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The CNC router is one of the most important tools we have in our shopas over 70% of our parts our manufactured on this machine. We will have two four Laguna routers, comprised of 2 IQ's, the Swift and Tubeeeeee. The Swift and IQ. The Swift has a larger work envelope, as well as a vacuum fixturing system. The IQ will be outfitted with a tube jig for routering box tub. Their primary use case is cutting large sheets of aluminum or polycarb, and eventually box tube.
has a larger work envelope and can fit sheets as big as 4 ft x 4ft, as well as a vacuum fixturing system. The Two IQ's we have are used for sheets have a workspace big enough to fit sheets no bigger than 2ft by 4ft. The Tube IQ will be outfitted with a tube jig operates only on box tubes. The primary usage of these routers will be to manufacture Aluminum & Polycarbonate (plastic) sheets as well as Box tubes of various sizes. We will also occasionally use the routers on wood and SRPP composite materials.
Every part is customized on the router with very specific sizes and shapes, thus, most router parts will have different bit sizes.
Here is a video on our organized drill bit and endmill drawer, it will explain what is the difference between a bit and an endmill and how to correctly select the right sizes of bits, endmills and collets.
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Here is a picture of the Swift, it is primarily used for our biggest jobs This is a picture of one of our IQ's, we have two placed This is our Tube Router, the sole and only purpose of this machine
as it has the best fixturing system as well as the largest workspace: right next to each other in the shop: is to manufacture box tubes
How to setup your part?
Setting up your job is tedious but is a very important part of the whole process. This video will show you how to secure your parts on the IQ's.
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How to operate the machine?
Main System:
Here is a video on how to turn on the and activate the vacuum on the swift.
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For fixturing parts on the Swift you will, using double sided tape, tape the part and place it on the router, once stuck onto the router the vacuum for the swift will use its suction to secure the part even more.
Here is a video on how to turn on the IQ.
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Once the machine finishes booting up there will be an option on the controller to HOME the axis, you MUST click this button as the router needs to have a general set point to begin a job.
As the machine is powering up, next you will need to make sure that your coolant is plugged in as well as turn on the dust vacuum.
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We also use a software called Vcarve to generate the Gcode required by the machine to run. In short, Gcode is the programming language for the machine (the same language as the 3D printers). These instructions tell the spindle where to move and when, to trace out the cuts that the machine needs to do.
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NEVER put any body parts in the path of any moving parts on the router, ESPECIALLY the spindle. The End mill is spinning at around least 18,000 RPM and will easily cut through anything in front of it. While running a job, the machine might also make fast slewing movements in a surprising direction, so be sure to keep all hands clear.
ALWAYS be paying close attention to the machine. Keep close eye on the progress of the job. If the machine does something you did not expect, do not be afraid to stop the job, or worst-case hit the E-stop.
NEVER be more than an arms length away from the hand-held controller, or the E-stop button. In case the material is not properly secured on the work table, it may come loose and damage the tool, or potentially get launched off of the work table into the shop.
LISTEN to the machine. Often times you can hear when something on the machine will go wrong. If the tool is chattering, or the material is vibrating on the work table, it is highly likely something is going wrong. If the material is not properly secured to the spoil board, it can shift up and down, likely damaging or breaking the tool.
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6. What type of toolpath requires tabs?
- Profile
- Drill
- Texturing
7. I should include a ramp on my profile toolpath.
- True
- False
8. When should a pocket toolpath be used to cut the internal shapes of a part?
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- Preview the toolpath
- Just send it on the Laguna
Skillset Verification
- Export DXF from Onshape
- Create new file/workspace in Vcarve
- Import DXF into Vcarve
- Join vectors
- Move vectors to required position in workspace
- Select vectors for toolpath
- Optimize settings for toolpaths
- Create and effectively place tabs
- Put toolpaths in correct order
- Preview toolpaths to ensure tabs are correct
- Save toolpaths with correct naming scheme
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