View source for Avid CNC

{{Equipment
|Name=Avid CNC
|Zone=Wood Shop
|CalendarURL=https://members.i3detroit.org/public/bookings/reservable-equipment
|LooksLike=PRO60120_21.1_rtc_4hp_800.jpg
|Owner=i3Detroit
|MakeModel=PRO60120 5' x 10' CNC Router Machine
|Date=09/18/2024
|Authorization Required=Yes
|Status=Running
|Value=$14,977.59
|Documentation=PRO Machine Plans and Assembly Instructions:
* [[Media:PRO60120_24.2_Assembly_Instructions.pdf‎|Installation Manual]]
Toolpath, Use case and bit selection guide:
* [[Media:Vectric Toolpath Guide.pdf‎|Toolpath Guide]]
CNC12 Routing Operations Guide
* [https://www.avidcnc.com/support/instructions/software/cnc12OperationGuide_router/ Operations Guide]
|OtherReferences=VCarve Tutorials:

Beginner Level:
Vectric V12+ for the Absolute Beginner by Mark Lindsay
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLuYLaC3-QRMFBT-TzIbMyGtuBurt8GCQ&si=U6B04VPFsKqqQ1cI
|Intro====Features & Specs===

HelloClub Reservation Calendar

https://members.i3detroit.org/public/bookings/reservable-equipment


Avid CNC Pro 60120 5’ by 10’ system with the following options:
* 6 x 12 Z-Axis Travel / Gantry Height
* NEMA 23 Stepper EX Control System
* 4 HP Spindle
* Universal Dust boot
* ER20 Collet and Nut Set

===Software===
* Vectric VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition.  Makerspace edition includes free client software to design at home and bring to i3 for carving.
* Centroid CNC12 Control software
* Software is installed on Laptop next to CNC.
|Rules=# Authorization is required to use the machine. See Training section below for details.
# Allowable materials are wood and wood products like MDF, plastics including foam.  No metals of any kind. 
# If you don't know what a material is, DO NOT cut it. Ask the zone coordinator to help you identify it.
# A small number of commonly used router bits are available for the first and second round of training, however, after round two, users are expected to supply their own bits. 
# Acceptable hold down techniques include double-sided tape (applied to blue painters tape on spoilboard first), T-track clamps, and cam clamps.  Screws into the waste board are not allowed.
# The usage fee for this machine is $4 cash or $5 Paypal per quarter hour of job run-time. Check the display in Control21 right after each job completes to get the time it ran. Deposit cash in Woodshop box next to mitersaw or Paypal button in Woodshop zone page.
# DO NOT change  machine settings.
# DO NOT leave the machine unattended while it's cutting.
# DO Not store any personal property (wood, tools, etc.) under CNC machine.  Any personal items will be moved to Graveyard.
# At end of processing, the machine and laptop are turned off, all sawdust is vacuumed on and around CNC, and any covers put back on.

==Training : How do I get started?==
Training pre-requisites
# Download and install Vectric VCarve Pro software to your personal laptop/PC.  This is a free version and will be connected to our Makerspace edition allowing you to run your designs on the CNC.  There are many quality YouTube introductory videos to familiarize you with design process.
# Review the CNC12 Operators Guide chapters 1-5 (link on this page).  This is the software you will use to load and run your programs.

If you're ready to begin the authorization process, please sign up here to enter the process:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjXaZbMj1lWmkYCtGCK-gd0uEyejXmwFeAOe7Ytrkfu3UVpA/viewform?usp=sharing

Training will consist of 3 major steps:
#  CNC machine operation.  Using a predefined project to demonstrate start up, configure, and operate the CNC.  This will focus on using the CNC12 Controller software.
#  Creating toolpaths and gcode.  Using a standard design, you will be asked to create the toolpaths using 3 different toolpath types (e.g., profile, pocket, etc.) to understand what order to create toolpaths and what bits to use.
#  Design and cut.  You will create your own design, toolpaths, and run your design on the CNC again using 3 different toolpath types and bits.  

Upon completion of training, you will be given login credentials to the machine.
The instructions below outline the steps for the vast majority of processing you will do on the CNC.

