frame project

Steps to go from start to end,  CAD to the cutout frame. There were many more steps to this project then I initially realized. Once we were able to get CAD to work, the first step was to change the variables of the given modal to fit the piece of wood that we picked out. We did this by changing the thickness, width, and length. We used rulers to get the height and width and calipers to get the thickness. After getting our CAD models correctly changed, we then had to possess them and check that everything was good and should work on the CNC. Then, send the frame to the machine to get cut out. Once we were at the CNC machine, there were many steps to make sure the machine cut out the frame correctly. First, I had to secure the frame to the machine, making sure to line the X access to the model I created. If I did not do this, the machine would cut where it thinks the frame is rather than the actual frame. The next step was to zero out the machine lining the X and Y at the bottom left corner, then zero them out. To get the Z coordinate (thickness) zeroed, I moved to the center of the frame and lowered the drill bit using a piece of paper to help me make sure the drill bit was sitting on the wood to zero it correctly. Before I start the cut, I go through all the checks to make sure the job will go well. The steps for this are to check that the  Air compressor is on, all three accesses are correctly zeroed, my job is secured to the table, and my job is loaded onto the machine, then run the machine to get my cut-out frame.    

The hardest parts of CAD is remembering all of buttons and drop downs that you need to click to get an outcome that you want. you had to make sure you were in the right place in manufacturing or in design making sure you select the right points and plains or there would be some simple step that you spend 5 minits looking for only to relises the tool was right in front of your face the entire time 

After making my frame, there were then other steps that I had to learn to make the artwork that I would put in my frame. The art that I picked to do was a laser-cut piece of wood with an engraved blueprint of an engine. The first step I had to learn was making a sketch in CAD. I had to do this so that I would cut out the piece of wood of the correct size for my frame. I then had to download this sketch and move it into Illustrator. Luckily, from here on, I have had some experience using the laser cutter. Because of this, I was able to get my art made relatively fast. One thing that I did learn was that the laser cutter program auto-separates the cut lines and engraving part of your art. The reason I picked an engine to engrave was that I am kind of interested in engines, and the second reason was that using the laser cutter to engrave my price leaves a cool depth 3D effect that I believed would look good with something complex like an engine.