Class Red equipment: Do not use without specific training.
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Equipment / CNC Router

CNC Router

Summary

A CNC router is a computer controlled shaping machine. These are related to the hand held router. Instead of hand held routing, the tool paths can be controlled via computer numerical control. It is a computer-controlled machine for cutting various hard materials, such as wood, composites, aluminum, steel, plastics, and foams. It is one of many kinds of tools that have CNC variants. A CNC router is very similar in concept to a CNC milling machine. The CNC router is controlled by a computer. Coordinates are uploaded into the machine controller from a separate CAD program

Capacity: 1200 x 1200 x 120mm
Rate (X,Y): 6000mm/min (Max) 5000mm/min (Working)
Rate (Z): 30mm/sec
Spindle Speed: 4500 to 24000rpm
Mechanical Precision: 0.01mm
Spindle Power: 1.5KW Variable Speed, Water-cooled
Blade Diameter: min 3.175mm, max 12.7mm
Order Format: HPGL, G code, u00, mmg, plt
Control System: DSP with USB connection

Here are some examples we've made on the CNC router (please add a photo of yours any time you do a job!)

Using the CNC Router

Owners

The Owners are those who have volunteered to be in charge of the equipment, organising maintenance, training others to use it, and generally being a point of contact. The current Owners of the CNC Router are:

Stephen Woolhead
Chris Abri
Mark Mellors
Dave Ansell
David Bebb
Simon Stirley

If you have any questions, problems or concerns around the CNC router, please use the mailing list thread:

Log : CNC Router

Training

YOU CAN ONLY USE THE CNC ROUTER IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED
and have been added to the Trained Users list by one of the Owners

To get trained on the CNC router and be added to the qualified user list, you will need to arrange for a training session with one of the Owners.

If you'd like to arrange training, please see:

CNC Router Training

Health and Safety

The CNC Router is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment which must only be operated by members who have received appropriate training and who take due care. The top things to always remember when using the CNC Router are:

ONLY USE THE CNC ROUTER IF YOU ARE ON THE LIST OF TRAINED USERS
NEVER LEAVE THE CNC ROUTER RUNNING UNATTENDED

As a trained user, you should be very aware of the following risks and how to deal with them:

FIRE - Cutting with the wrong settings could result in the material igniting.

TRAPPING - Stand clear of the machine while in motion.

DUST - Ensure extraction system is working.

NOISE - Ensure that you wear the correct PPE when working with the machine for prolonged periods.

Instructions

Router Manual

Hand Controller Look-up Guide

Setting the Z Origin Using the Z0 Sensor

A tool that has an extremely narrow tip may break when it touches the tool sensor depending on which tool is to be used.

1. Secure the workpiece on the bed, and place the Z0 sensor at the place where you want to set the Z origin on the workpiece. Face the surface of the Z0 sensor without the magnet facing upward.

2. Use the handset to move the tool to the position above the sensor.

3. On the handset press OK + 8(Z-0). The tool slowly descend until it contacts the sensor. When the tool rises and stops, the setting operation is complete.

Note: It is important the tool is electrically conductive from tip to shaft, and the sensor is clean. Failure to check will cause damage to the tool and sensor.

4. Remove the sensor from the workpiece to a location where it will not interfere with future cutting operations.

Software

The standard software is Vectric's line of CAM software:

VCarvePro

VCarve Pro provides a powerful but intuitive software solution for 2D design and calculation of 2D and 2.5D toolpaths for cutting parts on a CNC Router.

The software can import 2D designs from other programs but also includes a full set of drawing and editing tools with advanced layout options such as True-Shape Nesting. The toolpath options cover all typical 2D routing operations such as Profiling, Pocketing, Auto-Inlays and Drilling as well as 2.5D strategies such as V-Carving, Prism carving, Fluting and even a decorative Texturing strategy. Each toolpath includes appropriate options to customize the settings and provide a high level of control for different types of operation. In addition all toolpaths can be previewed to show just how the part will look when it is actually cut, this allows instant feedback to allow toolpaths to be further optimized.

