About CNC Routers

This is general information gathered from my experience with CNC routers. 

Fact: These unique robotic machines take the exacting accuracy of a computer and allow a regular person to make objects with extreme quality as a true craftsperson. 

Fact: These engineering marvels are used for so many different things.  Techno CNC routers can cut non-ferrous metals like aluminum, brass and bronze.  Techno CNC routers can cut plastics, hardwood, plywood, foam, bone, mother of pearl, ...   Routing, engraving, polishing, drilling, hole cutting, gluing, liquid dispensing , pick and place, carving are some of the tasks that can be performed by this amazing machinery. 

Fact:  I have supplied  many CNC routers and it is always interesting watch the people stand and watch the Techno CNC router at work.   People stand there in pure glee at what the CNC router is producing.  (products to make them money)   Hopefully by now you have figured out that I am impressed with the CNC routers and like to share this information with anybody interested.  I like to find new applications and purposes for them.     I want to share the basics of how to get the CNC router to work for you. 

There are only 4 steps for making single parts:

   Drawing (new software makes this simple)

  Get a cad drawing or produce your own cad drawing. This can be done in many different programs. The drawing needs to be to the proper scale and the cad program must be able to file export to a common cad format if it is not produced in a CAD/CAM program. A DXF file format is the most common 2D and stl the most common 3D..

Toolpath (Software again is the hero and can perform most of the task)

  Techno CNC routers operate by reading a file called G-Code. Your CAM  software package will produce the toolpath and save it as G-Code using a Techno post processor. The post processor is a simple filter to include information in the G-Code file that enables the Techno CNC router to function properly.  It workd sort of like a printer driver. You can hand write a G-Code program for simple parts.  It is also easy to modify the code with Windows Notepad included with windows. There are sample programs included with your Techno CNC router and a listing of the codes it understands. You can set it up to turn on the coolant and spindle, pause, do drill routines and movements.   Some CAM packages are very easy to use. These programs make it easy to produce parts that before would require weeks to program manually with thousands of lines of G-Code. Most of the paths I have made are finished in seconds. The CAM programs usually have the means to display the toolpath in graphics. This is very helpful in proofing the toolpath. You can see how deep and which side of the part the cutter is going to travel. This has saved me several pieces of material and stopped unnecessary rework and lots of time. Drawing and making the toolpath is usually performed in the office not on the shop floor. The computer that operates the Techno CNC router is kept busy operating the router making parts.  

Setup (Basic computer skills with a little mechanical planning)

Machine setup includes loading the G-Code file into the Techno machine controller, installing the correct router bit in the spindle, installing the dust collector shroud, securing the material blank to the router table, setting all axis to the zero position in relationship to the material blank and verifying the area is clear and safe to operate the router. 

Production (Putting that planning to work and getting to the profits)

Press start, check on the progress while doing other task, remove parts and spoil, clean up table, reload material , press start and make the next one.

New Item for holding down materials without vacuum.

Very aggressive double sided hold down tape for CNC routers 2 sizes available

Double sided hold down tape for CNC routers 1" wide x 36 yard $12.00 a roll

Double sided hold down tape for CNC routers 2" wide x 36 yard $24.00 a roll

Plus freight. Call to order. 817-988-9330