7. Computer controlled machining

Introduction

For my individual assignment, I decided to design and manufacture a large finger joint box using Fusion 360. The box will be made out of wood and will measure around a meter in size. In addition, I plan to add two brackets on the top of the box to hold the lid in place.

To manufacture this box, I plan to use a CNC machine to mill and cut the pieces precisely. This will ensure that the joints fit perfectly and that the overall structure is strong and sturdy. With the help of Fusion 360, I will be able to design the box and its components with accuracy and precision.

In the following sections, I will explain in detail the design process of the finger joint box and the brackets, as well as the manufacturing process using a CNC machine.

Design

1. The first step in the design process was to create the bottom plate of the box using finger joints. I used the joint tool in Fusion 360 to create the joints, ensuring that they fit together tightly to create a strong structure.

   

2. Next, I designed the front plate of the box and combined it with the bottom plate. To create the rear plate, I mirrored the front plate using the mid-plane feature in Fusion 360.

   

3. I repeated this process for the side plates, designing them with finger joints that fit into the joints on the bottom and front plates. This created a sturdy and well-fitting box structure.

   

4. To hold the bottom plate of the box in place and prevent it from moving, I designed brackets on the pockets that will attach to the top of the box. These pockets were precisely placed to fit the shape of the box and provide a secure hold.

   

5. To ensure that the brackets stay in place, I added drill holes to the brackets. These holes allow for screws to be inserted, securing the brackets in place and preventing them from moving.

   

Later i realised that finger-joints fit together, but to ensure that it has a strong structre i used glue. I should also mention that I used the dogbones-forms.

Manufacturing Process:

1. I arranged the panels on a plane and defined the coordinate system to ensure that the raw material was positioned correctly. This step was crucial in ensuring that the parts were manufactured to the correct size and shape.

   

2. Next, I used a 2D-contour tool to drill the first set of holes on the brackets for the screws. This step ensured that the brackets were prepared for attachment to the box.

   

3. I used a 2D-contour tool to cut the contours of each plane. This step involved carefully cutting around the outer edges of each part to ensure that they were shaped correctly.

   

4. Finally, I used a 2D-contour tool to cut the pockets' contours. This step involved carefully cutting out the pockets on the brackets that would hold the bottom plate of the box in place. These pockets were precisely placed to ensure that the bottom plate would fit securely.

   

The use of precise 2D-contour tools was essential in ensuring that each part of the box was manufactured to the correct size and shape. The careful drilling of the screw holes and cutting of the pockets also ensured that the box would be sturdy and well-constructed.