. Previous names we thought of were Z3, Z4, Z5... However, the number of possibilities is not yet exhausted, hence the name Z99. Perhaps the number 99 is also close to the number of prototypes we have built.

What's more, Z99 is a DIY device. It allows the user to plot, cut, drill, laser and mill, and the construction and use are simple. Most of the parts come from the world of 3D printers.

The Capabilities of the Z99 Machine

Curious about the machine's features and its uses?
 
  • large-format schematic plotting
  • PCB plotting with etch-resist pens
  • schematic plotting with conductive-ink pens
  • letter cutting out of vinyl
  • paper cutting
  • PCB/substrate drilling
  • PCB/substrate milling
  • text milling
  • laser engraving
  • laser cutting of solder paste masks
 
First example: Plotting a PCB circuit with conductive ink.
As mentioned, most of the components stay the same for all functions. There are no hard to get, or costly parts used in this project. Furthermore, many of the parts are also used in 3D printers and are not expensive. Not only are 3D printers widespread now, but also all the parts to build them. Everybody who can drill a hole in an MDF baseplate and has access to a 3D PLA printer can build it.
 
Second example: Milling and drilling a PCB.

Software

By making the support software available as freeware, readers of the book are challenged and encouraged to develop new applications for the Z99. The download contains all the 3D files, the complete C# source code, the microcontroller code, the PCB layout and the schematic design and the Windows software XYZ.exe. Examples files are in the download.

Equally important, the machine would not be of much use if the user has no option to create suitable files for the designs in mind. A large part of this book is dedicated to creating source files in a variety of freeware software packages, including Inkscape, DesignSpark PCB, KiCad and FlatCAM.

The New Elektor Book

The book, Build Your Own Multifunctional 4 Axis Machine, is also useful for readers keen to comprehend and then master the basic structure of HPGL, Gerber, Drill, and G-code files, as well as to have a go at deciphering them using software. In addition, there is a chapter in the book on how to successfully print large 3D parts. With the aid of the Elektor book and some patience, you will succeed in building a reliable Z99. Nevertheless, do not try to build and use all 'Z' possibilities at once. And don't forget that new software takes some time to master and that learning is a lifelong hobby. This is even more the case when that software is tightly coupled to the hardware.

With materials available as freeware for the readers of the book, we hope that new applications will be developed. Lastly, we hope that you will experience as much joy building and using the Z99 as we had in developing it!
 
Third example: Engraving with a laser.
About the Author

Dr. José Ganseman (1951) was occupied as general practitioner for 35 years. A passionate lifelong electronic hobbyist and software programmer in several languages, he has been an Elektor reader since the 1970s. After retiring in 2010, he decided to build a multifunctional machine for personal use.