Computer-Controlled Machining

On this week assignment we had to design and cut something big usign a Computer-Controlled Machining, a task similar to the one we did on Week 3.

Safety equipment

On our group assignment we learn about the importance of having the right equipment to prevent any accident.

Safety glasses

To prevent debris from damaging your vision.

Lab. Coat

In here you will select what type of mill you want to make.

Safety boots

To protect your toes from falling heavy parts.

Noise headset

In some cases noise can get up to 70dbA near the machine.

Breathing mask

Operations can project fine dust.

No hanging accesories

We also learned things like, how to use the fire extinguisher and were are they aside from wher the school nursing is and what to do in extreme medic cases.

Designing

It was my first time designing something with big dimensions and this made me waste a lot of time cause I did not have an idea of the amount of material I was going to need (We had a 15mm MDF board, 2.4m x 1.22m). I spent some time searching for ideas in Pinterest and I ended up designing a little chair, similar to a puff, where I can also storage small things. It is a 2 pieces desing, where the first piece will be the whole body and the second piece will be the one who joins the structure.

The main idea of this design is to make it simple and intuitive so anyone can understand how to assemble it. Also the dimension are a bit small because I wantes to make it for kids.

Toolpath and Cutting

The software I used to create de G code was VCarve, I used this one because it generates you somethings called "Dog-bones". The tools of these kind of CNCs only create round holes when they cut making the edges rounded, that´s where the dog-bones come in to modify the edges to make assemblys tight and well asjusted.

Step #1

Open the software VCarve and create a new file. Then, on Job setup, modify the width, height, and thickness of your material.
Step #2

Import your files as vectors (select your dxf file)
Step #3

Add the fillets on the parts that will be used for assemby
Step #4

We also have to modify the tool parameters. Somethings I changed were the spindle speed and feed rate.
Step #5

Finally used the button "calculate" to see how the machine will perform.

Now that I have de G code it was time to cut, I used the Shop Pro 1325 Router CNC. First of all, place the mdf on the table and secure it with some clamps.