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Computer-Controlled Machining

In this assignment I explored the workflow of computer-controlled machining. The goal was to design a structure digitally and manufacture it using a CNC milling machine.

During the project I used several software tools for design, vector editing, toolpath preparation, and machine control.

Main software used:

  • Autodesk Inventor – CAD modeling
  • CorelDRAW – vector editing
  • ArtCAM – toolpath generation
  • NC Studio – CNC machine control

Initial Idea

At the beginning I tried to create a full 3D model using Autodesk Inventor. I made two versions of the model, testing different design approaches.

However, later I realized that for CNC machining the most important element is the 2D sketch. The CNC machine mainly follows vector paths rather than full 3D geometry.

Because of this, I simplified the workflow and focused on accurate 2D sketches that could be exported in DXF format.

Designing the Model

I designed the structure in Autodesk Inventor and created a parametric sketch. The model was divided into several parts that later would be cut from sheet material.

During the design process I:

  • adjusted dimensions multiple times
  • modified connection joints
  • tested different shapes
  • optimized the structure for easier machining

Working with parametric sketches allowed me to quickly change dimensions and update the entire model.

Model Dimensions

The final dimensions of the structure are:

Length: 900 mm

Width: 385 mm

Height: 762 mm

These dimensions were selected to create a stable and functional structure while still fitting within the working area of a typical CNC milling machine.

Large CNC routers are capable of machining panels of this size with high precision, making them suitable for furniture prototypes and structural assemblies.

Material

The material used for this project is Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).

MDF is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers combined with resin and compressed under high pressure and temperature. The result is a dense, smooth, and uniform board material.

MDF is commonly used in CNC machining and digital fabrication projects because of its consistent internal structure and smooth surface.

Exporting the Geometry

After completing the design, I exported the sketch using the DXF format.

DXF is commonly used for transferring vector geometry between CAD and CAM software. It stores lines, curves, and coordinate information that CNC machines can interpret.

However, exporting geometry between different software can sometimes cause issues such as:

  • broken vectors
  • duplicated lines
  • open curves

Because of this, additional vector editing was required.

Editing Vectors in CorelDRAW

After exporting the DXF file, I imported it into CorelDRAW.

CorelDRAW allowed me to check the geometry and correct small vector issues. In some places I had to connect nodes and fix open shapes so the geometry would be clean.

This step is important because CNC software requires closed and accurate vector paths.

Preparing Toolpaths in ArtCAM

Next, the file was imported into ArtCAM. This software converts vector geometry into toolpaths that CNC machines follow.

ArtCAM provides a useful feature called vector diagnostics, which helps detect problems in the geometry.

During this step I discovered several small vector issues. Some of them were fixed directly in ArtCAM, while others required returning to CorelDRAW to correct the geometry.

After repeating the export process, the vectors became clean and ready for machining.

CNC Milling Process

The final toolpath was loaded into NC Studio, which controls the CNC machine.

During the milling process I performed two passes.

The first pass did not completely cut through the material. This happened because the material sheet had slight deformation and thickness variation.

To solve this problem, I slightly lowered the Z-axis and ran the milling process again.

The second pass successfully cut through the material.

Assembly

After cutting all parts, I assembled the structure.

Thanks to accurate dimensions and correct vector preparation, the parts fit together well.

The assembly process was easy because the design was intentionally kept simple.

Conclusion

This project demonstrated the complete workflow of computer-controlled machining.

The process included:

  1. Designing geometry in Autodesk Inventor
  2. Editing vectors in CorelDRAW
  3. Preparing toolpaths in ArtCAM
  4. Running the CNC machine using NC Studio

Through this assignment I learned the importance of clean vector geometry, accurate dimensions, and practical adjustments during machining.