As with any subject, the more time you invest in learning about CNC and the related technologies, the more you will get from it. To achieve the best results, there are a few key areas which you should concentrate on:
- Computer skills
One requirement common to all aspects of CNC work is how to use a computer to perform basic tasks. You will be working with computers and computer programs during almost all the steps of the process as you design your parts and need to understand basic operations such as starting and stopping programs, saving, copying, and deleting files, finding files stored on your computer and installing programs and updates.
Your CNC machine is also run by a computer, this may be a standalone PC or a dedicated Control Box with PC built in.
By purchasing a CNC Machine, it is assumed that a basic knowledge of computers and the Windows operating system exists. If you don’t feel comfortable with your current computer skills or are new to running a PC then it would be well worth taking a basic course or buying a general guide to working with your PC.
- Design & Toolpath Software
Before you can cut anything with a CNC, you need to first create the design layout that the machine is going to follow to cut the parts. The software you choose will play a significant role in successfully creating projects with your CNC. Simply put, the design software will allow you to transform “pencil and paper” ideas to a set of instructions used to run the machine. When done correctly, the end result will be a physical product you can touch and hold, that has value and purpose and delivers a great sense of achievement.
- Operating and Maintaining your CNC Machine
If you currently own or use a CNC machine, you already know how important it is to keep it properly maintained and adjusted, to know and understand its limitations and how to set it up correctly to run a job.
If you don’t own a machine yet, then it’s important to spend time thinking about what you want your machine to be able to produce, as this can eliminate a lot of future frustration. Cost will always be an important factor but realize that you need to balance that with capabilities, because nothing can be more expensive than a machine that cannot do what you need. For example, if you want to cut large sheet goods then a desktop model will probably not be your best choice. However, if you only have room for a small machine this may be your only option, and you need to understand its limitations on how large a part it can cut. Only you can determine what this balance will be for your situation and budget.
Some important considerations when researching the purchase of a machine or when looking at building one yourself include size, speed and accuracy and the technical support offered both before and after the purchase. As with software, the importance of a company’s reputation, support, and an active website and/or forum cannot be understated.
Every CNC machine needs software to directly drive its movement; this is commonly referred to as the ‘Control Software’. All machines sold by i2R CNC Australia utilise a Windows based control software called UCCNC.
- Knowledge of Materials and Tooling
The user is responsible for defining the tool parameters in your CAD/CAM Software such as Fusion360 or Vectric. When setting up tools, one standard setting does not cover all toolpath operations to efficiently machine/mill all materials. The geometry you will need to input into the tool setup screen are: number of flutes, diameters and/or Angles and this information should be on the tool label.
When it comes to obtaining the best possible results, you cannot forget the material you are working with, nor the tool you are using to cut it. The type of material will factor into every stage of the Project – from initial concept through final finishing.
The common materials people using CNC Routers work with include; wood, plastics, dense foam board and softer (non-ferrous) metals (brass, aluminium, etc.). If you are not already familiar with the type of material you want to use, there are many sources of information that can help you.
Typical questions you must answer for the type of material include proper tool (bit) selection, how fast you can move that tool through that material (Feed Rate and Plunge Rate), how much material you can remove at one time (Pass Depth and Cut Depth) and how fast the bit should be rotating (Spindle or Router speed). Typically, suppliers of tooling offer information on the correct settings for the router bits they sell.
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