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Intro to CAM / CNC

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CNC Overview

  • CNC = “Computer Numerical Controlled”�
  • Lots of machines have CNC versions
    • CNC Mill
    • CNC Lathe
    • CNC Plasma Cutter�
  • 3D printers are technically “CNC”

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CNC History

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CNC Dataflow

  1. Design Part
    1. Computer Aided Design (CAD) = OnShape / Blender / SolidWorks
  2. Create G-Code
    • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) = MasterCAM / Fusion360
  3. Run G-Coded
    • Operating the CNC Machine = Path Pilot, LinuxCNC, Mach3

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CNC Dataflow

CAD

CAM

CNC

Lots of different standard formats:�STEP, STL, ParaSolid, etc.

Almost universally GCode

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G-Code Overview

  • G-Code is an industry standard machine interface for CNC machines that has been in use since the 80s. It is terrible…

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  • 3D Printers Also Use G-Code

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CnC Machine Coordinate Systems

G53 = Absolute coordinates are relative to Machine Origin

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G54 = Absolute coordinates are relative to a defined point

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Other Commands to Know

  • T commands are for changing tools (on some machines)
  • S commands control spindle (on some machines)
  • G90 = Absolute Mode
  • G91 = Relative Mode (all motion commands are relative to the current position)
  • G20 / G21 = Selects Inches or Millimeters
  • M commands control machine, tool changes, coolant, ending a program

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  • Learn using an emulator: https://ncviewer.com/

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You can program GCode by hand…

But honestly these days you shouldn’t… off to Fusion 360!��Remember this about GCode:

  • GCode defines all the “shapes” that will be cut, you can speed up or slow down how fast the machine will run the GCode, but you can’t make it take more passes!

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