COMPUTER CONTROLLED MACHINING

Introduction to CNC Machining

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing method that uses pre-programmed software to control tool movements and speeds. There are various variants of CNC, such as milling machines, drills, water cutters, among others.

This procedure is based on the G or M code, which includes the instructions and parameters for the tools. First, a design is created in CAD, and then the code is generated using a postprocessor.

This week my teachers taught us how to use the CNC router and the software to generate tbones and dogbones.

Safety First

The CNC router is a fairly efficient tool, but it is also quite risky, so it can cause serious accidents and it is necessary to know how to prevent all these risks.

To prevent any accident it is necessary to use safety equipment:

CNC Machine Specifications

For this assignment we will use the Asia Robotica SHOP 1325 machine.

Asia Robotica SHOP 1325 CNC Machine

Machine in operation

Compatible Materials

The CNC router can work with a variety of materials, including:

My Design: A Custom Desk

First I thought it would be cool for this week to make a desk because we are working on 15mm MDF. I made my sketch in Fusion 360 so I could have an idea of what I wanted to do.

Desk Design Sketch

Desk Design Preview

Design Process in Fusion 360

1 Creating the Base Sketch

To start designing I created a new sketch in Fusion 360 and chose the plane where I wanted to work.

Creating new sketch

Selecting plane

2 Drawing Rectangles

I clicked on the top part of the program which is called sketch, then on the option to create a rectangle and gave it specific measurements.

Rectangle tool

Setting dimensions

Rectangle created

3 Creating Patterns

To create a pattern using a rectangle, I first clicked on the 'rectangle' option in the toolbar. Then, with the rectangle selected, I dragged it to create a series of repetitions until I reached the measurement of the original rectangle.

Creating pattern

Pattern result

VCARVE Processing

In order to cut our MDF, we opened the VCARVE program to generate dogbones and tbones which will be used to assemble each component.

1 Importing the Design

We opened our file made with the option on the right side of the toolbar.

VCARVE interface

Import options

2 Setting Up Measurements

I created an appointment to know exactly how much space to leave when cutting and thus be able to correctly size my other pieces.

Measurement setup

Dimension settings

CNC Machining Process

1 Tool Setup

I changed the tool to the V-bit 60deg 6mm for optimal cutting performance.

6mm V-bit tool

Helpful Resources

• How to make a desk
• How to make a technical drawing of your desk