CNC Silhouette sign

Illustrator

To design my cnc sign I used Illustrator. I found a rabbit outline I liked and traced it using the pen tool. I then found a font I liked for the text and created the frame by combining shapes with the shape builder tool. I also used the shape builder tool to combine all the shapes into one connected piece.

CAD

After Illustrator I exported my design as a dxf file and created a new design page in Fusion 360 and opened my file. To extrude my design to the right height I followed these steps: Setup -> (Stock) Set Mode to Fixed size box -> Set X, Y, and Z dimensions -> Set round-up value to 0.5 -> Set Z value to thickness of material -> (Setup) Set Orientation to Model Orientation -> Set Origin to Stock Box Point -> Select front, left, top box point on your stock -> Click Model and select your model -> (Post process) Set Program comment to you job name

CAM

After extruding my design I created the tool paths for the CNC machine to follow. Continuing in Fusion 360 I followed these steps to create my two tool paths: Select 2D contour -> (Tool) Click on Select to choose the tool -> Select Dawson FS Tools Library -> Select 1/4" bit -> (Geometry) Select bottom edge of whole piece -> (Passes) Turn on multiple depths -> Set Maximum Roughing Step Down to half width of bit (0.125) -> Click OK and verify you have multiple depths -> repeat process but select 1/8 bit and select bottom of only text

To cut out my design on the CNC machine I emailed my file to Makerspace@dawsonschool.org. I mounted my plywood on the CNC machine using green tape and glue. I loaded my job and checked the following: Check Plywood is secure, job is loaded, X, Y, and Z are set and air compressor is turned on. After I was sure of these I ran the job. When it was finished I removed my sign, took off the tape and sanded it to make it smooth.

When I was finished sanding I stained my sign and let it dry so I could paint it. I cut out a paper replica of my design so I would know where to paint. I traced the details on the bunny using the paper and then painted them black.

Reflection questions:

What went well?

The whole project went relatively well. It was a challenge to use Fusion 360 and Adobe Illustrator because I had never used those apps before. The rest was pretty easy and very fun.

What could be improved?

I could have chosen a better rabbit design so it was easier to cut out with the eight inch bit. Also so it was better attached to the frame.

What would you do differently if you were to do this project again?

I would chose a different rabbit design so I could cut all of it out and not paint it. I would also find a better way to stain and paint in between the letters.

Page updated

Report abuse