+x+xHi All,
We've just uploaded a new video which some of you may find interesting or informative. This one is quite specialist and detail-heavy because it covers what you need to do to create the necessary G-code for a CNC router out of Autodesk Fusion 360. As I've mentioned before on this forum, Fusion 360 is a great piece of software available from Autodesk free for students and educators and very reasonably priced for professionals. If you're looking for some fully featured 3D CAD software with plenty of CAM functionality 'out-of-the-box' then it's well worth a look.
For the CNC routing we've used our Stepcraft 840 which is a benchtop 3-axis CNC machine. There are different machines on the market but to us the Stepcraft feels like it bridges the gap between a hobby CNC and a larger industrial machine. We don't benefit from promoting either the router or the software; they're just both very good so we're sharing our opinion and hopefully some useful information on how to set them up and use them.
In some future videos, we'll be doing some more sophisticated 3D machining with the router (i.e. machining a 3D pattern from model board) which I think will be an eye-opener for some as to how useful these machines can be in a composites workshop.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this video. As usual, comments, links, shares and questions are all appreciated. Please post below and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
A computer numerical control (CNC) router is a computer-controlled cutting machine related to the hand-held router used for cutting various hard materials, such as wood, composites, aluminium, steel, plastics, glass, and foams. CNC routers can perform the tasks of many carpentry shop machines such as the panel saw, the spindle moulder, and the boring machine. They can also cut mortises and tenons.
A CNC router is very similar in concept to a CNC milling machine. Instead of routing by hand, tool paths are controlled via computer numerical control. The CNC router is one of many kinds of tools that have CNC variants.
A CNC router typically produces consistent and high-quality work and improves factory productivity. Unlike a jig router, the CNC router can produce a one-off as effectively as repeated identical production. Its benefits include automation, precision, reduction of waste and errors, and the time the finished product takes to get to market.