Q: What material should I use? A: It depends on your project goals. High Density Foam Best for: Large prototypes, organic forms, and fast machining. Pros: Fast to machine, inexpensive, ideal for 3D milling, and easy on cutting tools. Cons: Not durable and not suitable for functional parts. MDF Best for: Accurate prototypes, molds, and painted projects. Pros: Smooth surface, inexpensive, machines cleanly, and holds detail well. Cons: Produces a lot of fine dust, dulls tools faster than wood, and is not moisture resistant. Plywood Glue-Up Best for: Furniture, thicker parts, and projects with a wood appearance. Pros: Strong, available in thick stock, and less expensive than solid hardwood. Cons: Visible layers, possible internal voids, and grain direction can affect the finished part.
Q: How should I glue up my material? A: Consult the Woodshop before planning your glue-up. Apply an even layer of wood glue, use cauls and clamps to keep the material flat, and avoid gaps or warping. Plan ahead for transportation, as larger glue-ups can become heavy and difficult to move.
Q: How do I determine the correct offset for mating parts? A: Every CNC machine, material, and cutting tool machines slightly differently. If your design requires a precise fit, we recommend making a test cut before machining your final part. The CNC Lab provides complimentary test cuts for fitting parts only. Test cuts are not intended for prototyping or design iteration.
Q: How long will my project take? A: Machining time depends on your material, toolpaths, and level of detail. More detailed projects require significantly longer machining times.
Q: What file should I submit? A: Submit your Rhino (.3dm) file with geometry organized on the appropriate layers. Refer to the submission guidelines for the required layer structure.
Q: What file should I submit? A: Submit your Rhino (.3dm) file with geometry organized on the appropriate layers. Refer to the submission guidelines for the required layer structure.
Q: Why do I need edge clearance? A: Features placed too close to the edge may not machine correctly. Leave enough material around your design for the cutting tool to operate safely.
Q: Why do I need part clearance? A: Leave enough space between parts so the cutting tool can pass between them without leaving uncut material.
Q: Can I machine text? A: Yes, but very small text may not machine cleanly. Use an appropriate font size and consult the CNC Lab if your design contains fine lettering.
Q: How much detail can I machine? A: Detail depends on the material, geometry, and cutting tool. Most projects are machined with a 1/4" ball nose end mill. Smaller tools can achieve finer details but increase machining time. If your design requires intricate features, consult the CNC Lab before submitting your file.
Q: Can I make score lines like on the laser cutter? A: Not in the same way. The CNC uses a V-bit (tapered bit) to machine score lines, which produces a much wider cut than a laser. Score lines must be placed on their own layer and can only be machined at a single, consistent depth.
Q: Can I machine sharp inside corners? A: No. End mills are round, so inside corners will always have a radius. If your design requires a square internal corner, consider adding dogbone fillets or modifying your design.
Q: Can I machine both sides of my part? A: Yes, but double-sided machining requires additional setup and planning. Contact the CNC Lab before designing your project.
Q: Can I use hardwood? A: Yes, but hardwoods generally require longer machining times and may increase tool wear. Consult the CNC Lab before purchasing expensive material.