7. Computer Controlled Machining¶

Introduction to Computer Controlled Machining Week¶

Welcome to Week 7: Computer Controlled Machining! This week, we delve into the fascinating realm of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, exploring the process of transforming digital designs into physical objects with precision and accuracy. Through hands-on learning and experimentation, we’ll uncover the principles of CNC machining, mastering techniques to operate CNC machines and fabricate intricate parts.

From understanding the fundamentals of toolpaths and feeds and speeds to mastering CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software for generating machining instructions, we’ll acquire the skills necessary to bring our digital designs to life in the form of machined prototypes and products.

Join us as me to embark on a journey of discovery, unlocking the capabilities of computer-controlled machining and embracing the endless possibilities it offers for innovation and creativity in our projects.

The group work for this week about the safety instructions is on Himanshi jains page Himanshi Jain webpage

CAD file for Fusion¶

For this week we had make something big for our assignment, And I started thinking what can I make that is something big and I can use daily.Started with making some Ideation sketches.

I finally came up to a decision to make a table which is portable and we can assemble and disassemble whenever we want to and started sketching out basic stucture of how it would be and what the basic measurements for the table would be.

Next I one by one started making the 3D file for the table with the slots so that the table can be dismantled and joined whenever we want. This is how the 3D model with all the joints looks like.

I made a small animation as well to show how all the parts are going to come together in order to make the hole table. Below is the animation.

Learning how to make toolpath on Fusion 360¶

While making the g code for the 3D file that you have made in your fusion file you need to figure out how many parts will there be that need to be cut out individually, After you know the parts you need to cut individually we need to place then flat where the z axis is at 0. as shown in the above image.

The next step is to go to the new setup and create a new setup for cutting.

Once you select the new setup a panel on the right side appears where it will ask to select which type of machine do we use. So as we have Generic 3 axis machine in our lab I selected the same one as shown above in the image.

After the machine selection is done we select the parts that need to be cut out in the models section we one by one select all the parts and then ok now the setup is ready, as shown above.

Now once the setup is ready the next step is to go to the 2D contour option from the top panel.

Here we select the tool for our CNC cut that is going to be installed while cutting. First, we assess the material thickness. If it is 5 mm thick, we use a tool that is approximately 35-40 mm long, considering safety, with the tool itself being 30 mm long. For 2D contouring, we employ a flatmill tool. The shaft diameter refers to the part of the tool without flutes, which fits inside the machine. The flute length can be 20 mm, and the shoulder height, which is the height from the base of the flute to its end, is typically around 25 mm. The length below the tool holder is 30 mm, just some basic things to consider before selecting the tool. We used the 6mm flat endmill with a flute length of 20 mm and an overall length of 63 mm.

These are the final settings which should be there on the right side panel of in 2D contour.

Then we go on to select the faces in the 2D contour and select all the faces of the parts we need to cut. as shown in the image.

In the stock secton make sure the offset is from the bottom of the stock and it is kept 0.

Next we go on to select the multiple depths for the toolpath. This basically works as the layer height in 3D printing but 3D printing is additive while CNC milling is subtractive.

And now it done! you can see the simulation of the gcode if the tool is getting heated up at some point or any other things you want to see!

Slot test¶

Befor I actuallt had cut the whole file, I did a slot test to see if the clearence I had given in my file was enough for the slot to snap in perfectly.