==Instructions: Checklist for Running a Job==
This Checklist does not replace training on either VCarve or Centroid CNC12 software.  Training and authorization will familiarize you with executing these steps.

The i3Detroit Avid CNC training video on YouTube is a helpful guide to accompany the following written instructions: https://youtu.be/-4_P6nI3Y0w


====GET THE CNC MACHINE READY====

# Turn on both CNC Control Box and Spindle Power Box.
# Open and boot laptop, login to your account. 
# Start Centroid CNC12 Control software.
# Click on "Reset" in Control software
# Jog the machine with arrow keys to confirm connectivity. 
# Home the machine.
## Home X, Y, & Z Axes to establish a fixed relationship between the coordinates in software and the physical machine.
# Ensure the collet and collet nut are removed from the spindle 
# Move machine to back of Y axis and generally the center of the table on the X axis
# Initiate the spindle warm up cycle if you don't know if the machine was already used earlier that day
# Select and install proper collet for your router bit.

====CHECK YOUR DESIGN====

# Start VCarve and login.
## Load your design from your thumbdrive
### Confirm material dimensions (H,W,D)	
### Check the dimensions in your program vs. those of the actual material.  Accuracy is critical to prevent spoilboard damage.
# Preview Toolpath Programs in VCarve.
## Run the preview and check the tool settings. 		
## Ensure that you have placed strong and strategic tabs if appropriate. 		
## Regenerate the toolpaths after making changes to the material setup.
## Ensure that you have selected the correct router bit and note tool number.

====ESTABLISH YOUR WORK COORDINATE SYSTEM (WCS) COORDINATES====		

# Place and secure your material.
## Make sure your material is properly secured and will not shift during operation.  Different techniques can be used to secure material depending on your need.  Screws into spoilboard are not allowed to be used for securing material.
# Establish initial tool height reference.
## Install bit
## Use the "MTC" icon (Manual Tool Change) to reference router bit using the Tool Height Setter.  Follow prompts.
### Verify tool number and bit diameter entered in CNC12 match Vectric numbers. 	
# Establish Work Coordinate Offsets.
## There are a number of different ways to do this depending on your project requirements and material.
## Typical method.
### Install Touch Plate on work material and connect magnet to bit.
### Test connection by manually touching Touch Plate to bit and ensure “Probe Signal” icon turns blue.
### Set your work coordinates using the Auto Z and Corner Finding Touch Plate.
### Check the XY datum and Z-zero selection in your program to ensure these match your work coordinates. 		
### Disconnect the touch plate from your cutting tool and remove it from the machine or workpiece and store it in its holder.

====LOAD YOUR JOB AND RUN PROGRAM====

# Review CNC12 & G-code.
## Load your G-code file.
## Review G-code header information to ensure you have the correct program loaded in CNC12.
## Use Graph Option (F8) in CNC12 to visually verify how part will be cut.  Particularly look at Front view to verify depth of cut.
# Turn on dust collector.
## Reinstall dust shoe and open blast gate.
## Turn on the dust collection system. 		
# Click on Cycle Start. Be prepared to push Emergency Stop if machine does not behave as expected.

====AT END OF WORK SESSION====

# Turn off DC and close blast gate.
# Remove dust shoe and store properly.
# Remove bit and collet.
# "Park" the CNC. 
# Thoroughly vacuum machine and work area.
# Turn off Controller and Spindle VFD.
# Shut down laptop and store properly.
# Return all tools and materials to proper location.
|MaintenanceInfo=Coming Soon.....
|FAQs=Q. What are a good set of bits to pick up in order to get started

A. While the bits you need can vary greatly depending on what you're trying to do here are a few options that would cover many situations.

HD Beginner Bits from Cadence Mfg.
https://www.cadencemfgdesign.com/product-page/hd-beginner-bits

AstraHP Coated 3 Piece Basic CNC Bit Set from Bits and Bits Mfg.
https://bitsbits.com/product/250-basickit/

AMS-102 X-Carve® CNC Router Bit Starter 4-Pc Pack
https://www.amanatool.com/ams-102-x-carver-cnc-router-bit-starter-4-pc-pack-1-4-inch-shank.html
|ToDos=Essential stuff

* Order pendant
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}}