CNC 101 Jumpstarting with CNC @ Doo Things,Pune

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WHAT IS A CNC?

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. Its is a control method where a motion is controlled by a numerical input which is computer generated/controlled.

But the term is now being used to describe (like Xerox and Photostat) machines that understand directional commands to achieve a job that is computer generated using a CAD/CAM model.

So, the 3D Printer is a CNC , The CD ROM also has a CNC and CNCs are all around us. Just that we use the term specifically for machines involved with manufacturing.

Manufacturing.. Hmmm

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HOW THINGS CAN BE MADE?

There are two kinds of manufacturing models (broadly) :

Additive (3D printing using FDM like in RepRaps/MakerBots)

Subtractive (Milling and Drilling)

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POPULAR CNCS AROUND

Commercial CNC Setups

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POPULAR CNCS AROUND

ShopBot Desktop

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POPULAR CNCS AROUND

DIY Versions

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POPULAR CNCS AROUND

ShapeOko 2

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ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS IN A CNC1. Axis Drive

1. Belts

2. Lead Screw/Nut

3. Backlash

2. Spindle/Laser

3. Axis Motion Guide1. Linear Bearing on Steel Rods

2. Linear Rails

3. Cylindrical Bearings on T Slot Extrusions

4. Build Material

5. Motors

6. Drivers

7. Controller/Interpreter

8. Power Supply

9. Computer Interface

10.Axis Layout1. X on Y with Independent Z

2. Gantry Style

3. Z on Y with Independent X

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BELTS

Belt based motion drive

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LEAD SCREW/NUT

LEAD Screw based drive

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SPINDLE/DREMEL/CLONE

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AXIS GUIDE

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STEPPER MOTORS(BIPOLAR)

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DRIVERS –TI AND ALLERGO

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GRBL AND ARDUINO

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CNC 2D WORKFLOW

CAD CAM G-CODE

Inkscape/Corel Draw MakerCAM/HeeksCNC Universal Gcode Sender (grbl)(Linux/Win/Mac)

/GRBL Controller (Windows)

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INKSCAPE

Open Inkscape

Create Text/Shape (scale to the size you want)

Select your text (with the arrow) and move it to X=0, Y=0 via the menu bar (shown in red rectangle -> )

With the text selected, click Path -> Object to Path

Ungroup your new paths, click Object -> Ungroup (you'll notice each letter now has a box around it)

Save your file as SVG (*.SVG), close inkscape

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MAKERCAM

1. Go to makercam.com

2. Add SVG or make a circle or any shape

3. Change the dimensions to cm (or one used on your CNC)

4. Add operations to different paths using CAM drop down

5. After all, perform Calculate All

6. Then export Gcode

7. You can view gcode online(gviewer) or offline(UGS/GRBL Controller)

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MAKERCAM DEMYSTIFIED

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ALL DONE! STREAM IT

After you have the gcode, all you need to do is stream the gcode to the Arduino with GRBL flashed.

The popular software that do the streaming for GRBL are:

Universal Gcode Sender (grbl)(Linux/Win/Mac)

GRBL Controller (Windows)

CAUTION: Before streaming a lot of calibration constants need to flashed on the Arduino in order to move the motors according to your config!

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