Archive for the ‘Learn CNC’ Category

All About CNC Programming

CNC stands for Computer numerical control. Just about every business that operates a manufacturing machine will usually have a cnc programming service operating it. The basic function of a cnc programming service has a cnc machine running it. The cnc machine is an automatic, precise, and consistent motion control mechanism. In the past, most automated machines needed someone to stand by the machine to make sure it was lined up properly and made sure that it repeated a certain function that is required from the machine. For a better explanation, I’m going to use the example the website I researched for this information used to make things a bit more clear. A drill press is used to machine holes, this is a repetitive motion, however, a person must stand over the machine to line up the drill with the holes and make sure the drill stays lined up. A person is required to do something every step of the way. However, a person can only do so much, and as production grows so will the amount of ?holes? so to speak, and the operator will eventually find it hard to keep up. In order to create more production, a cnc programming service and set up can be added. The cnc machine can do everything that an operator would be required to do. Once the machine is setup and running, it can take the place of the operators, the cnc machine is so easy to run, the operators tend to get bored during lengthy productions.

The cnc machine or course can do much more complicated operations that require much higher skill levels. A cnc programming service can improve automation so much that most of the time operator intervention can be reduced or all together eliminated to do other things. The second benefit is that cnc programming services and technology is consistent and accurate and once the program is verified, the machine will run efficiently and consistent, no matter how many work pieces need to be produced. A third benefit offered by most forms of CNC machine tools is flexibility. Since these machines are run from programs, running a different work piece is almost as easy as loading a different program. Once a program has been verified and executed for one production run, it can be easily recalled the next time the work piece is to be run. This leads to yet another benefit, a fast change over. Since these machines are very easy to setup and run, and since programs can be easily loaded, they allow very short setup time. Rather than applying completely mechanical devices to cause motion as is required on most conventional machine tools, CNC machines allow motion control in a revolutionary manner. All forms of CNC equipment have two or more directions of motion, called axes. These axes can be precisely and automatically positioned along their lengths of travel. If you need more information about cnc programming services there is a lot of information about it online.

About the Author: Leeanna is an expert author who writes for CNC Programming Service

CNC Basics E-Course 6 | CNC Machining | Learn CNC Machine Video

In this video, we go over the CNC Machining portion of the CNC Process.

 

On Day 6 we learn about CNC Machining.  This is where the rubber hits the road.  Before this, we did virtually everything on the computer.  Now we move into the real world.  Machining is about removing material from a piece of stock until we finalize our parts.
One thing we learn is that manual machining and cnc machining have similar issues.  There is coolant, chips dust and dirt no matter if you are operating the machine or the computer is operating the machine.
CNC Machining safety is important during this step.  We need to wear safety glasses, protective equipment and appropriate shoes.
There are many different types of CNC Machines and types of machining.  There are cnc routers, cnc lathes, cnc mills, cnc plasma cutters and on an on.  Each of these types of machines operates in different ways and you must learn their differences to be effective.

Tomorrow we go over various CNC Produced Parts and Projects.  We look at the outcome of all out work and some of the possibilities.

CNC Basics E-Course 5 | CNC Control | Learn CNC Control Video

In this video, we go over the CNC Control portion of the CNC Process.

 

Day 5 is all about CNC Control.  CNC Control is made up of three parts.  The CNC Control Computer, CNC Control Software and the actually CNC Controller.
The CNC Control Computer can be basic and inexpensive.  The computer will live in a harsh environment that includes dust and dirt.
The CNC Control Software is what processes the G-Code program we made in the last step.  You load it in and when you are ready, start the program.
The actual CNC Controller has drivers in it and translates the signals from the control program into motion.  It sends the signals on to stepper or servo motors that move the various axis.
All together these pieces can cost a lot or a little.  You can also cut down the cost if you build the cnc controller yourself.

Tomorrow we machine.  This is where the chips fly.

 

 

CNC Basics E-Course 4 | CAM | Learn CAM Video

In this video, we go over the CAM portion of the CNC Process.

