Category:CNC Shop

Zone Information
Zone Name	CNC Shop (Metal)
Status	Active
Zone Slogan	"CNC: The Ultimate Maker’s Tool."
Zone Coordinator(s)	Thad Johnson
Zone Slack	#cnc-zone
Zone E-mail	cnc@i3detroit.org
Zone Color	SlateGray
Paypal Button	Pay money to CNC Shop (Metal)

Table of Equipment

Beginner's Corner: How do I make a 3D part with the Haas?

First there are 3 types of parts: 2D, 2.5D and 3D.

2D is what you could cut on the laser cutter. Just a sheet of something with cutouts controlled by computer. 2.5D does all of 2D but allows pockets, i.e. flat areas of the sheet are partially cut to a different depth than a surface. 3D is a part with curves in 3 dimensions (x,y,z), like a hemisphere boss on a plate.

3D parts always, and 2.5D parts almost always have to be modeled in software in the design stage. 2D parts can be software modeled or not modeled.

It is possible to create simple 2D shapes via handcoding a GCode file.

When do we use the Haas instead of a manual mill?

• You want to do many of one part.
• You want to do many similar parts with small changes, possibly over time.
• You want to do a 2D part with a curved edge of a longer radius that capable with a Manual Mill and rotary table.
• You want to do a 2D part with a curved edge which is not circular. e.g. Bezier, BSpline, FreeHand, etc.
• You want to do a 3D part in metal

The Haas is really meant for doing contoured 2D and 3D parts or multiples of a part. If you have a simple 2D part, use the machine shop. It is easier to do a simple 2d part on the manual mills than learn to CNC. There are a lot more people who can help you run the manual mills.

Operators List

• Haas - Haas_VF-3_CNC_Mill

Trash

• Please don't throw sheet metal, copper, or aluminum away. We recycle these.