COMPUTER CONTROLLED MACHINING

Computer-controlled machining, often referred to as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, is a manufacturing process that uses computer programs to control machine tools such as lathes, mills, routers, and grinders. This allows for precise and automated production of parts and components. This method works through the following steps;

  • Design: The part to be manufactured is first designed using Computer Aided Design software.
  • Programming: The design is then converted into a set of instructions, called G-Code, using Computer Aided Manufacture software. The G-Code contains detailed commands that tell the machine how to move, what speed to cut at, the type of tool to use, and the paths to follow.
  • Machining: The CNC machine reads the G-Code and automatically performs the required operations such as cutting, milling or drilling on the material to create a product.

    • GETTING STARTED

    1. DESIGN PROCESS

    I started off by using Solidworks to design a product to machine/cut. I chose flat pack furniture,which do not need any use of fittings and fixings. The furniture to cut is something that has to be useful in one of the laboratories where I work.

    PARTS CREATION

    I launced solidworks then created different parts of the furniture to cut. The pictures of creating parts are as follows; leg leg leg

    The final product looks like this:

    leg

    The parts were then saved as dxf files and opened into a CNC machine (router), VCarve to create g-codes that will be readable by the machine.

    leg

    Importing the dxf files and then nested them in the sheet to make sure the sheet is used efectively.

    leg

    Tool setup- I selected 6mm tool with 3 flutes for cutting my 16mm MDF board. The depth of each pass was set at 2.5mm. This was to enable clean cuts, without burns in the board and also to protect the cutting bit. After that I calculated the the toolpath, g-code where it will be read by the machine.

    leg

    The toolpath was then made and this is how like and its simulation.

    leg leg

    Exporting the toolpaths as G-code for the CNC router to read it.

    leg

    Saving the files as g-code.

    leg

    I could not fabricate or machine the parts because our CNC router is still down at the moment and also the newly bought one is still under commissioning

    leg leg

    FILES

    The files I have made can be downloaded below.