CNC and CADCAM

CNC machines in Jacobs

CAD/CAM

CAD/CAM refers to the integration of Computer-aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Both CAD and CAM are computer-intensive. CAD software helps designers and draftsmen; CAM "reduces manpower costs" in the manufacturingWikipedia. CAD/CAM.

CAD-CAM Feeds and Speeds
Complete CAM Guide on the Jacobs bCourses

DIY

DIY CNC
Shapeoko CNC Routers

Workholding

  1. Polymer nails (aka brad nails)
    cnc-workholding-polymernails.png|400
    Polymer nails offer enough hold for most wood CNC jobs and avoids the risk of colliding with steel screws. When finished, the nails can be snapped off with a chisel or strike the side of your stock with a dead blow hammer.

  2. Double-sided tape
    For soft foam and lighter duty cutting of wood, double-sided tape can hold down your stock. For heavier cutting, combine with another workholding technique like polymer nails. Surface area matters with double-sided tape. If your part is smaller do not be frugal about how much tape you use. Always use fresh tape.

  3. Wooden clamps (shop made)
    cnc-workholding-woodclamps.png|400

  4. Aluminum hold-downs
    cnc-workholding-commercial.png

Cutting with Foam