Learning to Machine

Define

One of the first things that I desired to do when I joined team 114 was to learn how to machine. Throughout robotics 1, I learned many of the machines in the shop, including the lathe, bandsaw, and the wood drill press. However, some of the machines were used super frequently in robotics 2, yet I never ended up learning them! That would be the manual mill and the CNC.

I set off on a journey this offseason to learn precisely that.

CNC

This was mainly done through Emma's guidance, despite her not being the CNC lead. She has been immensely helpful in getting me familiar with how to create G-Code for parts (CAM) as well as the actual operation of the machine. I started off by manufacturing a few small parts in polycarb for the hopper during the previous season. Unfortuntely, those images have been lost to time.

The first project that I worked on this offseason was the belt wall.

I learned how to use fusion 360 to make G-Code for my parts, a process called CAM (computer aided manufacturing). I learned several of the common operations that we use:

• Pocketing - used to remove a large amount of material and create an empty hole, and it removes all of the material gradually by moving an endmill through the stock.

• Contouring - used to remove a smaller amount of material and create an empty hole. This differs from pocketing since it only cuts the outside edge 'contour' of the part. This is dangerous to use in large holes unless tabs are used. Contours are also used to create the outer edge of the part

• Drilling - intuitive enough, this creates holes of the diameter of your drill bit. The bit sizes we commonly use are #11 (0.191") or 1/4 (0.25").

Ultimately, I felt more confident and moved on to aluminum parts. This was a lot less forgiving to mistakes, and could lead to more broken bits... subtle foreshadowing!

Manual Mill

The manual mill is primarily used for box tubes. It is a very simple process - you simply zero the part on the machine, then start drilling! The DRO allows you to see how far you have traveled, and you simply follow the drawing to see where to drill holes.