CNC Milling Machine Project Instruction Booklet 1 P a g e
Project Overview In this project students will learn how to use the following tools and shop materials to finish this project: personal protective equipment, wood, clamps, computer software, and a CNC milling machine. In addition, students will review coordinate systems, learn basic G-Code sequences, and learn the importance of shop cleanliness and safety procedures. Note: Only the instructor will initiate operation of the CNC Milling Machine. Step-By-Step Instructions 1. Using the provided graph paper, create a meaningful design using only straight lines, with at least twenty points. Tip: If you are not sure what to design, draw your initials using only straight lines. 2. Figure out and write down the coordinates for each point on the graph. Tip: Start at one point and proceed clockwise around your design for the rest of the points. Tip: Remember that each set of coordinates has an X and a Y value on the graph. 2 P a g e
3. Using Microsoft Notepad, open the G-Code template provided in class. Tip: This can be found on the shared drive or on the course website. 4. Each shape on your graph will have a first point, then the rest of points are located clockwise around your shape until you end up at the first point again. Tip: The coordinates for the first point of each shape will also occur again as the last point. 5. Save the completed file to your H:\ drive. These shaded instructions are so you can follow along with your instructor as they complete these steps safely. 3 P a g e
6. The instructor will transfer this file to a USB drive, and take it to the CNC Milling Machine computer. 7. 8. 9. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses when in the CNC Milling Machine safety zone, or while the CNC Milling Machine is running. Ensure that the Milling Machine is disabled by pressing the big red safety stop button on the black controller box. Using the RedCam software, open the design from the USB drive. 4 P a g e
10. Ensure that the image on the screen matches the desired image from the graph. Tip: To see the coordinates that correspond to each line, or to detect how to fix errors, click in the command window and scroll through with the mouse. 11. When the design is ready, the instructor will load the stock, enable the Milling Machine using the hardware and software safety stops, and zero the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the software (bottom left corner of the stock) using the cursor keys on the computer keyboard. 12. The instructor will then start the spindle by pressing the green button on the black box, and click the Cycle Start button in the software to start the milling process. 5 P a g e
13. The design will be cut into the stock. 14. When the milling process is completed, the instructor will click the Go To Safe Z button in the software, stop the spindle, engage the safety stops, and remove the stock. 15. Sand the completed stock to remove any burrs. Tip: Always sand wood with the grain. 6 P a g e
16. Start AutoCAD, and create a new drawing from the aclt.dwt template. Tip: Close the Active Assistance and AutoCAD Today windows after creating a new drawing. 17. Begin by typing the word Line in the command box and press enter. Then type the x and y coordinates of your first point, and press enter. 18. Type the rest of your coordinates in, until you complete your shape. Press enter twice when you have completed a shape. 19. Repeat steps 16 & 17 until all of the shapes in your design have been completed. NO PHOTO 7 P a g e
20. Plot your AutoCAD design to the classroom printer. Tip: Be sure you have selected the correct plot device (printer) before clicking the OK button. 21. Hand your project in by placing it together with your project, your graph, and your printed AutoCAD design. Be sure your name is on all papers you hand in. Tip: to avoid receiving a zero, do not take your project home until it has been graded by your instructor. 8 P a g e