We believe that, as a beginner, you may be struggling with how to get your new CNC running. For this reason, we wrote this blog, hoping to help those who need it. As an EagleTec CNC user, no worries; we will provide a full set of digital tutorials and online guidance. Let's dive in:
How to use a CNC Router mainly includes three sections, they are:
01 How to Set Up CNC Router Machine when the first time using it
02 How to Program a CNC Router (Toolpath)
03 How to run a CNC Router machine.
Before we go into detail, let's first look over some basic knowledge.
CNC Router is a type of computer numerical control machine tool; More specifically, it is a CNC milling machine designed for working non-metallic materials. By the Number of Motion Axes, they can be classified as 3 axis CNC Router, 4-axis CNC Router, and 5-axis CNC Router, depending on how many directions they can move.
According to the applicable materials, machines can be categorized as CNC wood routers, signage CNC machines, and stone CNC routers.
By the tool magazine configuration, they are divided into ATC CNC Router and manual tool change basic models.
As the name implies, the machine operates using a computer numerical control (CNC) system. CAM software is used for modeling and creating machining paths. The file containing the machining path is imported into the machine's numerical control system, which then converts it into signals. These signals drive the motion system, allowing each motion axis to operate according to the designated machining path.
Its working part is usually a high-speed electric spindle with the router bit installed on it. According to the instructions of the tool path, the high-speed rotating tool is driven by every motion axis to the position where it should go to perform milling action, remove excess material, and finally shape the desired part or workpiece.
The CNC router machine can process a variety of non-metallic materials, including wood, styrofoam, plastic, acrylic, composite materials, and aluminum. Consequently, it is widely used in fields such as woodworking, signage, mold making, handicraft creation, musical instrument production, interior decoration, and more.
The setup items can vary based on the different machine configurations. But don't worry, they usually include the following items.
Connect the machine to the appropriate electricity based on its power specifications. For example, if the machine needs to run off 220V/60Hz, single-phase electricity, connect the wiring terminals in the control cabinet to the corresponding power supply with suitable cables. The guideline is that the machine should only be connected to the electricity it is designed to operate on. Otherwise, accidents may happen.
Please note: All operations must be performed with the power turned off!
If your CNC machine has a water-cooled spindle, please remember to set up the water circulation cooling device before starting operation. This could include a submersible pump or a water chiller. Ensure that the device is correctly connected to both the water inlet and outlet of the spindle. Additionally, make sure that the water circulation system is turned on before running the spindle.
Please ignore this step if you machine coming with an air cooled spindle.
If your CNC involves pneumatic components, such as an automatic tool change spindle (ATC spindle motor), material alignment pop-ups, balance cylinder, or pneumatic press wheel, ensure that you connect the compressed air source to the machine. Otherwise, these components will not function properly.
If your machine is equipped with a vacuum-sorb bed, you need to connect the vacuum pump to the machine and ensure it is plugged into an electrical source for operation. If your machine does not have a vacuum table, you can skip this step.
To set up the dust collection system, please follow these instructions:
• Attach the dust hood to the spindle.
• Connect one end of the hose to the dust collection port of the vacuum cleaner and the other end to the hood on the spindle.
• Plug the vacuum cleaner into a suitable power source.
The operation steps may vary between different CAM software, but the general process is similar. This article uses ArtCAM software as an example.
The model refers to the raw material or blank. We construct the model in the software according to the actual size.
This step is to set the dimensions of the pattern to be engraved or milled in the software. typically requiring input for length, width, and height.
Based on actual needs, we can process the entire pattern or only the selected parts. Just choose the portion to be processed.
The machining strategy includes parameters such as tool path direction, angle, and allowance, which are set based on experience and specific needs.
The right value setting really depends on your situation. Just make sure it’s big enough to clear any clamps you might be using to hold the job securely in place.
Before programming the tool path, we need to select the appropriate router bit that best meets the processing requirements.
We input the dimensions and specific shape of the tool into the software.
Make sure that the input information is consistent with the actual tool used. Otherwise, the calculated tool path will be inaccurate.
Set the appropriate step-down and step-over based on actual processing needs. Step down refers to the depth of routing/milling/engraving for each layer during the working process; Step over is the distance between two neighboring tool paths, and it plays a big role in how smooth your finish will be. For best results, you can set this anywhere from 0.2 to 1.0. Just remember, the smaller the number, the finer your finish will turn out!
This option is typically selected; if we do not select this option, the machining will be performed in a single pass, not in layers, irrespective of the step-down value set in the tool parameters. We all know that if the single cutting depth is too big, the cutter is prone to break. If this option is selected, multiple Z-axis passes will be executed.
We can input the material thickness based on the actual size, set the Z-axis zero point position, and adjust the top offset.
Once the above settings are completed, we can move on to the next step and allow the software to calculate the tool path. Once the calculation is complete, we can simulate the entire machining process in the software to check if everything is working correctly.
After we confirm that the toolpath simulation is functioning correctly, we can save the path either to the computer or a USB drive. Next, we will import the toolpath file into the machine’s CNC operating system using the USB drive and prepare for processing.
If the tool library in the CAM program does not have the cutter you are planning to use, we can create it there by entering the shape and dimensions of your tool and then saving it.
Based on the processing requirements, choose the correct tool and mount it on the spindle. During installation, we need to insert the tool shank into the collet first, then put the collet inside the inner hole of the spindle, and finally tighten the spindle nut with two wrenches. One wrench turns clockwise and the other turns counterclockwise.
Flip the main switch on.
Turn on the machine, dust collector, and vacuum pump in sequence.
If the machine is not equipped with the last two items, you can ignore them.
Position the board on an appropriate area of the table. If it is a whole board, we should make sure it fills all the vacuum areas, so that the vacuum adsorption effect is best.
If the board is small and doesn't fill all the vacuum spaces, we can use rubber seals to enclose an area slightly smaller than the four edges of the board. This will form a closed adsorption area, helping to achieve a better adsorption effect.
Home represents the mechanical origin of the machine tool; that is, the zero point of the machine tool coordinate system.
The purpose of this action is to calibrate the CNC operating system's coordinate system, that is, to let the operating system know where the starting point of the entire coordinate system is.
The EagleTec CNC team suggests performing this operation once after each startup to ensure machining accuracy. There is no need to repeat this instruction before shutting down until the next startup.
The Home mentioned above serves as the zero point of the machine coordinate system; what needs to be set here is the origin of cnc routing/milling/engraving. It corresponds to the zero point in the tool path file.
Therefore, the set position should be consistent with the zero point position in the tool path file. If not, the output will not be carried out as expected.
The file here refers to the tool path file. We can first store the tool path file in a USB drive, and then insert the USB drive into the USB port of the CNC operating system.
In this manner, the system can access data on the USB drive. Move the cursor to the desired file and select it.
Set the appropriate feed rate and spindle speed according to the material's hardness and the tool's load capacity.
The best practice is not one-size-fits-all and is primarily determined by experience. However, a key guideline is to start with a slower feed rate at the beginning, and then further optimize it according to the actual situation.
After completing all the above work, we can click the OK button to allow the machine to process automatically.
• The operator must be in front of the equipment during the operation. If you find that anything wrong happens, please press down the emergency stop button on the operation panel as quickly as possible.
• It is recommended that the operator wear goggles and earmuffs.
• Do not lean on the machine while it is running, or place your hands and feet within the working area of the machine.
• Never use your hands to adjust the material while the machine is operating.
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