Understanding The CNC Concept

Moving independently while the Y-axis

Fig-2 Moving independently while the Z-axis

If you ’re a novice (Newbie) and looking at CNC as a new hobby then this page will be a good starting point to begin with. Remember hobbyist " There are no short cuts " so the learning cure seems to be endless and overwhelming sometimes with the immense amount of new information you will need to take in.
That's exactly what I will do on this website is to give and share with you information, projects, designs and images so that you the hobbyist will experience the wanders of cnc and gather more insight to this fascinating subject.This CNC intro would apply to all CNC machines but the main focus here is on the 3 - Axis CNC Router

The router cnc machine is typically set up with 3 directions of movement in the X, Y, Z (Fig. - 1) and all are moving independently while the Y-axis in this case will revered to as the machine table or bed, this is where your work piece are positioned and clamped for machining the Z- axis (Fig.-2) will carry the router or spindle mounted on it that holds a cutting tool or router bit.

This CNC intro would apply to all CNC machines but the main focus here is on the 3 - Axis CNC Router
The router cnc machine is typically set up with 3 directions of movement in the X, Y, Z (Fig. - 1) and all are moving independently while the Y-axis in this case will revered to as the machine table or bed, this is where your work piece are positioned and clamped for machining the Z- axis (Fig.-2) will carry the router or spindle mounted on it that holds a cutting tool or router bit.

Fig. - 1

The position of the router is determined by a computer telling the motors mounted on each axis how much to move in each direction.

Y - AXIS MOVEMENT

The cnc machines significantly reduce the incidents of accidents since computerized systems minimize the contact between the tools and the user.

An introduction to CAD/CAM: from concept to physical

(Fig.-2)

First the part must be designed in CAD software and saved as a drawing/model.(DXF, STL)
This can then be exported and opened in CAM software, where toolpaths ( A toolpath is the path through space that a cutting tool follows to create the part ) are generated for the CNC machine, it includes tools and material to be used and once a toolpath is generated (Post Processor) and considered suitable it can be exported as G-code – instructions used to control the machine. Free trials are available for most CAD and CAM software packages

DesignSpark Mechanical for CAD (free to use)
CamBam for toolpath and G-code generation (free to try)
Machinekit (a fork of LinuxCNC) for machine control (free to use)

CNC Smart Cut, Deep Engraved Key holders

CLICK - Deep Engraved Key Holders

TOOLS

CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) Routers

NC was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by John T. Parsons in collaboration with the MIT Servo mechanisms Laboratory. Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines are available from several manufacturers for high volume production. Today here are many companies manufacturing CNC routers servicing industries that fabricate wood, metal and plastic products. As a result, a variety of machine designs are available to fit the your job demand.

Laser cutting

Laser cutters - very versatile and can cut almost any kind of material with a laser beam and there are different types of laser systems that are used for different applications. The accuracy and ease of use associated with laser cutting has made it very popular for many uses all over the world.

Timing pulley