10 Handy Tips for Every CNC Beginner to Perform Razor Sharp Engraving
If you are an amateur learning to handle CNC machine, it is never too late to learn the art of trade.
The machine is now a regular almost everywhere including gun shops or jewelry stores.
Have you seen the beautiful solitaire cut to impeccable precision? It is all possible due to the CNC machine, without any manual intervention.
Countless people engaged in making jewelry are using the machine to get similar or better finishing.
If you are a beginner and looking to attain efficiency, here are some vital tips to become a pro.
1. Select the Tool of CNC Router Woodworking
Since tools are available in different configurations, you can select them according to the individual requirements.
For instance, UP spiral bits are equipped with helical flutes capable of ejecting sawdust from the kerf.
They create a rough upper surface along with a smooth bottom.
Down spiral bit is studded with helical flutes capable enough to push sawdust into the kerfs. Tightly packed combination of saw easily provides support to the material.
Click to see what CNC router bits are suitable.
2. Control the Spindle Speed
To cut the material accurately, you should opt for a small shank tool and low powered spindle motor.
High speed can make a cut too large or even might go wayward.
In other words, if you are using a powerful motor, like working on v grooving carving, use a large shank tool, as both are compatible with accomplishing the task.
3. Length Matters and How
Longer the blade length; better is the effectiveness of the carved knife.
To make it more effective, you can also increase the thickness of the processing sheet. For soft material, a smaller blade is the perfect candidate to do the job.
4. Know Why the Tools Often Break Down
Even the best CNC machines are prone to break down.
If technicians do not change filter periodically or check the fluid levels, the device may not work with maximum efficiency.
Excess ambient and external temperature increases the probability of wear and tear of the machine.
In addition, a slow feed of machine can also have a negative influence on the well-being of its components.
Employees are unaware of the control systems of the machine; therefore, they perform incorrect programming leading to the operational failure.
5. Use a Vise, a Clamping Kit, and Vacuum Pump
Get a vise to avoid shifting of your work-piece on the working table.
Additionally, it is equally important to fix the vise to the table’s t-slots. Hence, you would also require a clamping kit for the purpose.
And if you work on a big sheet material, like a door or cabinet sheet, we suggest you using vauum pump to hold down such big sheet material.
Vacuum pump could hold down such big size efficiently with several switches easily.
Saving material preparation time and its powerful suction function will not cause displacement of material.
6. What is the First Lesson?
Beginners should learn to make chips out of the processed material.
You can accomplish the task by squaring a block of material. It is vital to take an oversized metal and reshape it in the form of a jaw.
It is a simple milling process to make cuts until all sides are parallel.
7. Make a Part from Scratch to Finish
You can start as a beginner but after learning to create the first part, you will learn about the basic processes.
A newbie should learn how to input programming information into the computer.
It is an essential step to modify and refine the design according to the desired accuracy.
You can also hire mentors to learn new tips and tricks while processing the material.
8. G Codes
These comprise a set of codes for governing the motion of the machine while cutting the material. Here is the basic information:
• G01-machine moves in a straight line based on the X and Y coordinates entered into the system.
G00 code is not used because it might impart excess speed to the machine while G01 operates at the feed speed.
• In order to set the spindle speed, use Sword followed with the number of RPMs as the prefix.
9. Learn Basic Measurements
Novices should learn basic measurements to analyze the accuracy of the cutting process.
For instance, you should understand the working of calipers and the things it measures.
You should also know to use a micrometer and dial test indicator for sweeping vise jaws.
10. Understanding CNC CAM software
Beginners need to learn CNC software inside out to feed correct information into the system.
Slight error in X and Y coordinates can lead to inaccurate cutting.
Besides, CNC software will help users to comprehend the work process right from concept to finished product.
Let’s Get Started
Congratulations, you have gone through all the steps and now it is time to get started.
Since you have covered all the basics, you can now go ahead and hone the CNC skills.
While working, you will continue finding some new and interesting facts about the machine. So keep cutting!
Our other blogs for CNC Engraving Machines you may like:
Lotus 3D Engraving Relief Sculpture
How To Avoid Smoke While Engraving Solid Wood?
Improve the Operation of CNC Router with the help of Tooling Techniques
