CNC Machine
 | This tool requires an induction. Induction information can be found at https://somakeit.org.uk/inductions-and-processes/ |
We have a CNC Machine in the workshop area of the Makerspace.
The CNC machine requires an induction, and you can find the risk assessment and details on Workshop Induction pages. Various manuals for the CNC can be found on the induction page.
Note that we have a PC in the clean room which runs Vectric VCarve Makerspace edition. This will generate GCode for the CNC toolpaths and also allow design work to be carried out.
This page covers core details of the machine, for more advanced usage of the CNC machine see the Intermediate documentation and Advanced documentation pages.
About The Machine
Specifications
| Manufacturer | StyleCNC |
| Model | STM6090 |
| No. Axes | 4 (XYZ + Rotary) |
| Bed Size | 600×900mm |
| Effective Work Volume | 600×750×150mm |
| Controller | RichAuto A18 |
For further information on the machine, check out the manufacturer's website: https://www.stylecnc.com. (Note that our machine has some modifications to allow for coolant, and dust collection).
To learn more about the controller, here is the manufacturer's page: http://richnc.com.cn
Programming
Basic Programming
According to it's manual, the controller accepts 'standard G-Code'. Unfortunately, no further information is provided, so it is assumed it supports most of the basic G-Codes listed on Wikipedia. By default, the router always has the spindle on, and feeds and speeds are specified through a menu before a program is run. See information on the Intermediate documentation page to configure this through g code.
As mentioned earlier, the makerspace has a license for VCarve, which can also be used to program the router. For those wishing to use other software e.g. Fusion 360 see information on the Intermediate documentation page
Programming 4th axis
While VCarve has some support for the rotary axis, it is not practical as it replaces X or Y moves with the rotary, meaning you won't be able to program true 4 axis toolpaths. For true 4 axis milling you will need to manually program the moves, or find/buy a piece of software that has the features you are looking for
Spindle speeds
The machine has several preset spindle speeds which are listed below.
| mode | Speed |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 |
| 2 | 6000 |
| 3 | 9000 |
| 4 | 12000 |
| 5 | 16200 |
| 6 | 18000 |
| 7 | 21000 |
| 8 | 24000 |
USB Drive requirements
The CNC controller doesent work with large capacity USB drives (these use NTFS format by default). You will need a FAT32 formmatted drive, 8GB drives are known to work larger drives may also work but need to be reformatted with a smaller partition. A 64GB drive reformatted as a 30GB FAT32 is known to not work however when formatted at 16GB in FAT32 it does.
Avaliable Tools
There is a Stanley toolbox by the CNC that contains some tools for use with the CNC which are documented below.
Collets
The space has ER collets in 1-13mm
There are also ER collets in 1/2in and 1/8in
Flat end mills
The space has the following HSS flat endmills
| diameter | shaft diameter | Flute length | overall length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5mm | 6mm | 4mm | 51mm |
| 2mm | 6mm | 7mm | 51mm |
| 2.5mm | 6mm | 8mm | 52mm |
| 3.5mm | 6mm | 10mm | 54mm |
| 4.5mm | 6mm | 54mm | |
| 5mm | 6mm | 13mm | 57mm |
| 5.5mm | 6mm | 13mm | 57mm |
Other bits
There are a few countersink and chamfer bits in the box allong with a 1/4in ball endmill