Build A Cnc Mill

Flexible CAD/CAM Supports Flexible Machining

The move to offline programming in Mastercam X4 Mill from CNC Software has improved productivity and streamlined setups at Planet Tool by standardizing tool paths, tool libraries and machining operations. Setup time for this casting, for example, was reduced because the operator could refer to the Mastercam model as a reference. The use of four-axis machining techniques also simplified the setup for this particular part.

Bob Bourbon, lead programmer at Planet Tool and Engineering, recalls that the company had to “send some people home” when business slowed about 20 years ago. That incident marked the first and only layoffs at the O’Fallon, Missouri-based shop in the 28 years he has been with the company. Even through recent tough economic times, Planet Tool has managed to stay busy and retain its valuable manufacturing talent. The shop’s secret, says Curt Schatz, general manager, is developing a deep understanding of customers’ diverse needs and maintaining the flexibility to respond in a timely manner. One tool that facilitates that flexibility is the Mastercam CAD/CAM system from CNC Software (Tolland, Connecticut). “One of the greatest strengths of Mastercam is that it gives you several ways to do just about anything you want,” Mr. Bourbon says. Of course, the software is still just that—a tool—and the extent of its benefits depends on how it is used. This is exemplified in the shop’s recent transition from shopfloor to offline programming, a move that standardized programming practices, reduced cycle times and freed more time for machinists to spend on setups. A major reason offline programming works well is that it creates flexibility for the people creating the programs. “You can have all kinds of specialty equipment—the latest and greatest—but all that counts for very little unless your people are versatile and flexible enough to make the most of your manufacturing capabilities,” Mr. Schatz says. The diverse skill set of the company’s 70-person staff is reflected in the variety of work it performs. Founded in 1965, Planet Tool offers engineering, prototyping, machining, quality control, welding and fabrication, painting, and custom machine design and reconditioning. Industries served range from automotive to aerospace. “We are a one-stop shop,” Mr. Schatz says.

Why build a CNC mill when you can have a chess robot instead ...

[Patrick McCabe] enjoys the challenge of playing chess against the computer but he wasn’t satisfied with the flat experience of on-screen gaming. No problem, he just built his own gantry-style chess robot that he can play against. Don’t be confused, he still doesn’t have to touch the pieces, but instead uses the dedicated control board seen on the left of the image above. The robotic arm that is mounted on a gantry takes care of moves for both players.

It’s a pretty normal CNC build, using four stepper motors to slide the moving bits along precision rod. An Arduino Mega drives the system, with a PC doing the heavy lifting using a program called My Robot Lab .

We certainly like it that [Patrick] spent a little bit of time making the cabinet and visible parts look nice. Chess is a civilized game and unfinished parts would be out-of-place. We didn’t see it in his writeup, but the one feature we’re really hoping he has implemented is the ability to have the robot automatically reset the board at the beginning of a game.

As you might have guess, you’ll find embedded video after the break.

Very nice, but I think there should be a better interface, use magnetic sensors under the board so the player can actually move the pieces himself (I know MrX said use a camera but magetnic sensors and magnets in the pieces is an age old technique for computer chess) or mabye replace the button interface with a cheap android tablet which displays a chess board.

CNC Milling Machine and Router DIY For $300

If instead, you build a machine for much less, think of what you could do with the savings and what ... I will describe how I built my CNC milling machine, ...

CNC programming handbook, a comprehensive guide to practical CNC programming

It is impossible to identify all the applications, they would make a long list. ... CNC mills - sometimes called CNC milling machines - are usually small, ...

Architectural graphic standards

Metal molds used for die casting and injection molding are created on CNC milling machines almost directly from 3D digital files. CAD/CAM technologies make ...

Virtual prototyping & bio manufacturing in medical applications

Many materials are easily milled and large diameter cutting tools (5–12 mm) may be used to decrease build time. A CNC mill, due to the method of cutting is ...

Architecture, the AIA journal

pies of CAD files driving machines with laser cutting and CNC milling," Dean ... To create a lighting fixture, for example, Dean first develops a design ...