Widget
For the cnc mill project, we were assigned to create a widget in Inventor, transfer it to Fusion 360 to be prepared to cut, and cut out the widget using the cnc mill. Given a sketch of the widget, re-created it in Inventor. I used new shapes and tools to sketch and extrude the widget. When the widget was done being made in Inventor, I transferred the file to Fusion 360. In Fusion 360, I made it so there were many passes to cut the widget and changed the bit settings. Finally, I set up the computer in the lab to cut the piece of foam into the widget.
Inventor
To a create the widget in Inventor, I learned how to use a new tool. To make the base of the widget, I used the slot tool, and extruded it. Next, I used the circle tool to place on top of the slot shape, and extruded it. I used the circle tool on top to cut all the way through the widget. Finally, I sketched the last hole in the widget using the slot tool.
Fusion 360
Then, I learned to use the new software, Fusion 360. In this software, I set up the widget to be ready to be cut by the cnc mill. I changed the bit to be a flat end bit, and changed the number of passes so the widget would be cut correctly. Next, I watched a simulation of the widget being cut to make sure it was ready to be sent to the cnc mill.
Computer Setup
Next, I transferred the file to the computer connected to the cnc mill. I copied the file from the flash drive to the computer. I put double sided tape on the foam, and pressed it down so it wouldn't move in the cnc mill. I used the black disk to move the coordinates of the bit to the corner of the foam. Then, I pressed start, and had my hand by the space bar in case anything went wrong.
CNC Mill
The final product didn't turn out perfectly. One edge of the widget wasn't cut perfectly, as seen in the pictures below. This is due to the foam moving, and to improve this in the future, I will know to press down on the foam harder so it will stick.
What I Learned.
When cutting out a widget using the cnc mill, I learned many new skills. First, I learned how to use a new shape tool in Inventor. To create the oval shape of the widget and the cut out part in the middle, I learned to use the slot tool. Additionally, I learned how to use a new software called Fusion 360. In Fusion 360, I learned how to set up the widget to be cut by the cnc mill. I learned how to change the bit and the number of passes. Finally, I learned how to use the cnc mill. After I attached the foam, I learned how to enter the file, and set up the bit to start cutting in the corner of the foam.