Archive for the ‘Learn CNC’ Category

CNC Stomp Pad 7 | Part Griding

When you cut something out with a plasma cutter there is slag left over you have to remove. This slag is officially called "dross" when it come to plasma cutting. In this video we rough grind the cnc stomp pad to remove the dross. I call it rough grind because later we will use a DA Sander to smooth it all out.

Originally posted 2007-12-04 05:01:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–2Bot Corporation, the inventor of the affordable 2Bot 3D modelmaking system, was chosen out of hundreds of other companies to present at today’s Keiretsu Forum Angel Capital Expo, which is being held at Microsoft’s Northern California Campus in Mountain View.

Organized by the world’s largest angel investment network, Keiretsu Forum, Angel Capital Expo is a recurring event across the United States created to foster collaboration among angel groups, as well as reach out to the larger investment community. 2Bot is one of 12 companies that will present to over 300 of Keiretsu Forum’s Bay Area members and accredited investor guests.

2Bot has created a line of professional and "household" manufacturing systems, including its architectural modelmaking system that will debut at Autodesk University in Las Vegas on November 27, 2007. Founder Paul Nye believes that within a few years, 2Bot will revolutionize the way professionals, schools and home owners alike will create products in the future.

“We are aiming for a 2Bot on every desk,” says Paul Nye, founder and President of 2Bot Corporation. "In the future, as opposed to going to Wal-Mart to get a replacement for something that is broken in the house, it will be easier, faster and cheaper to simply make it on-the-spot in your home office. The possible applications of the 2Bot system are endless and will affect everybody in all stages of their life. Angel Capital Expo is a tremendous opportunity for us to generate the additional capital, resources, and connections we need to bring our incredible product to every household in America.”

About 2Bot

For the past 40 years, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) has been a key manufacturing technology in the mass production of hard goods from airplanes to furniture. CNC turns designs on a user’s computer into finished goods by instructing a CNC machine to precisely cut and form raw materials into finished goods. To date, these machines have been so expensive that only very large industries could afford them.

2Bot is the first CNC machine to be conceptualized, engineered, and produced with its own mass production in mind. This allows prices to be so low that the typical professional environment can afford one. We envision that 2Bot will soon become a standard part of each professional’s tool set. 2Bot will make the creation of objects from ideas so effortless that it becomes a common event in your everyday design process.

2Bot systems are currently available for architects and hobbyist engineers. 2Bot Corporation is based in Redmond, WA and is privately held.

2Bot is a service mark of 2Bot Corporation. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Originally posted 2007-11-18 15:45:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Some Recent CNC News from the globe.

EMO 2007: Mastercam X2 Mill Delivers Power, Speed, and New … – MCADCafe (press release)

Press brake and CNC laser builder brands globally – Manufacturing Talk

EdgeCAM Showcased at EMO 2007 – MCADCafe (press release)

EU Forces Auto Makers to Divulge Car Technical Data (Industry Week)
Companies have to provide information to private garages so they can repair vehicles.

Originally posted 2007-09-17 09:18:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Hello,

Today’s topic is controlling.  Since we are dealing with
machines that do work for us, we need to control those machines
somehow.  We need to control them for safety reasons as well.
If you give a machine improper commands it can easily get out of
control and cause harm to you or the part you are machining.  We want
to give appropriate commands to our machines, at appropriate
times so they are not "out of control". 

The language that these machines use is called G-code.  G-code
has been around since the early 60’s.  There are number
variations of G-code, but most are very similar to one another.
See the previous lesson for a sample of G-Code. 

We will need to use a computer to talk with our CNC machine.
Our computer will send signals to our CNC machine.  In-between
our computer and our CNC machine sits a controller.  A
controller converts commands into signals that are used to
control the motion of our machine.

As these signals are sent out of the controller, they go to
either stepper or servo motors.  This is how we create
motion.  These motors drive our various axis on our CNC machine.
While we are moving our axis, there is generally a cutting tool
of some sort removing material.  This is the machining process
coupled with CNC.

Here is a brief description of the two types of motors
generally used in CNC:
Stepper motors:
Simple design
Easy to use
Generate torque at low rpm
Do not know their position in relation to the program

Servo Motors:
Generate torque at high RPMs
Generally need gearing of some sort to be effective
More sophisticated
Can maintain their relative position, thus they can be more
accurate

Controllers generally stand alone near the CNC machine.  They
act as a translator between your computer and your CNC machine.
Generally they add quite a bit of cost to a CNC machine as well.
Controllers can cost anywhere from $1000-$20,000 or more depending
on their sophistication.

Now that we can control the machine, its time to machine with it.
That will be tomorrow, CNC Machining and everything that goes along
with it.

