Group assignment:
Complete your lab's safety training
Test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds, feeds, materials and toolpaths for your machine
Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned
Individual project
Make (design+mill+assemble) something big
Computer controlled machining
Computer-controlled machining, also known as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, is a manufacturing process that uses
computer software to control machine tools. CNC machines are used to create precise parts from a variety of materials.
How CNC machining works
A CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) file is created.
The CAD file is loaded into the CNC machine's memory.
The machine follows the instructions in the file to cut, mill, or drill the material.
Benefits of CNC machining
Precision: CNC machines can create parts with high accuracy.
Speed: CNC machines can work at high speeds.
Versatility: CNC machines can work with a variety of materials, including metals, wood, and stone.
Efficiency: CNC machines are efficient and can perform complex operations.
1. Design
PLan
wooden interlocking book stand design:
Specifications
Total height: 3 feet (36 inches)
Base rack dimensions: 3 feet (width) × 2 feet (height)
One partition at 1-foot height, creating two sections.
Second rack dimensions: 3 feet (width) × 2 feet (height)
Two partitions at 1-foot height, creating three sections.
Interlocking design for easy assembly without screws/nails.
Material & Tools
Material: Plywood or hardwood (
Machinery: 3D Wood Carving Machine,
Tools: measuring tape, clamps, sandpaper, etc.
Step-by-Step Build Plan
1. Cutting the Panels
Base & Side Panels
(2) Side Panels: 2 ft × 3 ft
(2) Base Panels: 3 ft × 1 ft (one for each rack)
Partitions & Shelves
(1) Partition for Base Rack: 3 ft × 1 ft
(2) Partitions for Upper Rack: 3 ft × 1 ft
(2) Shelves: 3 ft × 1 ft (for the racks)
2. Creating Interlocking Slots
Cut slots based on the design:
Partitions: Matching slots to fit shelves
Shelves: Slots for partitions
3. Assembly
Insert base shelf into the side panels.
Slide the center partition into the base shelf.
Repeat for the upper rack, inserting two partitions.
Ensure all parts fit snugly. Sand edges for smoothness.
4. Finishing Touches
Sand where it is nessecery.
Blender 3d Design
Creating a rough 3D model of your interlocking book stand in Blender involves simple modeling techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Set Up Blender
Open Blender and delete the default cube (X → Delete).
Switch to Metric Units:
Go to Scene Properties (right panel, looks like a cone) → Units → Set to Metric.Step 2: Create the Side Panels
Add a Cube: Shift + A → Mesh → Cube.
Resize to 3ft × 2ft (91.44cm × 60.96cm):
S (Scale) → X → Type 91.44 → Enter
S → Z → Type 60.96 → Enter
Move it to one side:
G (Grab) → X → Type -45.72 (half of 91.44) → Enter.
Duplicate the Side Panel:
Select the panel → Shift + D → Move it to the opposite side (X → 91.44).
Step 2: Create the Side Panels
Add a Cube: Shift + A → Mesh → Cube.
Resize to 3ft × 2ft (91.44cm × 60.96cm):
S (Scale) → X → Type 91.44 → Enter
S → Z → Type 60.96 → Enter
Move it to one side:
G (Grab) → X → Type -45.72 (half of 91.44) → Enter.
Duplicate the Side Panel:
Select the panel → Shift + D → Move it to the opposite side (X → 91.44).
tep 3: Create the Shelves
Add another Cube for the base shelf.
Scale it to:
3ft (91.44cm) wide
1ft (30.48cm) deep
1.5cm thick
Position it at the bottom:
G → Z → 1.5 (to keep it above the ground).
Duplicate the Shelf for the second level**:
Move it up to 1ft height (G → Z → 30.48).
Duplicate another shelf for the top level**:
Move it to 2ft height (G → Z → 60.96).
Step 4: Add the Partitions
Create a Partition Panel:
Add a cube and scale it to 3ft (91.44cm) wide × 1ft (30.48cm) height × 1.5cm thick.
Place it at 1ft height in the first rack.
Duplicate the partition and place two at 1ft height each in the second rack.
Step 5: Create Interlocking Slots (Optional)
Use Boolean Modifier:
Select a shelf → Go to Modifiers tab → Add Boolean Modifier.
Select Difference and choose a cube (slot shape) as the target.
Apply the modifier and delete the slot shape.
Step 6: Final Touches
Add Materials (Shading Tab) for a wooden look.
Use Edge Bevel (Ctrl + B) for smooth edges.
Render (F12) for visualization.
Creating the wooden interlocking book stand in ArtCAM involves the following steps:
Step 1: Setting Up the Project
Open ArtCAM and create a new project.
Set the material dimensions:
Width = 3 feet (914.4 mm)
Height = 2 feet (609.6 mm)
Thickness = 18 mm (adjust as per your plywood thickness).
Step 2: Creating the 2D Design
1. Draw the Side Panels
Select Rectangle Tool (R shortcut).
Set dimensions: 914.4 mm × 609.6 mm.
Draw two identical side panels.
2. Draw the Shelves
Use the Rectangle Tool again.
Dimensions:
Width: 914.4 mm
Depth: 304.8 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
3. Draw the Partitions
Draw rectangles for the 1-foot height partitions in the base and second rack.
Dimensions: 914.4 mm × 304.8 mm.
Step 3: Adding Interlocking Slots
Use Draw Rectangle (R key) to create slots on the side panels and shelves.
The slots should be:
Width: Material Thickness (e.g., 18 mm)
Length: Half the height of the partition (e.g., 152.4 mm for 1-foot partitions).
Align the slots in the correct positions.
Use the Node Editing Tool to refine slot edges.
Step 4: Toolpath Creation
1. Profile Toolpath for Cutting
Select all outer shapes (side panels, shelves, partitions).
Open Toolpath Tab → Select Profile Toolpath.
Choose Cut Outside option.
Select tool: End Mill (e.g., 6mm or 10mm diameter bit).
Set depth: Material thickness (e.g., 18mm).
Add Tabs (small bridges) to prevent parts from shifting during cutting.
Calculate and Preview the toolpath.
2. Pocket Toolpath for Interlocking Slots
Select slots in the side panels and shelves.
Open Toolpath Tab → Select Pocket Toolpath.
Depth: 18 mm (full depth of the material).
Choose End Mill (e.g., 6mm or 10mm).
Calculate & Preview.
Step 5: Simulation and G-Code Export
Simulate the toolpaths to verify cuts.
Save the toolpaths as G-code for your CNC machine.
Transfer the G-code to your CNC machine and start cutting.
Final Steps
Assemble the interlocking book stand without screws.
Sand the edges for a smooth finish.
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