CNC Tutorial for Beginners – How to Get into CNC Machining Process | CNCLATHING

Here is the basic process from CNC design to the finished part, in actual operations, there will be more details and setups that related to the complexity of the CNC parts. The following steps explain how the CNC machining process works.

1. Design the CNC parts you want to produce. The first thing you need to do is create a model or design of what you want to make, either 3D or 2D. For 2D drawings, DXF is the usual format, while for 3D model, the format is depending on what software you use. Generally, AutoCAD and Fusion 360 are commonly used CAD software.

2. Turn the model/design into instructions. The motions of CNC machines are based on the programmed instructions, if you just send the model files to your CNC lathe or mill, it does not know what to do and how to do. Every CNC has a few different controllers and each machine understands the code a bit differently and needs some different parameters. Use CAM software to take your design, assign various tools and types of machining operations to specific elements of the design and calculate the tool path, which is the path the tools will follow in order to cut a workpiece. Once these tool paths have been calculated by the software, we can use them to generate and save the G-code. After you generated your tool, you should go to post-processing and in there you need to choose your controller so that the software knows exactly how to translate it. After we chose our controller, we can get the file and export it, which contains the g-code. There are many many lines of code depending on the complexity of the machining process. 

3. Turn your computer to a CNC machine controller. Now, most CNC machines are controlled by a computer or some kind of specialized controller, which is often used for more expensive or high-end models. For beginners, a computer with software that connects to your CNC is enough. Choose a CNC control software to turn your computer into a CNC machine controller, Mach3 is a good choice for beginners and hobbyists.

4. Machining process. The software needs to control the CNC and set the zero point, you need to tell the machine where you want the zero points to be around and choose the point as the product design. Then move your machine to the zero point, keep your eye on the machine and there are some tools that allow you to find the point precisely. Tell the software where is zero and when you start your code by just pressing cycle start, the software sends the codes to the machine and the whole process can begin.