Embedded Files
Materials:
Plywood
Tape Measure
Gauge Tool
Spray Paint
Tape
CNC Machine
Sand Paper/Sander
1/8" Acrylic
1/4" Wood
Epilog Engraver
Roland Printer
Poster paper
Clear Coat
Backing Holders
Software:
Fusion 360
Adobe Illustrator
Procedure: Scrap Wood Picture Frame
Step 1) To start off this project, I got my piece of plywood and measured the length and width using a tape measure. After recording my data, I measured the thickness of the wood using the gauge tool.
Step 2) After downloading the Scrap Wood Picture Frame 2024 (1).f3d on Fusion, I went to the MODIFY tab in Design and changed the parameters. I used the measurements gathered and changed the Stock Width, Height, and Thickness. Then I changed the Frame Height and Width to be 1/2 an inch less than my previous measurements.
Step 3) I went to the Manufacturing section and made sure my Setup 2 was aligned with my measurements and watched the short video applying the cutout process. Following this, I went to the Body tab next to my title on the left and allowed the frame to be viewed. Lastly in the manufacturing section, I downloaded and titled my work to NC Programs and sent the link to the Makerspace.
Step 4) While waiting for my turn on the CNC machine, I went outside to spray-paint my piece of plywood. Once it was dry, I was ready to cut.
Step 5) When reaching the CNC machine, I had to check all 6 steps before I began my process. #1 Tape the painted part of the plywood and spread it evenly with no bumps. I then taped the counter and glued on the wood piece, tape-side facing down. #2-4 Check the X, Y, and Z axes and make sure they line up with the plywood. #5 Load the job and make sure that my Fusion link has been sent to the CNC machine. #6 Have the air compressor turned on and begin the cutout process.
Step 6) Sand the frame to get rid of fuzzy wood that occurred from cutting on the CNC.
Step 7) After the frame has been cut out, it is time to make the acrylic front piece and wooden back piece. I went back to Fushion and created a sketch of the 4 inside and middle lines (8 in total). I saved it as a DXF and uploaded it into Adobe Illustrator. I offset my middle line to 0.004pt and ungrouped the lines created. With the inside line, I rounded the corners to 0.25. I created 2 layers: one for reference lines and one for the cut line. Lastly in Adobe, I made the cut line 0.001pt and selected print. I followed the steps from the Epilog Laser System Workflow document linked on the portal for the following steps.
Step 8) When using the Epilog system, I set up my material as 1/8" Acrylic for the clear front part of the frame and 1/4" Wood for the backing of my frame. I made sure using the camera setting that my frame sizing matched the amount of material displayed. After selecting print on the Epilog system, I made sure the fan was on for the laser, my job was loaded, the joystick had been tested, and the lid was closed all the way. After all this, I hit the start button and waited for my frame to be ready.
Step 9) To make sure my painted frame looked glazed, I added a top coat to give it a shine and let it sit for a few hours to dry.
Step 10) I went back to Adobe and added the picture I wanted in my frame. I changed the cut line to the grey color given to me and sent my image to the Makerspace to print. Using the poster material, I went to the other computer and added my image to be printed. The printing process takes around 10 minutes.
Step 11) Once all the frame parts are completed, the last step is to add the backing holders. After all these steps are finished, the final picture frames are done.
Final Product:
Discussion Questions:
1. In your own words describe the major steps to successfully go from a 3D Model to a CNC cut part.
The procedure is simple: measure, add measurements in Fusion, download to NC Programs, spray paint, use the CNC machine and cut, sand, make a sketch/DXF in Fusion, head to Adobe and download the DXF, cut out the acrylic front, cut out the wooden backing, add the top coat, print out the picture, add the backing holders, and the final picture frame is complete. For more in-depth, a list of the steps is above.
2. What part of CAD/CAM did you find most complicated or confusing?
When working with designing and manufacturing on the computers, it was most challenging in Adobe to remember all the steps and make sure everything was the right size. Not having the right size can lead to a mess up in the whole project.
3. What lessons did you learn along the way?
When working on my second frame, I ran into a problem with the wooden backing two times. The first time I made it the wrong size because my artboard in Adobe sized my frame lines down. The second time my corners were too big, even though I made them 0.25. Maybe it was because I had to go from memory instead of watching a tutorial from right in front of me, or maybe it was because I felt rushed to complete my work on time to submit it. In the end, after multiple trials and errors, I finally figured out how to make my backing fit perfectly in my frame.
4. What tools/software did you learn to use in order to create the artwork for your frames?
I learned how to use the Fusion software, which I had never opened before. As well, I learned more about Adobe Illustrator, and how to turn a document into a laser-cut item. It is crazy to me that something from the computer can work to be programmed and have the opportunity to cut, engrave, or anything else.
5. Why did you choose the artwork that you did?
The artwork for the first frame I chose was a picture of my sister and me when we were younger. It is a memorable photo that would be cute around my room. For the second frame, I chose a picture of my friend Keira and stretched her out to make her look tall. My frame is very narrow so it is funny to have her in it and stretched because she is on the shorter side.
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