If you are interested in more information right now on Controlling,
you can go to my website.  Click this link now:
http://www.cncinformation.com/CNC_Controllers/CNC_Controller.html

Originally posted 2007-12-01 14:35:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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

Originally posted 2010-01-31 11:15:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Industrial Information – High Speed Milling Machines

High speed machining is a proven stipulation characterized by low cutting forces and high metal removal. High Speed Milling is a technique used in the CNC Milling Industry that combines high spindle speeds with increased feed rates. This results in a high chip-forming rate and lower milling forces, producing an improved surface quality and closer tolerances. In high speed milling, the electronics can make all the difference. The right CNC coupled with other elements of the control system can let a slower machine mill a given form faster than a machine with a higher top feed rate.

1. High Speed Uses

High-speed CNC milling is used, for example, to machine the titanium rotors of the first high-pressure compressor stages of the EJ200 engine. High speed CNC milling allows cost-effective milling of the airfoil geometry from the solid. By subsequent finishing operations the planned surface finish is achieved. The CNC milling which caters to high speed must be structured with an axis movement system that is suitable for machining.

2. Axis Movement

The high-speed CNC milling machines required for the process must be fitted with an axis movement system suitable for machining blisks, which should be at least 5 axes simultaneously, depending on the milling task involved and an efficiently high-speed control system.

3. 3D Surfaces

High Speed CNC milling machines working on 3D surfaces in any materials produce a finer surface finish and higher accuracy in less time that the traditional milling machine. Acceleration is the most critical factor that affects the high speed machining. Since one or more axis are always increasing or decreasing velocity in a 3-D cut, ultimate feed rate is directly related to acceleration

4. What Can A High Speed Control Possibly Do?

A CNC milling machine which possesses a higher structural stiffness has a greater potential acceleration rate. Box shaped high speed CNC milling machine, like Bridge and Gantry is the mostly widely used types of High speed CNC milling tools. The overhead type Gantry exudes the highest stiffness, acceleration and accuracy among other high speed CNC milling tools. Due to its scalability, this machine type is available in sizes to match the work piece, from small to large.

In usual terms, it simply gives you the ability to finish one task faster and move along to the next sooner, making work output higher. In drilling and tapping, this can result in faster hole-to-hole times, quicker spindle reversals for tapping, and substantial cycle-time reductions. The most dramatic benefits, though, come in 3D designs machining. Few, drilling and tapping jobs require a million lines of machine codes. In molds, dies, patterns, and prototypes, complex surfaces comprising a million or more line segments are not at all uncommon. Saving just a fraction of a second per move can result in substantial cycle-time improvements.

5. Downsides – When Is Fast Too Fast?

But despite all these benefits, in high milling, the tool path segments can be so short that a machining center moving at a high feed rate can?t accelerate or decelerate fast enough to make direction changes accurately. Corners may be rounded off and the work piece surface may be gouged. Look-ahead is one answer. Look-ahead capability can let the CNC read ahead a certain number of blocks in the program, to anticipate sudden direction changes and slow the feed rate accordingly.

6. Additional Benefits:

- Improved accuracy
- Better fit
- Superior finish
- Better life
- Produce more work in less time
- Improving the accuracy and finish
- Reducing polishing and fitting time
- Tools simply last longer because their chip load is more consistent

About the Author:

For more great milling machine related articles and resources check out http://www.millinginfo.com

Originally posted 2007-11-13 10:18:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

One day I knew I had a problem.  I just spent 4 hours with my plasma cutter in my right hand.  I had been cutting out patterns I had traced onto a sheet of metal.  These shapes were going to be my new coffee table.  Everyone complained to me that I didn’t have a coffee table.  I thought, “I’ll show them” and began to build one.

Why make a coffee table out of metal you ask?  The quick answer is that I wasn’t much of a woodworker at the time.  On the other hand, I used to weld professionally and knew I could make anything out of metal.  That is how it all began, making a coffee table out of metal.
Now if you knew me, you know that I can’t just make something normal.  My brain is the scheming type that has to do things differently then the norm.  I wanted to make a table that would knock people’s socks off.  I thought a funky looking table, made out of metal, with casters and lights would do the trick.  You know what?  It did. 

I really had a ball making this table.  I mean I had serious fun.  So much so that I started to design others.  I began showing photos of my work to everyone I knew.  On top of that, I was getting good feedback.  I had just found a new hobby, furniture making.  Who would have ever thought I would pick up furniture making as a hobby.

While making this first table a problem arose.  It is the one I mentioned above with my right hand.  After plasma cutting all those parts my wrist really began to hurt.  While welding professionally there was always the threat of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Welders are constantly afflicted by this injury and others because of Repetitive Motion.

If you repeat something over and over and over and over, your body gives out at some point.  After cutting up these table parts, I knew I couldn’t go on doing this for a hobby.  I knew something would have to change or the new hobby would break my body.

