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10. Textile Scaffold

goals of the week & contents

research and ideation

CNC milling

We are very fortunate to have access to a CNC milling machine in our lab, and Henk and Asli made sure to emphasize the importance of safety through some not so humorous stories about incidents that have occurred with this machines.

To understand how precise and potentially dangerous this machine can be, we made sure to document every safety procedure and step in detail. With Henk guidance, we operated the machine ourselves under supervision to ensure we didn’t overlook any details.

cncmillingmachine

Image from Aslı Aydın Aksan documention.

In the image above, I’ve shared a photo of the CNC milling machine available in our lab.

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machine is a form of subtractive manufacturing used for cutting, shaping, and engraving materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. It operates by following digital instructions from computer programs ShopBot and Vcarve, which dictates the movement of the machine's cutting tools across three axes (X, Y, and Z).


Safety Guidelines:

  • Never leave the CNC milling machine unattended while it is operating. Remain focused and ensure you are not rushed, stressed, or distracted when using the machine.

  • Before starting, locate and understand the function of the emergency stop button and the program pause button (space bar).

  • Avoid wearing loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories that could get caught in the machine. If you have long hair, tie it back securely in a bun to eliminate any risks.

  • Ensure the CNC's three axes of movement (X, Y, and Z) are clear of obstructions. Double-check that the workspace is organized to prevent interference during operation.

  • If others are present in the room, ensure they remain at a safe distance from the machine while it is running.

  • Know the locations of the fire extinguisher and fire exits in case of emergencies. Sparks can occur if the milling bit comes into contact with screws, nails, or other metal components in the material. If you hear unusual noises or see sparks during operation, a fire can start, so immediately stop the machine, turn off the extractor, and empty the dust bag.

  • Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris and earmuffs to safeguard your hearing from the loud noise generated by the CNC machine.

  • After completing your work, assess which leftover materials can be reused and properly dispose of those that cannot. Keep the workspace clean and ready for the next user.

  • Always select the appropriate cutting tool and confirm the spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut are suitable for the material being machined.

  • Ensure the material is clamped securely to the machine bed. Loose materials can shift or become dangerous projectiles during machining.


mills

A flat end mill and a ball end mill are two common types of cutting tools used in CNC milling, and they have distinct differences in design and applications.

FLAT END MILL

The cutting end of a flat end mill is flat, with sharp edges at the corners. Leave a completely smooth surface on the material.


BALL END MILL

The cutting end of a ball end mill is rounded, resembling a semi-sphere.

Ball end mills typically leave a stepped surface due to the rounded shape of the cutting edge, which can result in a texture that resembles small steps or ridges along the piece.


stepscnc