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BLDG 61: Intro to CNC Machining

Come to BLDG 61 and learn some basics of CNC machining on our ShopBot CNC machine while designing and making a small sign, a carving, or a plate for block printing! No experience necessary.  

Come to BLDG 61 and learn some basics of CNC machining on our ShopBot CNC machine while designing and making a small sign, a carving, or a plate for block printing! No experience necessary.  

If you're new to CNC machines or haven't used ours yet, sign up for our CNC Class! You'll learn how to set up your material, safely run your project, and the basics of the software we use.

The class will cover some of the basics of the CNC machining process:

What is a CNC Machine?

A CNC machine (which stands for Computer Numerical Control) is like a robot that carves or cuts material into a shape based on a digital design. It works kind of like a 3D printer, but instead of adding material to build something (additive), it removes material to create a shape (subtractive).

How Does a CNC Machine Remove Material?

A CNC machine uses a spinning cutting tool (called a router or spindle) to cut away material. Small motors move the cutting tool in three directions:

X (forward and back)

Y (left and right)

Z (up and down)

The movements are controlled by a computer, which follows instructions written in a special code called G-code. This G-code is created by software based on your digital design.

What software will does BLDG 61 use?

The pieces of software we will use are Vectric VCarve Pro and ShopBot 3.

Vectric VCarve Pro is used for designing your project (Computer Aided Design a.k.a. CAD), for assigning toolpaths to your design (Computer Aided Manufacturing a.k.a. CAM) and for creating the instructions (G-Code) for the computer that controls the physical movement of the spinning cutterhead (router/spindle).  

ShopBot 3 (Control Software/G-Code Sender) reads and follows the G-Code instructions (created by VCarve) and controls the motors that move the cutter around, as well as taking inputs from limit sensors.

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