Entry level CAD/CAM: Difference between revisions

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Using a CNC requires a bit more background knowledge or learning than a laser cutter or 3d printer. You should have some knowledge of CAD and CAM concepts and have used a CAD/CAM or other package capable of generating g-code for CNC machining.


__NOINDEX__
== CAD programs ==
* [http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview Autodesk Fusion] (free, works on Windows or OSX)
* [https://www.qcad.org/en/ QCAD]
* [https://github.com/LibreCAD/LibreCAD/releases LibreCAD]
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/free-cad/ FreeCAD], still in beta
* [https://inkscape.org/en/ Inkscape]


This page is used to track training sessions for the [[Equipment/Shapeoko2]].
== Shapeoko2 ==
The [[Equipment/Shapeoko2|Shapeoko2]] is the entry level LHS CNC machine. It is more often than not used for PCB Drilling and 2.5 D milling. This page outlines the skills needed to run it. To start you probably need to have produced a CAD drawing and its g-code.


Training is available to London Hackspace members. You can pre-book your place below. If you have not yet joined London Hackspace, please '''[https://london.hackspace.org.uk/signup.php do so]''' before joining training!
It is not access controlled, if you come down on a Thursday some one will show you where the on switches are for the machine and computer


Space is limited and you must reserve a place on this wiki page when a session is available - watch the [[Mailing List]] for announcements. Reserving a place is on a first-come-first-served basis, so you'll need to be quick.
=== Pre-requisite competencies ===
In particular before coming you should learn a bit about:


If you can't attend your training session please remove your name from the roster.  
* The difference between CAD geometry files (i.e. DXF, IGES and STEP), and tool path files (i.e. G-Code)
* Cutting materials – cutter speeds and feed rates – dependent on what you want to cut. There are many examples posted by Shapeoko users as a starting point.
* Any CAM package, Fusion 360 is a good one if you are not sure. You should try generating a tool path with a particular cutter, checking the toolpath visually and by simulation if your CAM software allows it, and finally posting the G-Code to the a g-code file (i.e. .gcode extension).
* XYZ coordinate systems (on the Shapeoko, x is left to right (+x is travelling right), y is towards / away from you (+y is travelling away from you), and z is down / up (+z is travelling up)
* Concept of finding datum of the workpiece, for instance touching off the tool in x, y and z (z is very important)
* Checking a CAM toolpath by simulating the cut, and also checking the extents of the tool path to make sure it is not going to run into any fixtures or the bed of the machine.
* You will need a [[LDAP]] account to login to the machine.


 
[[Category:CNC]]
==Preparing for the session==
[[Category:PCB making]]
 
You should come to the session having some knowledge of CAD and CAM concepts and have used a CAD/CAM package such as Autodesk Fusion (free, works on Windows or OSX) or other package capable of generating g-code for CNC machining. We will be happy to help with explaining concepts but depending on your background knowledge there is quite a lot to learn so you will get the most out of the session and the machine if you do some independent reading / practice.
 
==Next Sessions==
 
Please use the exact name you used to join LHS, so we can check your membership.
 
Training is £5 and is payable at the start of the session. (this goes towards upkeep of the machine)
 
24/01/16 @ 18:30 3 places available;
 
    1. Billy Smith
    2. Kapugama Bathgamage Maheemal Methsithum Thilakaratna
    3.

Latest revision as of 19:19, 20 November 2017

Using a CNC requires a bit more background knowledge or learning than a laser cutter or 3d printer. You should have some knowledge of CAD and CAM concepts and have used a CAD/CAM or other package capable of generating g-code for CNC machining.

CAD programs

Shapeoko2

The Shapeoko2 is the entry level LHS CNC machine. It is more often than not used for PCB Drilling and 2.5 D milling. This page outlines the skills needed to run it. To start you probably need to have produced a CAD drawing and its g-code.

It is not access controlled, if you come down on a Thursday some one will show you where the on switches are for the machine and computer

Pre-requisite competencies

In particular before coming you should learn a bit about:

  • The difference between CAD geometry files (i.e. DXF, IGES and STEP), and tool path files (i.e. G-Code)
  • Cutting materials – cutter speeds and feed rates – dependent on what you want to cut. There are many examples posted by Shapeoko users as a starting point.
  • Any CAM package, Fusion 360 is a good one if you are not sure. You should try generating a tool path with a particular cutter, checking the toolpath visually and by simulation if your CAM software allows it, and finally posting the G-Code to the a g-code file (i.e. .gcode extension).
  • XYZ coordinate systems (on the Shapeoko, x is left to right (+x is travelling right), y is towards / away from you (+y is travelling away from you), and z is down / up (+z is travelling up)
  • Concept of finding datum of the workpiece, for instance touching off the tool in x, y and z (z is very important)
  • Checking a CAM toolpath by simulating the cut, and also checking the extents of the tool path to make sure it is not going to run into any fixtures or the bed of the machine.
  • You will need a LDAP account to login to the machine.
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