Week07 | Computer Controlled Machinining

Overview

This week focuses on computer-controlled machining using a CNC router.
The assignments are divided into group work and individual work.

For the group assignment, we performed safety training and evaluated the CNC machine available at the FabLab. The goal was to understand how the machine behaves during machining operations. Group assignment helped me understand how to properly prepare and operate the CNC machine.

For the individual assignment, I designed and manufactured a laptop stand using CNC machining.
The workflow included creating the 3D model, preparing the CAM toolpaths, and machining the parts from available material using the CNC router. After machining, the parts were assembled to form the final structure.

Individual Assignment

CAD Design and CAM Setup

My plan for individual assignment is to make a stand (table) for my laptop, but as it was less than 1000 mm × 1000 mm, then I changed the plan to making a table dinner:

create tabletop a circle with 1066 mm

then define the thickness of table same as material thickness available in the FabLab, I will define it using parameter because later I will need it for other parts extrude:

select the toptable sketch profile and extrude it using defined parameter:

Now the toptable is ready and it is on the ground (Z=0), I will move to proper height for example (800mm). Click the body and use shortcut M:

for legs of the table, create a project profile on the underside of the toptable, pressing P and create project profile:

Create a profile boundary for legs:

Offset one of the vertical line:

Create a line to make a profile for a leg:

Offset it:

again offset to move down the project line of the toptable:

The profile leg now is finish and just I need to clean up the unwanted cross up lines using Trim tool and using Mirror I will make the other legs, buts first I need a line as a mirror line:

Again I will use Trim to clean up the profile for leg and finish the sketch.

I will extrude by thickness of the material, in two direction:

This leg now is flat, but I need a kind of interlocking slots, create a new sketch on the infront of the leg profile:

Tab slot created:

Using copy to create another leg:

Make it new component and named it as a leg2 and rotate is 90 degree:

Now I have crossed two legs, I want to make a pocket inside the tabletop using combine tool:

Then I want to create slot interlock for legs:

Now the table and legs also ready, but I can not trust to its stability 😁. Lets make the legs, more strong and trustable:

First creating the profile for it:

And then extrude it by thickness of material and then extrude the both sides of it by 75 mm:

Similar as I did for slot interlocķ for the legs, I will do it for this extra holder and leg:

And use circulator pattern to create it for the rest of the legs:

Now, I am making interlock cutting:

Now, I will use Fillet to make sharp corner smoothing:

Now, this is model, before adding Dogbone feature:

I apply the dogbone to all 90 degree corner:

CNC preparation and setting

Then, it is time to go to Manufacture workspace and prepare the model for CNC machine:

Create new manufacture model, then right click on it and modify it. Do, create components from bodies for all bodies.

Then arrange the bodies. First select all the bodies and choose the plan (XY), check the length (X-axis) and width (Y-axis) dimensions for the machine: