7. Computer-Controlled Machining

This week we explored computer-controlled cutting with the CNC machine. In our lab we have an Axiom Precision 8. The machine allows for cutting much thicker wood than the type we used in previous weeks with the lazer cutter. This machine can not only cut thicker cuts of wood, but can also perform decorative cuts, carvings and engraving.

Group Assignment

We attended the safety training for the CNC machine in groups. We were also able to explore test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds, feeds, materials, and toolpaths for your machine. In the picture below someone from our group is homing the machine to ensure that the machine will know which reference point to return to. The results of our exploration can be found here: Group Assignment

The Axiom CNC

The Machine uses a cutting bit that not only travels at different depths, it can also cut from the cutting bits sides as well, allowing for more precise cuts and more intricate designs. We also discussed saftety when using this machine as it can be very dangerous if one is not careful. Hair must be tied back or up and it isn't recommended to wear loose clothing or open toed shoes. When the machine is in operation both an exhaust fan and dust accumulator are enabled to keep the air in the room safe. Everyone in the room should wear ear plugs and protective eye coverings to be as safe as possible. The machine is equipped with a spoil board to capture cuts that go deeper than the target material. The would that we cut must be screwed down to the spoil board at the very edges to make sure that the sheets of plywood for instance, will not move while the cutter is in motion. The images for the pieces that will be cut are transfered by USB as SVG files to the machine simply by plugging the USB drive to the wired control board/remote. The other neat feature is the brush component that surrounds the cutting bit and is attached to a vacuum which minimizes saw dust and keeps the cutting surface clean. There is also a red button to be pressed in emergencies to shut down the machine.

Make Something Big Assignment!

I loved the idea of not using screws and fasteners for this process and I was super excited about the interlocking would pieces that could be hammered together with a wood mallet so I decided to make something that would employ that approach for my project this week. After examining in the wood I decided to make a set of nesting trays to be used as serviceware for guests. I love housewares but I've never made something that I can have on display but that would be functional as well. I first jotted down my idea in MS Whiteboard just to get my idea written down somewhere. I then drew the individual pieces on Fusion 360. Although this was much easier this time around as I am more familiar with the Fusion 360 interface, I am still finding that the learning curve for this software is quite steep for someone who does not know the digital side of design and drawing. I learned a few features that helped me assemble the pieces I had drawn. First I need to save each piece that I drew as its own component so that I could use the align function in Fusion 360 to bring multiple pieces together to form the tray. I also had to extrude the 2d shapes I had initially drawn to reflect the 0.48 inch thickness of the plywood I would be using. This was helpful because in order to correctly design how the pieces would interlock. In the sketch function I used the pattern function to drag a 1/2 inch cube across the bottom edges of each wooden piece. From there I could choose which cubes would be tongues and which would be grooves brought together to form each joint.