Week 7: Computer Controlled Machine
March 7, 2024
Computer Controlled Machine
This week passed with design, milling, and assembly activities. I designed a Cricut table and created this design in Fusion 360. I had the opportunity to experiment with different speeds and cutting tools, test various materials, and learn about the operating principles of the CNC machine in a very lively environment.
Group Assigment Page
This week’s group assignment
Cricut Desk
My project was designed to meet the needs of the Idealab Fablab and to develop our own ecosystem. I decided to design a special stand for two Cricut 3 devices. I aimed to produce our own furniture with this stand and I hope it will enhance the functionality of our Fablab environment.
Fusion 360 Design
Simulation and preparing for CNC
simulation onemli ona gore yapiliyor
CNC Machine Specifications and Tooling
During this week’s project, I operated our CNC machine to create a functional Cricut table. Here are the technical specifics of the tools and materials I worked with:
Machine Capabilities:
- Working Area: 1000mm x 1900mm
- Spindle: Variable speed capable of up to 20,000 RPM
Materials Used:
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): 10mm thickness
- Plywood: Used for its strength and durability in furniture
Tool Details:
- End Mill: 4mm diameter, suitable for detailed cuts in MDF and plywood
- Cutting Parameters for MDF:
- Spindle Speed: 18,000 RPM
- Feed Rate: 15 inches per minute
- Plunge Rate: 5 inches per minute
- Pass Depth: 5mm for a clean cut without overloading the tool
- Cutting Parameters for Plywood:
- Similar to MDF, adjustments made based on the density and grain of the plywood
Software Used for Design and CAM:
- Design: Created in Autodesk Fusion 360, leveraging its powerful CAD environment to model the Cricut table.
- Toolpath Generation: Utilized Fusion 360’s CAM capabilities to plan and simulate the milling process.
- Control Software: Mach3 was used to interface with the CNC machine, converting the G-code generated from Fusion 360 into precise movements on the machine.
Through a series of trials, I was able to fine-tune these parameters to achieve the best cut quality while ensuring the longevity of the cutting tools and the safety of the operation.
Challenges and Solutions
Encountered Issues:
During the cutting process, I faced several challenges that required immediate attention and adaptation. The most notable issue was a miscalculation of the spindle speed for the material being cut, which resulted in the unfortunate breaking of a mill.
Learning from Mistakes:
- Miscalculation of Spindle Speed: In an oversight, I set the spindle speed higher than recommended for the thickness and type of material being processed. This misjudgment led to excessive force on the mill, causing it to break. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of double-checking all machining parameters before beginning the cutting process.
Corrective Actions:
To prevent similar incidents in the future, I have implemented a checklist that includes a review of all critical parameters, such as spindle speed, feed rate, and material compatibility. Additionally, I now perform a small test cut on a scrap piece of material to ensure that the settings are appropriate before proceeding with the actual project.
This experience, although unfortunate, has significantly contributed to my understanding and respect for the precision required in CNC machining. It has reinforced the necessity of meticulous preparation and constant vigilance during the machining process.
