CNC Maze
For the cnc router project, we were assigned to create a maze. To make the maze we used Inventor, transferred it to Fusion 360 to be prepared to cut, and use the cnc router to cut the maze out. I chose to create a circular maze, so it would be different than using the square or rectangle tool, that I have already learned to use in Inventor. When transferred to Fusion 360, the maze was setup to be drilled using the cnc router. Then the cnc router was set up to cut the maze by changing the coordinates of the drill and by zeroing the coordinates. Finally, the cnc router cut out the maze.
Inventor
To create the maze in Inventor, I first sketched and extruded a circle which is 8.5 inches in diameter. Next, I sketched channels using the arc and line tool. (each channel is .25 inches in width) Then I extruded the channels by cutting them .25 of an inch.
Fusion 360
When I finished creating the maze, I transferred it to Fusion 360. In Fusion 360, I set up the maze to be cut. First, I made it so the cnc router would cut the maze into a circle in five passes. Then I changed the bit settings to a flat end bit, so it would cut channels that are .25 inches in depth. I added a 2D contour so the the cnc router would cut the maze in 6 minutes rather than an hour. After I set up the maze to be cut, I watched a simulation of the bit cutting out the maze. Finally, I posted the file and saved it to a flash drive, and chose the "forest" option to save it.
Computer Setup
First, I put double sided tape on a piece of foam and placed it on the cnc router. Then, I opened the file on the computer connected to the cnc router. Next, I pressed the "Jog" button and pressed the X, Y, and Z coordinates to place the bit on the green dot on the computer that matches with the piece of foam. After changing the coordinates, I zeroed all of the coordinates. Finally, I pressed start.
CNC Router
After the cnc router was done cutting out the maze, I pulled off the extra pieces of foam and the maze. I took the tape off of the maze, and the maze was done!!!
What I Learned.
Throughout this project, I learned new tools in Inventor. I learned how to use the circle and arc tool. I also learned how to sketch and cut out channels that are connected. To be able to use the cnc router I learned how to a new software called Fusion 360. In this software, I learned how to add passes for the cnc router to cut, how to set up the bit, and how to run a simulation. I learned to add a 2D contour and how to change the time it will take for the maze to be cut. When the file was transferred to the cnc router, I learned how to set up the cnc router to cut out the maze. I learned how to change the coordinates of the bit to the corner of the foam, and zero the coordinates to start the router. In the end, I learned how to use a new software called Fusion 360 and the cnc router.