 

Here on the 4th day we talk about CAM. CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. During the CAM step of the CNC Process we use software to define how our CNC Machine should move.
There are a number of CAM Software packages on the market. They range from the inexpensive to expensive. Much of the cost depends on the number of Axis’s that the CAM Software has.
With the CAM Software we define things like stock, location, tooling, feed and speeds and the post processor we will use.
The post processor is very specific to our CNC Machine. It outputs g-code. We use the G-Code program in our control software next.

Tomorrow’s Lesson is CNC Control.

 

 

CNC Basics E-Course 3 | CAD | Learn CAD Video

In this video, we go over the CAD portion of the CNC Process.

 

In this CNC Basics Video we go over CAD. CAD Stands for Computer Aided Design. During the CAD step we take our initial design and translate it into the computer. We do this CNC Step so we can change the design, resize it, save it, transfer it to someone else, etc. Recording our CNC Design into CAD gives us flexibility.
During CAD we learn we first design parts, then assemblies, then groups, then machines. We also learn there are different types of CAD Software. 2D, 2.5D and 3D. These types also come in different software packages from inexpensive to expensive. You can spend up to the sky if you want.
The trick is to match the CAD Software Capabilites with your CNC Needs. You don’t need high power 3D Modeling CAD if you make simple parts day in and day out.
Tomorrow’s lesson is CAM. Computer Aided Manufacturing.

 

CNC Basics E-Course 2 | CNC Designing | Learn CNC

This CNC Ecourse video covers the design for CNC.  There are a number of questions we ask as we are designing.

Really when you are designing, you are trying to describe what you are going to build.  The more accurately you can do that, the better the whole process will go.  Just like a house, if you have a strong foundation, you will have a good house.  If you have a solid design, the rest of the process is easy.

CNC Basics E-Course 1 | CNC Basics Steps | Learn CNC

Here is the first video in the Learn CNC Basics E-Course from www.CNCInformation.com.

 

 

This video outline what the e-course is and what it covers. The video also talks about the 5 steps to working with CNC. The steps are CNC Design, CAD, CAM, Control and Machineing.
Every CNC project has these steps and they must be followed in that order. This gives the beginner a basic framework to hang their new CNC Information on. As the beginner learn they can think about these 5 steps and where the new information fits.

The next video in the E-Course is CNC Design.

CNC Stomp Pad Video 10: Final Assembly of the Stomp Pad – Final Photos of the Project

CNC Stomp Pad Video 10: Final Assembly of the Stomp Pad – Final Photos of the Project

 

Here is the final video in the CNC Stomp Pad Tutorial Video Series. In this video, we go over the final assembly of the stomp pad. Then we watch as we used double sided tape to adhere it to the snowboard. Finally we take a look at some final photos of the CNC Stomp Pad on the Snowboard.
One Final Note:
The Stomp Pad works perfectly. I love the fact you can customize your life with CNC.

See you on the slopes,
Ivan Irons

CNC Stomp Pad Video 9: Drill holes, clean holes, flatten and final sand of the CNC Stomp Pad

CNC Stomp Pad Video 9: Drill holes, clean holes, flatten and final sand of the CNC Stomp Pad

 

In this video we drill the holes in our CNC Stomp Pad. We need to add the traction spikes and they are really a screw and nut. We drill the holes then clean them out.
We bend the stomp pad while drilling and we must hammer it flat next.
A quick DA Sanding to make the pad look good, then we are on the the next step which is finalizing the CNC stomp pad.

CNC Stomp Pad 8 | Sanding & Spikes | CNC Videos

 CNC Stomp Pad 8 | Sanding & Spikes

 
 

 

During this CNC Video Segment we sand our CNC Stomp Pad with a Dual Action (DA) sander. We are taking out any deep scratches and giving it a matte finish. The CNC Plasma Cut part then is taken over to a stand. We look at different traction spikes and how they will look. After selecting a spike type, we start laying them out. We layout some marks where we will drill holes in the next video.

During this CNC Video Segment we sand our CNC Stomp Pad with a Dual Action (DA) sander. We are taking out any deep scratches and