CNC Router

How To

Instruction

  1. Material Preparation:
    • Ensure the material is able to be secured to the milling table with vacuum hold-down.
    • Ensure the material is free from foreign objects.
    • Accurately measure all dimensions of the material to allow for accurate software simulation.
  2. File Preparation:
    • Import your design file into the CNC software
    • Configure the tool paths and set the cutting parameters.
    • Generate the GCode and review for errors, specifying the correct origin.
    • Put on all required PPE
  3. Machine Set Up:
    • Inspect machine for presence of guards and other engineering controls,
    • Inspect the machine for any damage or other indication of potential malfunction.
    • Inspect the environment for potential hazards. The space must be clean, well-lit, and dry.
    • Clear the machine of any loose items.
    • Inspect the dust collector for filter integrity and available capacity.
    • Install the appropriate cutting tools and secure them in the tool holders, ensuring the correct offset length is input in the controller. Use only tools that are in good condition.
    • Load the material to be cut and secure it properly.
  4. Job Cut:
    • Set the correct parameters for the material, including feed rate and cutting depth.
    • Verify the value of the specified origin and tool offsets used in the program.
    • Start a dry run using a Z Shift, if possible, to verify selected program, stock, and origin.
    • Start the CNC milling program and monitor the machine and vacuum integrity as it operates.
    • Do not leave the machine unattended while it is running.
    • Make adjustments as necessary, based on machine feedback and cutting performance.
  5. Finishing:
    • Once job is complete, deactivate the program.
    • Inspect the workpiece for accuracy and completeness.
    • Remove the finished part and engage the E-stop to disable any mechanical motion.
    • Turn-off auxiliary systems like vacuum hold-down and dust collector.
    • Clean up any debris from the machine and surrounding space using the shop vacuum and broom. Never use compressed air.

Product List

  • Wood Products (MDF, Plywood, OSB, hardwood)
  • Polystyrene foam
  • Polyurethane foam
  • Thermoplastic Sheet, plate, or block (better on Milling Machine or Zünd)
  • Non-ferrous Metal Sheet, plate, or block (better on Milling Machine or Zünd)

Note: all materials must be able to be held to the machining table with vacuum hold-down, either directly, or fastened to another sheet that can interface with the table. This means the material must be sufficiently flat, smooth, large in surface area, and free of voids. Any need for use of mechanical fasteners must be approved and reviewed by Lab staff.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Eye Protection: Safety glasses or equivalent required.
  • Ear Protection: Hearing protection required.
  • Clothing:
    • Non-slip footwear that covers the entire foot and has a level bottom.
    • No loose sleeves, scarves, or head-coverings that may entangle with equipment.

Engineering Controls

  • Dust collection system to minimize particulate in the air.
  • Emergency stop button within easy reach of operator console and in TA office.
  • Safety wire and bumpers around machine.
  • Card swipe to power-on equipment. Scheduled power-off.

Emergency Response

  • Injury: Seek immediate medical attention
  • Eye Injury: Seek immediate medical attention
  • Fire: In case of fire:
    • Use a fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires and evacuate the area.
    • Do not open the dust collector if a fire or smolder is suspected.
    • Close the gate on the duct and de-power all equipment, using the Emergency Power Off button next to the door in the TA office as necessary.

As appropriate, notify Lab Staff and Emergency Response Personnel using the blue light phone in the hallway outside L35.

Storage

  • There is no storage space in the CNC router room. Please bring materials at the time of the scheduled milling appointment and take away all completed parts and the off-cuts promptly after the job is complete.

Disposal

  • Please use designated Zero Waste receptacles for wood and white polystyrene foam as appropriate. All other materials are discarded as trash.

Other Notes

  • Keep visitors and children away.
  • Visitors, including untrained users, students, faculty and staff, should remain outside the CNC
  • Router Room, in either the control room or in the hallway surrounding the CNC Router Room when the machine is operating.
  • Wear proper apparel.
  • No loose clothing, clothing draw cords, gloves, scarves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other
  • jewelry which may get caught in the machine should be worn.
  • Pull back long hair, including beards.
  • Ensure those in the room with you wear proper apparel as well.
  • All types of dust and particulate created can be injurious to your health.
  • Dust collection may not be considered sufficient for capturing all dust created by the machine.
  • Be aware of the potential hazards of any material being machined and how to provide adequate protection.
  • Be aware of machinery movement.
  • Parts of the machine move quickly during operation and can create pinch points or cause significant impact with individuals within the immediate vicinity.
  • Do not overreach.
  • Maintain a proper footing and balance at all times; ask for assistance when necessary.
  • Never stand on equipment.
  • The machine may move and cause serious injury if it is not properly locked out or powered down.
  • Maintain machinery in top condition.
  • Ensure tools are sharp and clean for best performance.
  • Clean surfaces of machine by brushing or vacuuming to remove chips, never use compressed air to remove chips or dust.
  • Inform other users and Lab Staff when machine is in need of maintenance.
  • Do not perform maintenance on the machine, including any lubrication, unless you have consulted with Lab Staff and are following documented maintenance instructions carefully.
  • If anything is out of place or order, do not operate the equipment and inform other users and Lab Staff. Place a sign on the equipment stating “Out Of Order” and include the date, shut off power to the equipment.
  • Excessive heat created by dull tools or improper machining methods can create a fire hazard.
  • Always use sharp cutting tools.
  • Ramp into cuts rather than plunge unless using a tool specifically designed to plunge.
  • Always cut at proper chip-load to avoid heat build-up.
  • Certain materials require coolant in order to be cut without excessive heat build-up, be sure you are using the correct equipment for cutting these materials.
  • Certain tools react differently while cutting, generating and dissipating heat in different ways.
  • Be aware that some tools are more prone to create fire hazards than others and when to use caution.
  • Drugs, Alcohol, Medication, Sleep, Sickness.
  • Do not operate, repair, set-up, perform maintenance, or supervise any equipment while under the influence of drugs, prescription or otherwise, alcohol, any medication, mental condition, or state of mind or body, which might impair motor processes, clarity of thought, or in any other way interfere with safe interaction with equipment.