CNC Machining @ SOIL

Calculated Numerical Cutter

Taking digitized data, a computer and CAM program is used to control, automate, and monitor the movements of a machine.

A CNC machine can be a milling machine, lathe, router, welder, grinder, laser or waterjet cutter, sheet metal stamping machine, robot, or many other types of machines.

What is a CNC Machine?

 

CNC machines can have several axes of movement, and these movements can be either linear or rotary. Many machines have both types. Cutout machines like lasers or waterjets generally have just two linear axes, X and Y. Milling machines usually have at least three, X, Y, and Z, and can have more rotary axes. A five axis milling machine is one that has three linear axes and two rotary, allowing the cutter to operate in a full 180º hemisphere and sometimes more. Five axis lasers exist as well. A robot arm might have more than five axes.

Depending on their age and sophistication, CNC machines can be limited to the capabilities of their control and drive systems. Most CNC controllers only understand straight line movements and circular arcs. In many machines, the arcs are restricted to the principal XYZ planes as well. Rotary axis movements can be considered like linear movements, just degrees instead of distance. To create arc movements or linear movements that are at an angle to the principal axes, two or more axes must interpolate (move precisely in a synchronized manner) together. Linear and rotary axes can also interpolate simultaneously. In the case of five axis machines, all five must be perfectly synchronized – no easy task.

TYPES OF CNC AXIS

  • 2-AXIS

    If all the cutting takes place in the same plane. In this case, the cutter does not have any capability of movement in the Z (vertical) plane. In general the X and Y axes can interpolate together simultaneously to create angled lines and circular arcs.

  • 2.5 - AXIS

    If all the cutting takes place entirely in planes parallel to the principal plane but not necessarily at the same height or depth. In this case, the cutter can move in the Z (vertical) plane to change levels, but not simultaneously with the X,Y movements. An exception might be that the cutter can interpolate helically, that is, do a circle in X,Y while moving simultaneously in Z to form a helix (for example in thread milling).

  • 3-AXIS

    If your cutting requires simultaneous controlled movement of the X,Y,Z axes, which most free-form surfaces require.

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The CNC Process

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE COMING TO SOIL

The Software

Do you have your file in the right format?

Find out what kinds of files the machine you’re using takes. It’s likely DXF but check to be sure.

Are you going to find quirks in the control software used by the machine?

See if you can get a trial version of the machine control (CAM) software. Often times this is available as a trial for you to download. The more you can learn about the machine control software the less time you’ll spend fooling with it when you get there.

Can you run a simulation to find possible problems?

See if you can find control software that offers toolpath simulation. Vectric products have an excellent tool path simulator that can help you work the bugs out of your toolpath file long before you sit down at the machine. Even if the control software on the machine is different, this can teach you a lot about how CNC machines cut.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE COMING TO SOIL

The Machine

How big is the machine?

Does it move 48″×96″, or does it cut that size? If the latter, the movement of the machine is likely larger than 48″×96″, which means you can use all of a full sheet of ply.

What bits are available to use?

Do they match your material?

Does the machine have a hold down like a vacuum, or do you need to bring your own hold downs?

We have both types of CNC machines available. Vacuum & Bolt Down.

Can you familiarize yourself with the machine before hand?

Shoot us an email and we'‘ll provide your with the necessary information about the machine you’ll be using ahead of time. Even if it’s being operated by someone else it’s valuable to understand the machine.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE COMING TO SOIL

Materials, safety, and cleanup.

Do you need to bring any tools?

Material, screws, scrap wood, bits.

Do you need to supply your own safety equipment such as hearing protection?

We will supply temporary safety equipment for you to wear unless you decide to bring your own.

Are you prepared to clean up afterwards?

We have shopvac’s, brooms, industrial dust collector, whatever you need for cleaning up your workspace. We just ask that you clean up after yourselves when finished. :)