{March 2012

Off topic, but I thought you all might enjoy the distraction

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As we discussed in class, the focus of this week is modeling your panels in preparation for machining on the CNC router. We will review how to set up your part in MasterCAM, but here is a review of the project requirements:

Design Requirements

• your panel is to be cut on the CNC router in expanded polystyrene foam (the pink or blue stuff)
• Each panel must have a finished dimension of 12″ wide x 12″ long
• The panel can have a maximum thickness of 2″
• Panels should have a minimum thickness of .25″
• Although it is discouraged, you can perforate through your panel
• The panels must be straight and square along the length and width
• Machined panels can be finish sanded or left with tool marks
• Do not paint the panel
• Routed panel must cut from a single 14″ x 14″ x 2″ piece of foam. Use these dimensions for your “stock” in MasterCAM.

Machining Requirements

• No Roughing – only finish toolpaths
• Use only Parallel Finish Toolpath(s) – any step over, any angle.
• Cut your panel out from the stock with a 2D contour toolpath – be sure to include tabs.
• only the following .25″ (straight and ball end) and .5″ (straight and ball) tools may be used.
• Maximum machining time: 35 minutes

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