5. Large format CNC¶
This Weeks’ Task:
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Group assignment Test runout, alignment, speeds, feeds, and toolpaths for your machine Document your work (in a group or individually)
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Individual project Make (design+mill+assemble) something big
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WHAT IS CNC?¶
The term CNC stands for ‘computer numerical control’ which essentially is the use pre-programmed software and code controls the movement of production equipment. CNC machining controls a range of complex machinery, such as grinders, lathes, and turning mills, all of which are used to cut, shape, and create different parts and prototypes. In short, CNC machining is a metal fabrication method where written code controls the machinery in the manufacturing process. The code determines everything from the movement of the cutting head and the part to spindle speed, RPMs, etc.
CNC TOOLS¶
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GROUP ASSIGNMENT¶
After understanding the basics and how the CNC machine works, we started to do a test runout and try different speeds, feeds and toolpaths..
Firstly, we created a simple design using a CAD software which we learned how to use the previous week and started to try out different elements to see our options.
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INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT¶
So for the individual assignment , I designed a stool that can be used as a chair and a table using Fusion360, and here’s how it went....
DOWNLOADABLE FILES¶
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GENERATING G-CODE ON V CARVE PRO¶
What is G-code?
G-code is a programming language for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, it stands for “Geometric Code” ,this is the language used to tell a machine what to do or how to do a thing . The G-code commands instruct the machine where to move, how fast to move and what path to follow.
What is V carve pro?
VCarve Pro provides a powerful but intuitive software solution for creating and cutting parts on a CNC Router. VCarve Pro gives you the power to produce complex 2D patterns with profile, pocket, drill and inlay toolpaths, plus gives you the ability to create designs with v-carving textures as well as import and machine unlimited Vectric 3D clipart or single model files. The ‘Pro’ edition gives you unlimited job and toolpath size, true shape nesting & job set-up sheets, ideally suited to a production environment.
This pictures below documents my work using V carve.
Firstly, I imported the file to V carve
Next, I selected all of the bodies and chose the alignment tools option
Then we’re going to use the dog bone by clicking on create fillets option and entering the tool radius
And add the dog bone in sharp edges
Next we’re going to to resize the height and width using the Job setup option
Now we inserted Tabs to ensure that the machine does not move around and possibly end up moving against the cutter.
ALL WARNINGS MUST BE READ CAREFULLY
Here in the pocket toolpath option, We inserted the start depth, cut depth and the amount of passes
This is the preview of the design using the “preview toolpath” option.
Now we save our file in the formats accepted by the cnc machine
Next change the ‘feeds and speeds’ accordingly
Then click on ‘switch to toolpaths tab’
And this should appear!!
MACHINE CONTROLS
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PRACTICAL¶
ON AND OFF SWTITCH
EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON
RESET,START AND EMERGENCY STOP BUTTONS
DUST COLLECTOR
REMOVING THE PARTS*
SANDING THE ROUGH EDGES
FINISHING TOUCHES
HERO SHOT¶
And as we can see, it came out perfect!!