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8. Computer controlled machining

In this eighth week we develop the use and programming of the equipment called CNC Milling Machine, which allows the user to design parts with exact measurements in various types of wood.

For the use of the CNC milling machine, a program called Fusion 360, Next I will describe the use and purpose of the CNC Milling Machine

CNC MILLING MACHINE

  • What is a CNC milling machine? The industrial milling cutter CNC (Computerized Numerical Control), is a machine that allows automating the production of parts, in an efficient, safe and economic way. In a shorter period of time, a greater volume of parts is produced with a total guarantee of perfection. This milling machine allows the same process to be carried out an innumerable number of times without losing precision.

  • What is a CNC milling machine used for? The CNC milling machine arises to produce parts that have millimeter accuracy. Thanks to the Numerical Control by Computer, through a computer it will be possible to program the milling machine for different functions such as sanding, drawing or cutting, among others.

  • How is the CNC milling machine used? Thanks to some letter and symbol codes, the CNC industrial milling cutter can be controlled. Each piece to be manufactured is controlled under the instructions of a specific program, with which the milling machine will work to make the number of pieces required, all exactly the same. The program can be changed quickly to proceed to create another part model. With the CNC industrial milling cutter, medium production volumes are mainly undertaken, of simple and complex parts.

SAFETY TRAINING

Something we learned in class is that we must be very careful with this type of machine, because if we don’t take the necessary security measures, it can be deadly. Therefore, we are going to explain the necessary safety procedures and equipment, so that we can protect ourselves and be able to do the job correctly.

  • SAFETY EARS: It is a noise insulator to prevent damage to the inner ear, since the machine generates too much noise when working.

  • SAFETY GLASSES: Prevent residual material from reaching our sight. Flying sawdust, material shavings and other debris can cause serious eye injury.

  • SAFETY GLOVES: Avoid splintering of hands.

  • GRAPHIC SIGNS: On the ground there is a yellow line that delimits the machine, this indicates the limit that we must not exceed when the machine is running, to avoid possible accidents with the moving parts of the machine.

  • YELLOW BAR: This is a yellow bar that allows you to move the machine head without having to touch the moving part of the machine. Never place your hands on the ShopBot rails. Be aware that the machine can move unexpectedly in any direction, which could cause serious injury if your hands get in the way of movement.

  • NOISE INSULATION: The machine generates a noise of 87 decibels, this level of noise is harmful in prolonged exposure. It must be in isolated rooms in the laboratory to isolate noise as it is harmful to the operator.

  • EMERGENCY BUTTON: The machine has emergency buttons in the event of a jam and you must know the location of each one.

  • NUT WRENCH AND IGNITION KEY: The machine will only operate if the ignition key is in place and the key is used to change the bit. They are connected with a short cable, if you want to change the cutter, you will have to disconnect the key (because the cable is not that long), so you will avoid accidents because there is no way to turn on the machine without the ignition key.

  • CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES: Do not wear loose or baggy clothing as it may get caught in the machine. Short sleeves are recommended. Do not wear jewelry, such as necklaces or rings. It is preferable to wear short hair or if it is long it should not be loose but collected.

To work with the CNC cutter equipment, you need to connect it through a computer where you can program the milling machine for different functions such as sanding, drawing or cutting, among others.

For the adjustments of the designs and cutting we used the Fusion 360 Program which made it easier for us to carry out all the control of the CNC milling equipment.

Last update: April 15, 2023