How to use the CNC Router

The School of Architecture currently has two CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Routers for student use. Digital Media Liaisons (DML) and Workshop Staff manage the CNC router for milling materials including wood, plywood, foam, and more. Check with Workshop staff if you are interested in milling other materials.

Files for fabrication may be submitted from a variety of software sources. These may include Rhino, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Illustrator, and more. 

2D profile work must be submitted in vector format 

e.g. AI, DWG, DXF, 3DM, etc.

3D volumetric subtraction work may be submitted in NURBS, mesh, or other similar modeling formats 

e.g. 3DM, SKB, DXF, etc.

To fabricate a project on the CNC machine, first verify your digital file (raster or vector) meets the File Preparation requirements (see below).

Milling jobs should be scheduled as early as possible. It may take several days to complete a CNC project.

CNC File Submission

1. Objects. Identify the area of your model to be fabricated. Your model may be made of multiple surfaces or solids and does not need to be a single 3D solid, closed polysurface or watertight mesh.

2. Stock. Create a digital representation of the stock (i.e. the raw, unprocessed material) to be milled. Position it over the area to be milled on the CNC Machine. Remove all modeling components not to be milled from the file.

3. Object Scale. Scale geometry as necessary (using an architectural scale).

4. Object Position. Move the objects to be milled (including the stock) so that it is below the first quadrant of the cartesian coordinate system. The top corner of the stockshould be positioned at the world origin (0,0,0). No portion of the model should fall into negative X & Y or positive Z values.

5. Object Orientation. The CNC Machine is oriented with the long direction in the Y-Axis. The maximum milling dimensions are Y-axis: 96” and X-axis: 48”.

6. File Layers. Create the following layers in your file and move the geometry as appropriate:

name      description

1_Stock   (the original material)

2_Objects    (the final, fabricated form)

3_Regions (2d closed linework describing the limits of fabrication

                    as seen from above)

7. DML. Submit your production file(s) to the Workshop and consult with a Digital Media Liaison or Workshop staff to ensure the project is correctly setup.

8. MILL. Arrange a time for milling and plan to be present to assist in the process including cleanup. Students should assist lab attendants during milling. Attendants will advise students about their responsibilities.

9. CLEAN. Leave the CNC machine and area around it cleaner than how you found it. Students are required to clear all debris from the machine and sweep or vacuum all sawdust from the machine and the surrounding floor area.