Big CNC Machine

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.

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. While it is possible to control these from a program file, in it's current state (as of December 2022) the machine will ignore related S, F and M codes.

As mentioned earlier, the makerspace has a license for VCarve, which can also be used to program the router. Configurations for Fusion 360 are being worked on, and will be made available as soon as they are ready. To use other software, you will have to set up your own configurations/post processors for the time being.

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

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