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Overview

This week, we will be using the giant CNC machine made by Shotbot, which is actually quite dangerous to use. It basically uses a spindle and a bit to cut wood by spinning it really fast. If you want to learn more about CNC machines, visit here.

The software that we will use to create our design is Fusion 360, which wie will import the design into the Aspire software as a .dxf file.

Here is the official assignment requirements:

 group assignment
  do your lab's safety training
  test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds, feeds, materials, and toolpaths for your machine

individual assignment
  make (design+mill+assemble) something big (~meter-scale)
  extra credit: don't use fasteners or glue
  extra credit: include curved surfaces

Here are some notes that we took:

  • The thickness of the plywood is 3/4 inches thick plywood.
  • There must always 2 people working on the machine at once.
  • We must use parametric design in our files.
  • Dimensions:
    • 96 inches by 48 inches.
  • Almost always single sided in the settings in Aspire, the software for controlling the vector files to work with the CNC machine.
  • Turn off Z-Zero unless you are engraving something.

  • When bringing in .svg files, the designs might shift a little. So, do not offset your design after you bring them in.

    • Set job setup first

  • When we want to change the vectors themselves, we have to go to edit objects.

  • Sometimes, we need to join the vectors in order to make sure that they are fully closed.
  • When making joints, use the dog bone joints:
    • It is an especially strong joint in that the dog bone joint could be pushed into each other and become quite solid.
  • CAM- toolpath operations set gcode that shopbot can read
  • Tell the program where to put the screws.
  • Different types of cuts:
    • Profile cut all the way through.
    • Pocket tool path removes material.
  • Don’t do ruffing tool path unless you are engraving.
  • Start depth is where the cut depth is calculated. Basically, material thickness, because the z is set to the bottom of the bed.

  • In the edit path tab, Don’t set cut depth pass too much or you will break the bit.

  • There is a lot of kerf for .5 inches.

  • To avoid cutting part of the board and letting it fly, we need to use tabs to clamp it down.

    • Add tabs to toolpath(Tabs are in the toolpath dropdown)
    • Do at least 3 tabs.
    • They are thin connection to the bottom piece of the wood where it is not completely cut.

  • PUT NAME AND VERSION (Be Specific) - no spaces

  • Make sure to have start depth at 0.
  • Make sure you Preview All Toolpaths and make sure you see your tabs.
  • Must have teacher’s approval.
  • Save as an Aspire file
Last update: December 27, 2023