CNC Router

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Revision as of 14:24, 14 September 2017 by Gina (talk | contribs) (Carbide Create)
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Carbide 3D CNC Router

The Carbide 3D CNC Router has the ability to cut through soft metals, wood, and plastic. It looks a lot like a 3D printer, but instead of printing a figure, it carves one. This machine has the ability to academically benefit not only STEM majors, but students from a variety of disciplines

Specifications

Travel (X): 8in

Travel (Y): 8in

Travel (Z): 3in

Max Speed (X, Y): 100in/min

Max Speed (Z): 50in/min

Mechanical Resolution: .0005in

Mechanical Repeatability: .0015in

Mechanical Accuracy: .005in/ft

Spindle Power: 50watt

Spindle Speed: 2000 - 10000RPM

Max Cutter Diameter: 1/4in

Power Supply: 240 watt

Voltage: 120/240

Weight: 60lbs


Setting Tool Paths

  1. Select the part of your design that you want to cut first
  2. Create a tool path by choosing either contour or Vcarve
  3. Select the tool you are using for each tool path
  4. Leave on automatic speed
  5. Set max depth to slightly thicker than desired cut depth
  6. Set your offset direction as needed
  7. Repeat until all sections of drawing are completed
  8. Once all tool paths have been set either save the Gcode to a file. If carbide motion is open and printer is connected send to carbide motion
*if using on Mac make sure screen is maximized so that you can see the save to Gcode and send to carbide motion options

Setting Up the CNC Machine

Carbide Create

  1. Carbide Create is located on the upper right side of the desktop screen
  2. Start by choosing the setting icon in the upper left part of the application
  3. Then select the Stock Size, here is were you upload the length and width of the piece of material you are cutting into REMEMBER the length is in inches
  4. Next is Stock Thickness, this is how thick the material is

Carbide Motion

  1. Select 'Load" and load your project to Carbide Motion
  2. Then choose 'Jog'
  3. Then 'click to Begin Homing'
  4. Then 'click to Measure Tool'
    1. If 'Limit Switch Hit' error pops up turn off the machine, unplug it, and push the drill and/or the base then try again. Repeat till it works.
  5. Remember where the Toolpath Zero position was set because this is where you set the zero using the X+ X- Y+ Y- and Z+ Z- and how fast it moves. THIS IS IMPORTANT.
    1. If you selected 'Lower Left' in Carbide Create then move the drill bit to that position.
  6. Then select 'Set Zero'
  7. Choose 'Zero All' then choose 'Done'
  8. Run will then appear, select 'Run'
  9. Then wait for your project to be done