8. Computer controlled machining

Goal(s):

  • Group assignment

  • Test runout, alignment, speeds, feeds, and toolpaths for your machine

  • Individual assignment

  • Make (design + mill + assemble) something big

Introduction

This week we have to design something big using 2D or 3D design softwars and process it using the CNC Router Machine. As there was a recent customer who was looking to get a custom DJ stand built for him duringthis time, I decided to go ahead and docuemnt this job as we went forward in the training. I identified Google Sketchup Make 2017 as the best 2D and 3D software for making this project come to life.

Sketch and Design

Goal: A simple common stand for all audio and electronic sound mixing equipment that should also be capple fo dismantling for easy transportation

  • The final model taken for converting into a Corel Draw Design for cutting.

  • Corel Draw design

  • ArtCAM was used for the final conversion to Gcode to get it cut out.

The steps taken to conver the file to Gcode are detailed below.

Due to the Size limitations of the CNC Router used at our Lab, the bed size is only 600x600mm, the final design was taken to a partner location for cutting on a large format CNC Router (4 feet by 8 feet). The specs of the machine are given below.

Excitech Operation

Excitech CNC Router (China) - 4x8 feet

Italian Spindle for Routing

RPM: 18000

Runout: None

Alignment: Perfect

Speeds: 300 mm/sec

Feedrate: Cutting Feedrate - 30 mm/sec Pocket Feedrate - 100 mm/sec

Using ArtCAM, the final design was converted to Gcode and cut on the machine.

The model was cut on the 4x8 large format CNC Machine

Final Object image is presented here

Material used for this project: 15mm Brown MDF Board Software used for the project: Delcam ArtCAM (old version before Autodesk purchased them)

Learning

This assignement was not much challenging as we regularly do such projects involving the CNC router and Laser cutter. As there is a great variation from machine to machine in the steps and documentation, we will be getting our own 4x8 cutter soon as we expand to an industrial location.

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