First Prototype of AnniRouter v0.2

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For the past few months we’ve been working on design the new AnniRouter. This month we finally build the first prototype of it. Really excited to share a slideshow of it, in the sequence of how we assemble it.

You can see the following design changes from v0.1:

  • Instead of using stepper motors, shaft joints and lead screws, linear motors are used, which makes assembly much easier, and better precision.
  • The boards are cutted using CNC router. OK, a CNC router made by another CNC router. This means AnniRouter can also replicate (most of) itself’s part.
  • Numerous small changes to simplify the body structure, as well as to make assembly easier.

You are very welcome to leave any comments! And we’ll bring it to Maker Faire Bay Area 2012!

AnniRouter GitHub repository online

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Many asked whether the plan of AnniRouter will be released. In fact you will get more. AnniRouter is completely open source, since the beginning. Even the original design files will be shared. Now we have setup an repository on GitHub and put the Solidworks parts and assembly files on it. Take a look here.

The easiest way to use it, is to download all the files in a zipped file by clicking the ZIP button. Or alternatively, download individual files one by one. Of course if you are familiar with git, Just Fork It!.

Enjoy the liberty, open source engineering!

AnniRouter 0.2 is on the way!

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What are the differences between 0.1 and 0.2?

In 0.1 we were using laser-cutted MDF boards for the frame, but there are several problems.

  1. 12mm-thick MDF boards need to be cut using high-power laser cutter (>300W) and the availability is a problem.
  2. When cutting thick boards, some thin features may catch fire.
  3. It is impossible to have depth-features through laser-cutting. In some case we need a 6mm deep feature on a 12mm board.
  4. It is hard to control the precision. Thus the mounting hole of rotating bearings and linear bearings are not working properly.

So in 0.2, the design features CNC-router cutted boards. Yes, by CNC router! And you can make other routers once you build your AnniRouter. Besides, the following improvements are made:

  • Linear motors are used instead of the combination of stepper motor, shaft coupling and screw bar. This not only makes the installation easier, but also helps improve the precision.
  • The Y-axis is completely redesigned. Linear bearing with flange is used.
  • The spindle mount will be simplified and will support different types of spindle.
  • Lots of other improvements on design to provide more stiffness.
  • Small tunes to reduce the types of fasteners needed.

AnniRouter v0.2 is almost done, we hope to release it early this November. Just take a first glance below and comments are always welcome!

AnniRouter wiki page now online

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We’ve created a new wiki for the AnniRouter project. This wiki is open to every one, so you are welcome to give comments (using the same Disqus comment system as here), make modifications, and add your own contents.

You will be able to find the links to source files, photos, assembly guide, and everything about AnniRouter on this wiki. Though it is quite empty now, we will work on it continuously, and hope it can help you.

Take a look!

Announcing AnniRouter v0.1

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We are happy to present our first open hardware project: the open source desktop CNC router: AnniRouter. This first working prototype was finished on and named after Dr Ben’s first anniversary. Take a glance first:

Some features of AnniRouter:

  • Material: MDF(body) and extruded aluminium profile (bed)
  • Size(Width x Length x Height): roughly 400mm x 540mm x 400mm (16in x 21in x 16in)
  • Working area(Width x Length x Height): 276mm x 415mm x 50mm (10in x 16in x 2in)
  • Axis: NEMA 23-equivalent stepper motor with trapezoidal screw bar and chrome linear guide

A slide show of AnniRouter:

We’ve built our own controlling electronics based on Planet-CNC’s USB controller. Its circuit is in public domain while the firmware is free but closed-source. Fully open source alternative is being developed by our team but now is still in a very early stage.
Version 0.1 is a working but not very stable, with problems from bearing fixing to spindle heat dissipation. We will continue improving it and release 0.x version and 1.0 version in the near future.

AnniRouter will be released under the Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Statement of Principles and Definition v1.0. This means everyone can access the CAD files and can customize them to make your own CNC router, AnniRouter = AnyRouter!

The board plan is available on

  1. Thingiverse
  2. AutoCAD WS (registration required)

Feel excited, confused (by my English) or just curious? Comment this post or use one of the following means to keep in contact with us!