6. Large format CNC (computer controlled Machining)¶
This week I worked on creating large objects by using the CNC machine.
Introduction¶
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software commands the movement of factory tools and machinery. The process can be used to control a range of complex machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and CNC routers. With CNC machining, three-dimensional cutting tasks can be accomplished in a single set of prompts. CNC Mills, Lathes, Plasma Cutters, Electric Discharge Machines and Water Jet Cutters.
Some of the settings for the CNC machine are:
Spindle Speed – rotational speed of the cutting tool in revolutions per min Feed Rate – Surface speed at the center of the rotating tool Step down – the distance in the z direction per pass that a cutting tool is plunged into the material Step over – the maximum distance in the x/y direction that a cutting tool will engage with uncut material
In this assignment we used shopbot CNC machine
It has Cutting/Movement Area of 105” x 49” x 8” and accept File Types of .EPS, .SVG, .DXF, .DWG and STL.
Group Assignment¶
In this grroup assignment we learned what is a CNC machine and how it operates, What are the safety requirements that have to be taken while using the machine, Also we tested different Feed rates and rotation speeds for wood.
More Information are available in ayman yunespage.
Individual Assignment¶
In the Indivisual assignment we were tasked to make a big scale kids game using the CNC machine. I got the inspiration for my project from this pinterest Page.
I used Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) in this project which is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres.
Designning wooden board maze game¶
First, I started with creating the four stands for the rope
Make the joints part
Create a hole to insert the rope
Duplicate the design to four
Second, Create a square shape for the first base
Fillet the corners
Make square cavity for fitting the stand
Use the mirror feature to repeate it in the four corners
After that insert a square for the second base
Fillet the corners
Create concentric circiles with gaps of 1 cm for the blocks and 2 cm for the space
Make for circles for binding the ropes
Create links and gaps in the circles to make the maze
The full design
Click here to download the CAD file of the design
Click here to download the DXF file of the design
Setting up the machine¶
Download VCarve pro software from vectric Site
Open new page and make the settings for the machine
Click on create fillets
Choose the dog bone fillet this is because the needle can not cut the corners
Click on pocket toolpath to grave the maze path
Set the parameters for the cutting tool
Preview the toolpath
Later, click on profile toolpath to cut the boarders and inside details
Add tabs to fix the design in place
Finished the settings for the CNC
Preview the movement of the drilling tool
The CNC machine cutting the board game
After finishing the drilling
The parts were later cleaned with sand papers to get smooth finishings
Assemble all the cutt wooden parts with hammers and connect the ropes by inserting them in the holes
A video of the game
Difficulties¶
Getting the cut peices scraped and assymbled was a bit hard for me to get it done by myself so I asked for help from my colleague Islam.