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CNC Howto - Collexion |
There are a few steps involved in cutting an object using the CNC machine.
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Object design and export
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Conversion to machine instructions (GCode)
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Preparing the material and workspace
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Loading the design to the CNC and preparing the machine
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Cutting
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Cleanup##Design
You will want to design your object using a software that can export to a format that is standard for a CNC toolchain. These formats are
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DXF
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STLPrograms that are known to work well:
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Inkscape (DXF)
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OpenSCAD (STL)##Conversion
Converting intermediate format to gcode instructions go here.
PyCam / PyCad ?
CamBam ?
Rhino ?
##Preparing your workspace
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Load your cutting material on the platform.
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Secure it.
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Make sure you are not obstructed.
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Know the location of the emergency stop button.
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Don eye and ear protection.##Load your design
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Plug a USB stick containing your GCode into the controller machine. Load it with Mach3.
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Power on the motors.
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Zero the machine.
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Make sure everyone is wearing protective gear.
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Turn on the router and the dust collector.
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Make sure you can stop the cut at any time by the emergency stop or using Mach3.
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Begin your cut.##Cleanup
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Turn of the machinery.
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Unload your material.
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Take off your protective gear.
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Clean the work surface.
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Remove your USB drive from the CNC Controller.
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Take photos and and describe your process to the mailing list.##See Also