3D Printing is the ideal method of creating complex 3D parts or assemblies.
There are four FFF 3D printers available for use: LulzBot TAZ6 | AnyCubic S | AnyCubic X.
3D parts can be created in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360 or any software package that can export to .STL file type.
3D prints take a very long time, and you should plan your project accordingly.
The 3D printer creates parts in ABS plastic (similar to Lego Bricks, and black plumbing pipe.)
Parts must not be larger than 10" in any one dimension.
You are encouraged to check preliminary designs with Angelo Posteraro before committing a lot of time to create a model.
After creating your 3D part in CAD software, you can prepare your part for printing with the Cura Slicer.
Be sure to select the correct printer in the Cura software.
Contact Angelo Posteraro for help with Cura settings that will work best for your part.
There is one Resin SLA 3D Printer: Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
This printer is ideal for small, intricate, detailed parts.
Laser Cutting is the ideal method of creating frames, boxes, and other shapes from flat wood or plastic.
Raster printing is used for images. The image is engraved one thin line at a time, engraving similar to a standard printer.
Raster mode is used for logos, images, engravings and similar circumstances where you would want to mark a material.
Vector printing can be used to draw lines or cut shapes where the laser traces a predefined path.
Vector mode is generally used to cut out shapes from materials that will form larger assemblies.
In order to cut in vector mode, you must use a vector software like InkScape, Illustrator, or most CAD software.
All line weights must be 0.00mm for vector cuts (zero thickness or hairline)
The Laser is a RedSail M900: 100 Watt CO2 Laser.
The large laser can cut most organic (paper, wood, plastic, leather, rubber, etc...) material up to several inches thick.
The maximum dimensions are 90cm x 60cm on the large laser.
You can download the 30-day trial version of the LightBurn software here.
There is also a copy of Lightburn on the computer attached to the laser.
The laser uses the Ruida 6442 controller when setting up the software for project.
This software is required to turn your design into instructions that the laser understands.
It allows you to select cutting power and speed as well as a few other advanced features for the various parts of your drawing.
The CNC mill is a Shapeoko 3, with a Makita Router that accepts 1/4" or 1/8" tools.
CNC milling is used to carve 2D shapes or 3D relief into thicker materials (max 3" - 4").
The shop has several tools from 1/16" up to 1/4" in both ball-end and flat-end mills.
There are also serveral routher bits, drill bits, and Vee bits for special milling operations.
Wood, most organic materials, and wax may be milled with the current setup.
The maximum millable dimensions are 16" x 16" in the XY plane.
The CNC Mill accepts G-Code generated via Carbide 3D software or Fusion 360. AutoCAD models may be imported into Fusion.
The Youtube channel NYC CNC has several great videos about the process of going from model, to mill paths, to final product.
It is possible to route PCBs on the mill if your project involves an electronic component.
PCB's can be milled after drawing your circuit in Autodesk Eagle or F360 which is available free to students.
The CNC lathe is a sherline 4x17. It can spin a 4" workpiece with a length up to 17"
The Lathe is used to turn cylindrical, axially symmetrical parts like screws, shafts, idlers etc...
The lathe can be used on most materials less hardened metals.
The lathe can be run manually as well as under CNC control.
Check with Angelo Posteraro for help with the CAM processing of your 3D models for the mill.
The Plasma cutter is a Langmuir Crossfire
The CNC Plasma cutter cuts conductive metal sheets under 1" and 2' by 2' in dimension.
The plasma cutter can also be run manually for freehand cutting and breakdown of large stock.
The plasma torch requires eye hearing PPE to use safely.
While thin features are possible, the plasma cutter has a ~1/8" kerf on any cut.
A 3D drawing including appropriate material thickness is required for a Plasma cut.