How to use the CNC Router

To use the School of Architecture's CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Routers please follow these steps:

1. Digital Media Liaisons (DML) and Materials Lab Attendants manage the CNC router for milling materials including wood, plywood, foam, and more. Check with Materials Lab Staff if you are interested in milling other materials.

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

3. DMLs will review the files and prepare them for milling. Once their review is complete they will schedule a time for fabrication.

4. DMLs or Lab Attendants will operate the CNC machine and run the job with student assistance. 

5. Students are required to clean up during fabrication and after the job is complete. This includes the disposal of all chips, sawdust, and unused stock material.The CNC machine and surrounding areas should be returned to their pre-fabrication state of cleanliness or better.

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

CNC File Requirements

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

   • 2d profile work may be submitted in vector format (dwg, dxf, 3dm). 

   • 3d volumetric subtraction work may be submitted in NURBS, mesh, or other similar 3d modelling formats (3dm, SKB, etc).

2. Separate digital content onto layers to clarify the intent of your project for the Lab Attendants.

   • 2d project layers

Stock profile 

Milling linework

2. • 3d project layers

Stock

Milling regions (closed)

Final geometry

3. Double check your file and remove all duplicate linework (use ‘Dedupe’ command in AutoCad or similar).

4. Deliver your prepared file via email or USB flash drive to lab staff or via email to digilab@pdx.edu DML’s for review.

5. Students should assist lab attendants during milling. Attendants will advise students about their responsibilities.

6. Students are required to clear all debris from the machine and sweep or vacuum all sawdust from the machine and the surrounding floor area.