Skip to content

8. Computer Controlled Machining

Before starting our group work we must take into account the following: With the CNC (computer numerical control) we can control the machining in our machining workshop through a program, automating the manufacturing processes of parts and minimizing human intervention. This CNC technology can be applied to a wide range of operations such as fabrication, assembly, inspection, as well as sheet metal work. Now we are going to start our work knowing our team for this activity.

THE SHOPBOT MACHINE

WHAT SOFTWARE DOES THE SHOPBOT CONTROL SYSTEM WORK WITH?

The ShopBot Control System Software is compatible with many software programs . Ifa you are primarily working in solids or blocks, already experienced with CAD, and/ or have still engineering background , consider starting with Fusion360 . _ Additional compatible software includes : AutoCAD • Rhino 3D • SketchUp • ArtCAM • Vector Art 3D • Cabinet Vision • EnRoute • KCD • MasterCAM • MillWizard • OneCNC • Shape 3D • Vector CAD CAM • Visualmill • CabinetParts Pro • DeskProto

OUR INSTRUCTOR RECOMMENDED US TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  • Never manually tamper with the machine or get in the way of its movement. The axes of the FOX CNC router have enough force to do damage.

  • Always keep the milling motor off until you start working. Use parameters (feed rate, motor revolutions per minute, penetration per pass, etc. ) suitable for each material and tool.

  • Possible effects of inappropriate parameters:

    • Breakage of strawberries and tools

    • encystments in the material

    • Overheating and burning in materials such as wood or plastic.

  • Prepare and review the programs well before sending them to the machine.

  • It is recommended to do a vacuum mill before placing the material for extra verification.

  • It is extremely important to have a good grip on the material to be milled at the base of the machine. If it is released in the middle of a job, the result will be wrong and can be dangerous.

STARTING OUR GROUP WORK

We start using AutoCAD design software that enables professional creation and editing of 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and objects. It is one of the most internationally recognized software due to the great variety of editing possibilities that can be found. In Auto CAD, the object is designed using editing tools such as lines, circles, move, cut and copy, after design, we export in DXF format for uploading to VCarve Pro V8.0 machine software .

Then we will use the VCarve Pro V8.0 software

It is a software that allows us to develop the parameters to export to the machine and to be able to execute the cutting process on the CNC machine. Before sending, the designed object is first selected to perform the parameters, simulated cutting, and then sent to do the work on the machine.

THE WORK CARRIED OUT WITH THE SHOPBOT BRAND CNC MACHINE

After using the VCarve Pro software.

The machine begins to calibrate by establishing the initial zero point in the X, Y and Z coordinates.

Once the coordinates are set and the machine is started, the program is activated and the CNC cutting process is carried out according to the elaborate design of a bench or chair. Our Problems entered into the work process was the following: When making the back cut, the machine stops and the zero point of the Z axis is calibrated,

The solution proposed after looking for the information is due to the fact that when cutting one of the pieces it comes off, once the problem is solved, the cutting work is carried out on the CNC machine and resulting in the pieces of the bench or chair and then disassembled for assembly.

In summary, it was an experience that was obtained was fabulous in the cuts that it makes with good pressure and an excellent finish.

TAKE SOME TIPS:

milling depth The milling depth is the distance (in the Z axis) that the mill penetrates with each pass.

When machining, it is recommended to follow the milling depths indicated below:

  • For NON-FERROUS METALS: Up to 0.05 times the diameter

  • WOOD and HARD PLASTICS: Up to 0.25 times the diameter

  • WOOD and SOFT PLASTICS: Up to 0.5 times the diameter

  • RIGID FOAM: Up to 0.6 times the diameter

The milling depth is conditioned by the milling motor and the structure and stability of the machine. A reduction of the values will be necessary in case of using a less powerful or less robust milling motor. To avoid vibration of the cutter when machining, it is recommended to hold the cutter as short as the milling operation allows, but as long as necessary. Always respect the cutting height of the chosen cutter. Evacuate the generated chips whenever possible and install, if possible, a suction system.
Last update: June 4, 2023