MECHANICAL & MACHINE DESIGN
Designing and building a CNC machine from scratch
My Individual Contribution
CNC Cutting of MDF Parts
For this week's assignment, I was responsible for cutting the 15mm MDF parts using our lab's CNC router. These parts would form the structural framework of our CNC machine.
CNC Shop Pro 1325
The industrial CNC router used for cutting our machine parts, showing its large working area and precision cutting capabilities.
Cutting Process
The MDF material being precisely cut according to our design specifications, with proper dust extraction in place.
CNC Shop Pro 1325 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Working Area | 1220 x 2440 mm (or customizable area) |
| Z-Axis Working Area | 200 mm |
| Cutting Motor | Variable frequency spindle motor |
| Cutting Motor Power | 6 Hp (4.5 kW) - Max 24,000 rpm |
| Tool Change | Manual - ER25 Collet (5/8" max. shaft diameter) |
| Cooling | Water cooling, chiller included |
| Drive System | Rack and pinion (X/Y axes), ball screw (Z axis) with high-torque/precision servomotors |
| Real Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.15 mm |
| Max Head Travel Speed | 35,000 mm/min |
| Material Clamping System | Clamps (included) / Optional Pressure Rollers and/or Vacuum Pump |
| Vacuum Pump | Optional (10 Hp turbine type) |
| Dust Collector | Included 2 Hp (dual bag) |
| Software | V-Carve Pro* original license for 2D + 3D design, compatible with DXF, DWG, EPS, AI, and other formats |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 800 kg |
| Electrical Requirements | 220V / 2 phases / 20 amps |
| Standard Warranty | 2 years / 1 year on accessories |
| Warranty Extension | Available (up to an additional 3 years) |
The CNC Shop Pro 1325 is a robust and powerful machine with industrial capacity. With a 6 Hp spindle motor capable of reaching up to 24,000 RPM, it offers a maximum cutting speed of 35,000 mm/min and an accuracy of +/- 0.15 mm, allowing detailed and vibration-free results.
Design Files
I worked with the G-code files provided by my colleague Rául to cut the structural components of our CNC machine.
Assembly Process
After cutting all the MDF parts, I assembled them using white glue for strong, stable joints. The precision of the cuts ensured a perfect fit.
Finishing Touches
I made adjustments to hide protruding screws, disassembling and rebuilding parts to achieve a clean, professional appearance.
Material Selection: MDF
| Material | Advantages | Recommended Adhesive |
|---|---|---|
| MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) | Smooth surface, easy to work with, good adhesion, consistent density, cost-effective | PVA (white glue), Wood glue, Polyurethane glue |
MDF was chosen for its excellent machinability, stability, and affordability. The uniform density allows for precise cuts and smooth surfaces, while the material's stability reduces warping over time.
Bearing Benefits in CNC Design
Precision Movement
Bearings ensure smooth, accurate motion along all axes, critical for CNC precision.
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Reduced Friction
Bearings minimize friction between moving parts, allowing smooth movement of the Dremel head. -
Precision Movement
Maintains stable trajectory of the cutting head, essential for quality results. -
Machine Durability
Reduces wear on components, extending the machine's operational life. -
Load Support
Supports the weight of the cutting head during movement and operation. -
Reduced Vibration
Absorbs vibrations during cutting, improving surface quality and accuracy.
Presentation Design in Canva
I created a professional presentation for our CNC machine using Canva, highlighting its features and capabilities.
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Canva's intuitive interface and rich template library allowed me to create a visually appealing presentation quickly. The platform's real-time collaboration features were particularly useful for gathering input from team members.
Final Results
Our CNC Machine in Action
The completed CNC machine performing a test cut, demonstrating its precision and functionality.
