How to use the CNC Router

The School of Architecture currently has three 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. Prepare your digital file so that only the elements you intend to fabricate are in the file to be submitted. Delete everything else. Your fabrication 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. Object Scale. Scale geometry as necessary (using an architectural scale).

3. Object Position. Move the objects to be milled so that it sits above the first quadrant of the cartesian coordinate system. The bottom corner of the stock should be positioned at the world origin (0,0,0). No portion of the model should fall into negative X & Y or Z values.

4. Object Orientation. The CNC Machine beds are oriented with the long direction in the Y-Axis. Orient your digital model in relation to the machine bed proportions and limitations.

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

name      description 

CNC GEO    (the final, fabricated form)

     Be sure to delete all hidden objects. 

6. File Submission. Submit your production file(s) using the CNC Job Submission Form found via the Shattuck Hall Facilities LinkTree below. Follow up with a School of Architecture Digital Media Liaison or Workshop staff to ensure the project is setup correctly and in the queue.

7. NOTE: If you are milling a job larger than 48" x 24" the material needs to be completely flat to work with the large CNC machine's vacuum system. Consult Digital Media Liaisons or Workshop Staff to discuss strategies for attaching your stock to the machine bed. 

8. FABRICATION. Coordinate a time to fabricate your work with Workshop Staff or DMLs. Plan to be present during the entire milling process. Staff will advise students about their responsibilities during and after fabrication.

9. CLEANING. Leave the CNC machine and surrounding areas cleaner than you found them. Students are required to clear all debris from the machine and sweep or vacuum all sawdust from the machine and the surrounding floor area.