11/09/2023
Is your CNC collecting dust at your unit?
Ship Harbour Woodcraft
Intermediate 3d Design and CNC
Operations Course (5 Day)
Terry Gracie
Owner Operator
*****We have 1 course available for FY 23/24 and 2 courses available for 24/25*****
**Day 1: Introduction to CNC**
- **Morning Session:**
- Definition and history of CNC machining.
- Basic components of a CNC machine (Controller, Motors, Tools).
- Hands-on: Tour of a CNC machine
- Types of Bits and their applications
- Types of CNC machines (Milling, Turning, Laser, etc.).
**Afternoon Session:**
- Safety precautions in CNC machining. (See Manual)
- Work piece setup
- Surfacing
- Securing
**Day 2: CNC Programming**
- **Morning Session:**
- Understanding coordinate systems (X, Y, Z). (see CNC and software)
- Overview of G-code and M-code.
- Introduction to Aspire software.
**Afternoon Session:** Use software and real examples
- User interface overview.
- Creating a new project.
- Drawing 2d objects and manipulating/editing them
- Importing 2D and 3D designs.
- Basic design tools in Aspire.
-Setting up 2 sided carves in Aspire.
**Day 3: Toolpath Generation**
- **Morning Session:** Use software and real examples
- Understanding tool selection.
- Setting up machining parameters (feeds and speeds).
- Creating roughing and finishing toolpaths.
**Afternoon Session:** Use software and real examples
- Simulating toolpaths.
- Toolpath editing and optimization.
- Saving toolpaths
**Day 4: CNC Machining**
**Morning Session:**
- Setting up material and work piece.
- Machine Controller See Manual
- Homing
- Work piece Origins
- Loading and running toolpaths
- Carve some student pieces
- Work Piece surfacing programming and demonstration
- Troubleshooting common CNC issues.
**Afternoon Session:**
- 3d Modelling
- Intro to Modelling Menu
- 3d Views
- Making basic 3d shapes
- Complete a 3d design, students follow along and create a 3d model
- Tool path simulation
- Toolpath generation
- Crib Board design (Time Permitting)
**Day 5: Carving and Conclusion
- Students Load their toolpaths
- Each student sets their individual origin for carving using V Carved border for separation
o Roughing passes
o Finish pass
o Profile
- Troubleshooting active carves
- Course conclusion
- Course evaluation
- Certificates
Throughout the course, practical hands-on experience will be emphasized. Participants will get the chance to interact with CNC machines and Vectric software under supervision to reinforce their learning. Additionally, encourage questions and discussions to deepen their understanding of CNC and Aspire.
Course Notes:
- Students are provided with USB Drives with numerous resources ie: Course guide, manuals, 3d Files, Tool databases etc.
- Water, coffee and refreshments are provided.
- Instructor will have all required carving bits to complete the training.
- Each student should bring their work or personal laptop to follow along with the programming/design portions of the course.
- Trial software will be provided for training. Laptops must have permissions set to allow installation of programs or have an IT Rep avail to install the software.
- Aspire is an advanced version of VCarve Pro. So learning the Aspire software will be exactly like using VCarve Pro.
- It would be beneficial to have said software installed prior to the course so students can familiarize themselves with it.
- Instructor will need to liaise with Unit Rep on the morning of the course (prior to start time) to prepare classroom and inspect CNC.
- CNC should have power supplied and proper dust collection equipment.
- Classroom requirements: (Please advise if not available)
o Seating and desks for students and 1 instructor
o Power supplies for laptops
o Projector and screen with HDMI to instructor desk
o Whiteboard
- Software used will be Aspire(Supplied) and VCarve Pro
Please direct any questions to [email protected] call (506)260-9902.
