• - Schedule
• - Contacts

Procedure

1. Have an Idea

The first step is to have a good grasp of what you would like to do. What material are you considering? What size is your project? What end-product do you want?

2. Talk with a Lab TECH or TA

Think of the coordinating TA as an advisor for your CNC project. While dealing with a 3 axis CNC, there may be a number of restrictions presented for specific model types and material desires. A coordinating TA can help you resolve or re-direct your issues to other forms of digital fabrication.
Bring your file(s) with you when talking with coordinating TA. He or she will review your geometry, discuss material choices and answer all your questions. At the end of the appointment, the Coordinating TA will work with you to schedule a cut time with a Lab TECH or TA on the CNC Booking System. Appointments to cut must be made at least 48 hours in advance

3. Prepare Materials

The Workshop sells limited supplies of MDF, Baltic Birch Plywood, and Polystyrene Foam. Please check with the workshop manager for available materials

If you are laminating material for a CNC cut, apply glue evenly and thoroughly upon a clean surface before placing it in the vacuum-press for no less than 6 hours. The total drying time should be a minimum of 24 hours before the scheduled cut time. Use Gorilla glue if you are laminating foam. Verify that material dimensions do not exceed the table size (8' x 5'). Full instructions for the vacuum-press can be provided by a workshop assistant.

4. Cut with a Lab TECH or TA

Arrive to your scheduled shift with your prepared file(s) and material. Upon arrival, a Lab TECH or TA will prepare your RhinocCAM file and cut your project. If you have prepared your RhinoCAM file already, the Lab TECH or TA will review it before cutting. It is required for the student to be present for the duration of the cut.

5. Clean Up and Pay

It is the student's responsibility to clean up after the cut is complete. All scrap material must be taken to the outside dumpster and all debris/dust must be swept and discarded.

Once cleanup is complete, the Lab Tech will write you an invocie for the cut. Pay for all materials and CNC cutting before leaving the Workshop or FABLab. Students who leave without paying will be revoked privilages within the Workshop and FABLab.

^{*Referenced from Taubman College}