8. Computer controlled machining¶
Hero Shot
Group Assignment¶
This week we were tasked to;
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Do our Lab’s safety training
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Test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds, feeds, materials, and toothpaths for our machine.
Here is a group assignment link
The group assignment link is again embedded below.
Individual Assignment¶
- Make (design + mill + assemble) something big (~meter-scale).
Extra Credit: dont use fasteners or glue.
Extra credit: include curved surfaces.
As per assignment request, to make something big, I decided to design some furniture in form of a Counter Stool.
Step 1: Modelisation.¶
Fusion 360.¶
I’m using fusion 360 for modeling my stool.
I started with the seat as you can see below
Then I proceeded with the leg.
After creating one leg you need to use mirror to create a second leg.
Then I added the dogbone.
Below is the stool will look like when finished.
Step 2: Using CAM work space¶
Then after, I switched from designing to Manufacturing (CAM).
Here we need to set parameters to enable us create the G-Code.
Creating a new setup:¶
Below I started with creating a new setup parameters.
Setup is a new impotrtant first step in starting your manufacturing process. It helps in defining the working model, stock size, fixtures and the work cordinate system.
Here we choose type of operation we want as well as different axes and click Ok.
2D Contour setup:¶
Next click on 2D contour from the 2Dpanel.
Here we create tool path based on 2D contour. You can can choose multiple roughing and finishing passes.
Selecting tool type:¶
From there we need to select the milling tool. So, go ahead click on select, and the new menu will pop-up where you can choose your milling tool and also set the parameters.
In my case I used 6mm bull nose end mill with 3 flutes.
Setting up parameters in the Geometry tab:¶
Then I continue to set parameters in the Geometry tab.
Here you need to select the objects to be cut and you can notice that red arrows points on the path after you select. I selected a closed chain contour.
Clearance Height:¶
Then we proceeded to set the parameters for clearance height.
Setting up parameters in the passes tab:¶
From there we move on to the Passes tab.
For me I used default parameters here.The only change is on multiple depth.
Setting the Linking parameters:¶
Then I finished with the linking tab.
Here I changed the safe distance to 5mm. The other parameters remained unchanged.
Below you can see we have generated a tool path.
Generating the G-Code:¶
To generate the G-Code, click on post processing.
From the the pop up menu select the output folder and click Ok. That’s it you have your G-code.
After post processing the G-Code, now I proceeded to cut using the big CNC.
Below the video shows the cutting process.
Then photos on the bench and after joining them together.
Files.¶
What went well/ what went wrong¶
This week almost everything went perfect. Actually, it was so fantastic to observe how the big CNC Machine cuts, it was so amazing. I have learnt a lot starting from designing up to machining. This is another unforgettable moment. I have learnt how to set parameters for the big CNC which is a big deal for me. I have never operated a big CNC before this is my first time. I had a lot of fun this week