Group 10

CNC Milling

31 October 2012

Introduction

Computer Numerical Control machines are electronic milling devices that makes components automatically without direct human assistance. The machine we used either codes or a drawing made on a grid in order to manufacture the component.

CNC machines are used in the manufacturing industry because it is a fast and accurate method. Also, manual milling machines required a trained technician while CNC milling is a simple process that does not require as much training and is safer to use. In this lab group 10 was required to manufacture an object using a computer numerical control machine.

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Group 10

CNC Milling

31 October 2012

Objective
The aim of this lab was to learn the basic of how to use a CNC machine and to manufacture a simple object with the giving schematic specifications.

Equipment
CNC milling machine. Computer connected to with the CNC machine including the machines software (Boxford).

Procedure
1. Open the software (Boxford). 2. Enter the specified values for the given depth and lengths. (put the whole value, the rest half follows the mirrored image using nodes). 3. Draw the object required in the grid. 4. After designing is completed, go to Files > Processing (to convert into GM file). 5. Change the material into Plastic. 6. Measure the diameter of the material and enter its value. 7. Read and follow the instruction given in the screen. 8. Click on Autohome ( home of the axes, which takes to home position) 9. Fit the workpiece to the current clamp (stickout) 10. Feedrate should low but since the object is plastics we can use max speed. 11. Press Cycle Start to begin the manufacture. 12. Wait for a couple of minutes for the object to get made.

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Group 10

CNC Milling

31 October 2012

Results and Discussion

The lab was a success; the product was perfect with the exact shape and size as the requirement. The software is easy to use and drawing the object on the grid is similar to CAD. All the cutting tools in the machine where already preinstalled and basically all that had to be done was plotting the image on the grid as required.

Conclusion
Each member of the group was able to make the design on the software, input the correct values and now able to manufacture an object using the CNC machine. We succeeded in manufacturing the exact object required with no errors. Our recommendation for this lab is to manufacture more objects using metallic materials in order to gain more practical experience and to learn what feed rate to use on what material.

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