Details: http://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve-pro.htm

Training Resources: http://support.vectric.com/training-material/vcarve-pro

Cut3D

Cut3D is a dedicated toolpath engine for CNC machining 3D models that have been designed using a 3D CAD or Graphics design product such as AutoCAD, Rhino3D, 3D Studio etc. or scanned using a laser or touch probe device. Cut3D's exceptionally easy to use interface leads you step-by-step through the process of loading a model, setting the size, interactively placing tabs to hold the job in place, calculating single, double or four sided roughing and finishing toolpaths, previewing the results and finally saving the CNC code to run on your machine.

3D Models that are too large / thick to machine because of gantry height, cutter length or limited material thickness can be 'Sliced' into separate pieces. Each slice can then be machined and the complete job assembled.

Details: http://www.vectric.com/products/cut3d.html

Training Resources: http://support.vectric.com/training-material/cut3d

PhotoVCarve

PhotoVCarve creates lines of grooves that vary in width and depth to represent the detail in a photograph or image. The quality of the finished result is very dependant upon a high level of contrast between the material surface and the machined grooves. This information is very important to remember when cutting designs using the PhotoVCarve software.

PhotoVCarve machines dark areas in a photograph with wide groove and the lighter areas to have narrower ones. The software automatically calculates the toolpaths based on the cutter selected and maximum depth of groove required.

Details: http://www.vectric.com/products/photovcarve.html

Training Resources: http://support.vectric.com/training-material/photovcarve

Stock Tooling

2.5mm square cutter - single flute
1/8" square cutter - single flute
1/8" ball cutter - 2 flute

6mm square cutter - 2 flute
6mm ball cutter - 2 flute

engraver 0.2 30deg 1/8" 30mm length (8 of)
engraver 0.8 30deg 1/8" 30mm length (2 of)

22mm 2 flute straight
90deg x 32mm VBit

Feeds & Speeds

Spindle speed quick reference

	400Hz	350Hz	300Hz	250Hz	200Hz	150Hz
RPM	24000	21000	18000	15000	12000	9000

Feed rate quick reference

100%	75%	66%	50%	33%	25%
6000	4500	3960	3000	1980	1500
5000	3750	3300	2500	1650	1250
4000	3000	2640	2000	1320	1000
3000	2250	1980	1500	990	750
2500	1875	1650	1250	825	625
2000	1500	1320	1000	660	500
1500	1125	990	750	495	375
1000	750	660	500	330	250
500	375	330	250	165	125

Sample feed rates

For working out feeds and speeds, recommend http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCGWizard.

The feeds and speeds below have been tested on our machine. The 3mm cutters were single flute carbide. 2 flute HSS cutters may require different settings to avoid breakages.

MDF	3mm deep	6mm deep	12mm deep
3mm	3000/24Krpm	3000/24Krpm	3000/24Krpm
6mm	3000/15Krpm	2000/13Krpm	1500/11Krpm
22mm	3000/5000rpm	3000/5000rpm	1500/4Krpm

Plywood	3mm deep	6mm deep	12mm deep
3mm	2000/24Krpm	2000/24Krpm	2000/24Krpm
6mm	3000/15Krpm	1500/15Krpm	1000/11Krpm
22mm	3000/5Krpm	3000/5Krpm	1500/4Krpm

Tips & Tricks

Maintenance

The maintenance of the CNC Router is carried out by the Owners, with some basic maintenance being carried out by Users on every job.

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Log

Installed on 9th May 2013.

Maintenance Shopping List

Cutters
Sacrificial Bed (1.2m x 1.2m 12mm MDF)

Further Information

Installation

Installed on 9th May 2013.

Purchase

Full Purchase, Delivery and Installation (£?????)

Notes

http://www.shopbottools.com/mProducts/prSstandard.htm

Equipment/CNC Router

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