1 2 3 How to use a CNC Machine The 5 steps of the CNC process 1.Design able to be crafted up to the limitations inputted into a control computer of the software and sometime it device. This reads the code and give the This stage requires no computer. In requires the user to be creative to user an interface to choose how to order to create a part or product, you design complicated features. manufacture the device and helps the need to think of what you want to create. Is it something common or a specific design you have never seen before? Are the corners going to be sharp or curved? Are there even going to be corners? All of these questions and many others need to be answered. 2. CAD After coming up with your design, you must create the product in a 3-D design software program. The product will be 3. CAM A 3-D design is uploaded to CAM software which will, after asking manufacturer have control over the manufacturing process. 5. Machining specifics on how to manufacture certain This is where a CNC machine will aspects, create a code which can be automatically create your part with the used to automatically manufacture your material placed in the machine. By designed part. having a multitude of tools available in 4. Control Once the CAM code is finalized, it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bon09Kfxr8&list=UUlUL7jlFstRu7jxqRSgWpgQ&index=19 http://www.cncci.com/resources/articles/what%20is%20cnc.htm the machine, almost any part can be made. 1 2 Lorem Ipsum How to operate a CNC machine Once you have come up with a coded User control is essential for making sure part program and have your desired material that a CNC doesn’t misinterpret a code. A user inside of the CNC machine, you need to make must not only make sure that they and the rest of sure the computer is ready to work on your the lab is safe, but must be attentive to the specific part. Depending on the number of axis’s manufacturing process. The user will be able to your part will be worked on, you will need to control when the machine will stop, maybe during calibrate your material to a touch sensor which each tool change or maybe not at all until the part will read where on the part you want to label the in finished. The user is also responsible to monitor 0-axis. Once the computer knows this it can the manufacturing process and ensure that any un- relate it to the code that you have written to coded aspects of the process are done manually or make the part. to stop or shutdown the machine if there is a Another key component to ensure that you are ready to start is to make sure the correct problem. By using a combination of G-codes, M- tool is being used. By knowing the correct M- codes and user control on each specific machine, Code, which unlike the G-Code is inputted while the CNC machine will make a part in a consistently using the CNC machine instead of G-Code lines faster and more precise manner than ever possible which are created beforehand based in a CAM with human error. Same with any work with program. For example, typing in M03 will cause machining equipment, make sure to learn the the spindle to be placed on the rotating axis and specific rules and instructions for each lab or once started will go in a clockwise direction. M04 workshop you work in and understand the does the same thing but in a counter-clockwise individual CNC machine that you will work with. direction. http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~aaa68/ http://carlsonmfg.com/cnc-g-code-m-code-programming.html