Learn CNC Basics

important CNC feature can be applied in at least two ways. For example, program zero can be assigned in the program or through some form of offset. Tool length compensation offsets can be specified as the tool's length or the distance from the tool tip to program zero in Z. Cutter radius compensation offsets can be specified as the cutter radius or the deviation from the planned cutter size. And many CNC words can be specified with or without a decimal point. Additionally, there are those CNC features that have been developed for a niche market. Conversational CNC controls that are programmed on the shop floor make it easy to develop programs when programming must be done during setup. Tool length measuring probes are designed to measure tool lengths during setup for those applications when...

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Learn About CNC

Little Did I know… There was a steep learning curve with CNC. Building a frame for the machine is only a small part of the project. Today it is much easier. The software, components and suppliers are better. There is an entire cottage industry that has sprung up around CNC to support it. Some of the best people in the world make their livings servicing CNC Hobbyist needs. For some reason I figured if I just build this machine it would spit out parts whenever I wanted it to. Simple, Simple, Simple ran through my head. Over time, I started to get it. I didn't have a teacher, but I started to learn the ins and out of what I was doing. Other things I had to learn along the way: CAD Software Designing Parts CAM Software Preparing parts for machining Simulating Machining...

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Computer Aided Design by Solidworks

Solidworks is the main 3D CAD software used by our lab. It is mainly used in mechanical design and is the most popular CAD software on the market. Three main file types are used in Solidworks; Part files, Assembly files and Drawing files. Part files are a 3D representation of a single component. Assembly files are a 3D arrangement of Parts or other Assemblies. Drawing files are 2D engineering drawings of Parts, Assemblies or custom drawings. Solidworks also comes with some free analysis software, listed below. 1. COSMOSXpress is a limited static FEA solver that can be used on single part files. The full featured version is COSMOS. 2. COSMOSFloXpress is a limited computation flow dynamics (CFD) solver. The full featured version is COSMOSFloWorks. 3. DFMXpress is a design for manufacturing...

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G-CODE PROGRAMMING CNC

Almost all CNC machine are controlled by a common programming language called G-code. Even though this standard language exists, not all machines can perform every G-code command. The list of G-code commands that our machine is capable of performing is located on the CNCMill wiki page. For simple parts it is not hard to manually write all of the G-code, but for complex parts, the number of lines of G-code can be in the millions. Fortunately, computer aid manufacturing (CAM) software can generate G-code based on a drawing or solid model eliminating the need to write the G-code manually. But, to further your understanding of CNC machining,...

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Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) LazyCAM

LazyCAM Links to video tutorials for this software are located on the CNCMill wiki page. The only file type that can be imported into LazyCAM is a DXF file. Even if a drawing program is able to generate DXF files, it might not import properly into LazyCAM. For example, DXF files made with CorelDraw 12 will not import circular features into LazyCAM. The lines of a DXF file are interpreted as the toolpaths the CNC machine will follow. This means that the diameter of the tool should be know before starting on your DXF toolpath drawing MeshCAM MeshCAM has the ability to generate true 3D toolpaths from CAD files. It is fairly easy to use, but does not give as much control over the toolpaths as LazyCAM. If this program is used, please do a dry run to insure the toolpaths are what you intended....

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CNC Foam Cutter

The CNC Foam Cutter consists of an electrically heated wirer that cuts (melts) through Expanded Polystyrene (EPS, XPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), Expanded Polyethylene (EPE), and Semi-rigid polyethylene foam (XPE). The wire is guided by two XZ computer controlled traverses at each end of the wire. Any 3D object that can be defined by straight lines can be cut out. This includes rectangular, tapered and swept win...

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How To Work With CNC Equiment

A CNC machine is used in woodworking shops and some other industrial settings. They are very expensive, so most individuals do not buy them, although used ones can be obtained more cheaply. They are important for speed and accuracy in large, repetitive tasks.There are many uses in industry for CNC machines. Routers drill holes, for example. Many CNC machines can perform a number of tasks at once, improving efficiency in the manufacturing process.The technology behind these machines is Computer Numerated Control. This technology was developed in the seventies and it allows for a machine to be programmed in advance so the operations are set up to work almost automatically. The initial setup is a little complicated, but once that is done the machine is easy to operate.A CNC router would be programmed...

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