That is when I began investigating Hobby CNC.  I call it “Hobby” CNC, because that is how I found it.  There were small groups of enthusiasts on the Internet that were building these machines for the fun of it.  I thought this was the ticket. 

My Initial Thoughts on CNC…
I thought, “If I could build a CNC Plasma Cutting Table?”
I could hook my plasma cutter to it
Create a program of the part I wanted
Cut out multiple parts to my hearts content
Save a lot of time
And Finally…
Save my wrist from the dreaded Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

I really wasn’t scared of the technology to start with.  I grew up in fabrication shops across the Midwest and had seen these machines in action.  These machine “Operators” were always held in high esteem at the shop.  They always made more Money and always had as much Overtime as they wanted.  I decided if they could do it, I could do it.

CNC hobby projects were not cheap at the time.  I figured I would have to invest $4,000 – $5,000 to build my table (they have come down considerably).  Keep in mind this was in 2000-2001.  For some reason that didn’t scare me off.  I always liked a good challenge and this was it.  With blind faith, I ordered up a CNC Controller and went down to my local steel yard to fill the back of my truck with steel.

Little Did I know…
There was a steep learning curve with CNC.  Building a frame for the machine is only a small part of the project.  Today it is much easier.  The software, components and suppliers are better.  There is an entire cottage industry that has sprung up around CNC to support it.  Some of the best people in the world make their livings servicing CNC Hobbyist needs.

For some reason I figured if I just build this machine it would spit out parts whenever I wanted it to.  Simple, Simple, Simple ran through my head.  Over time, I started to get it.  I didn’t have a teacher, but I started to learn the ins and out of what I was doing.

Other things I had to learn along the way:
CAD Software
Designing Parts
CAM Software
Preparing parts for machining
Simulating Machining
Machining Basics
Cleaning parts

Originally posted 2007-10-30 01:36:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

By Eric Dykstra

Not long ago CNC (which stands for computer numerical control, by the way) machines were so expensive that only large companies could own them. But we’re in the middle of a full-fledged CNC revolution, reaching all the way down to the grassroots level. Now a dedicated average Joe whip up a precise fabricating tool with little more than some plans, basic tools, and a PC.

The internet abounds with plans like Rockcliff Machine’s router design. They claim their design can be completed for as low as $300 — though luck is a factor. You’ll have to shop sales and scrounge materials to hit that number, and settle for common materials like MDF.

Controlling this marvel of modern technology involves software, but luckily the open source community has created free (as in speech) software like EMC. The EMC package offers most — if not all the features of commercial software — without the price.

More specialized gear like stepper motors and polished guide rods and bearings will make up the bulk of the cost of the machine. But sites like CNCzone.com offer links to suppliers as well as a whole community of folks willing to answer questions and give advice.

A whole world of computer controlled tools has been opened to the do-it-your-selfer. Don’t miss out; get out there and give it a look!

Originally posted 2007-10-06 11:16:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

By Wilbur Corncob

Although this blog based on CAD may not seem relevant to the context of CNC machining to some people, it is an integral part of the same. The three processes of CAD, CAM and CNC go hand in hand and none is complete without the other.

Now CAD refers to the process of Computer Aided Design which, as the name suggests, refers to the production of drawings and graphics about the part to be designed in computer software based on the requirements of the client or the organization ordering the same.

There are several professional software packages available for carrying out computer aided design which includes those such as AutoCAD, Rhino and Pro-Engineer to name but a few. These software packages have lot of inbuilt utilities and functions which make it relatively easier for an engineer or a designer to design products which are then later manufactured using computerized machines.

The file type used for storing CAD data is named as DXF, which is compatible with most popular CNC tool softwares. Hence we see that CAD defines the first step towards designing parts of a machine for later manufacturing on computer controlled machines known as CNC machines about which we will learn more during this blogging.

News Digest Blog

Originally posted 2007-10-13 15:57:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

        CNC as a hobby has really seen a huge growth spurt over the last 8 years.  I think I stepped into it about two years after it started cooking in the late 90s.  When I jumped in there were a few CNC Groups going already and about three different CNC Plasma Tables available at the hobby level.  I don’t know where the other machine types were at the time because I came in through the plasma path.  I would guess they were further behind as CNC Plasma Cutters was one of the first areas of CNC to take off in the Hobby arena.

        Most of the growth I would attribute to the Internet.  Groups formed, ideas were shared.  Feedback was given.  People started making “chips” and didn’t look back.  The Internet brought a very expensive technology into garages across the country.  When I built my $4000 CNC Plasma Table a hobbyist class machine was around $10,000 and a commercial machine was $100,000 to as high as you wanted to go.

Originally posted 2007-08-01 23:36:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter