Introduction to CNC
Introduction to CNC
Overview
Subtractive Fabrication and Axes of Operation
Notes
- A CNC machine utilises a fast-spinning router to cut away chips of material from a larger stock material which is held in place.
- CNC allows the user to create complex objects at a consistency unmatched by human hands. A high-powered router allows a large variety of materials to be processed at many different speeds.
- 3-axis - Ability to traverse X, Y & Z axes concurrently. Most CNC machines are 3-axis
2 & 3 Axis Milling Operations
Router Bit Variation
Notes
- At Fablab most of our 2-axis work is done with 4.76, 6.35 and 8mm flatmill downcutters. These measurements come in handy when you’re designing parts.
Overview Process of Digital to Physical
Geometry
Fablab Template Intro
Notes
- Download FabLab template from the website
- Model your stock using the _Box command
3 Axis Toolpath Geometry Creation
Notes
- _DupBorder will duplicate the outline of a surface
- _SetPt allows the explicit setting of any, all or a combination of the X,Y,Z coordinates of any geometry
2 Axis Toolpath Geometry Creation
Cutting File Finalisation & Tips
Notes
- _Purge removes unused layers and other file management techniques. It CANNOT be undone
Deriving toolpath geometry from a model
Notes
- _Move, V allows the user to move geometry along the Z axis
- _Make2d projects geometry to a chosen plane
- _DupBorder will duplicate the outline of a surface
- _SetPt allows the explicit setting of any, all or a combination of the X,Y,Z coordinates of any geometry
- _CurveBoolean - allows the trimming, splitting and joining of a series of curves
Resources
- Click here for the Dog-bone corner generator
Adding another sheet to the Fablab Template
Notes
- _Move, V allows the user to move geometry along the Z axis
- _SetPt allows the explicit setting of any, all or a combination of the X,Y,Z coordinates of any geometry
The FabLab Way
Geometry Restrictions
Notes
- A CNC machine utilises a fast-spinning router to cut away chips of material from a larger stock material which is held in place.
- CNC allows the user to create complex objects at a consistency unmatched by human hands. A high-powered router allows a large variety of materials to be processed at many different speeds.
- 3-axis - Ability to traverse X, Y & Z axes concurrently. Most CNC machines are 3-axis
Modifying Detail for CNC Machining Operations
Notes
- Thickness Analysis Tool - _ThicknessAnalysis
Modifying Detail for CNC Machining Operations Prototype
Notes
- Quick vertical line - _LineV
- Simple Boolean Operations - _BooleanUnion, _BooleanDifference