The Brake BracketIn order to demonstrate my proficiency with the CNC Mill I was asked to create a brake bracket of very specific proportions, upload it to fusion 360, and cut it out. With my current technology I was unable to download fusion 360 therefore I was only able to create the part itself.
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What is a CNC Mill?A Mill works by removing material from a block using a bit. I is like a router but it can cut more tough objects like heavier metals and alloys.
Three things I learnedThe earliest form of CNC machines were used just after world war 2. Precision machining dates back to the industrial revolution although these were manually operated not computer controlled. An estimated 56,000 jobs involving CNC machining will hit the market in the next few years.
What software do mills use and what does it doFusion 360 is used to set up the material for machining. It is used to tell the mill how to machine the part. It is also used as a bridge to convert the 3D files into the file type that the Mill should use.
What would I create with the MillI would create something useful. Maybe a can crusher or a bottle opener. I'm sure I could come up with something more useful if it came to me.
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What type do we useOur CNC mills are made by Tormach. I belive we have 2 PCNC 440s and a 770M.
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Creating the BracketBecause the only software I had available was Tinkercad I had to be very careful about how I placed objects because I couldn't easily re-dimension them once they were placed. I thought out my approach carefully and I started by creating the outline of the shape. I first created four cylinders to the proper specifications and placed them where they were on the diagram. Then I began connecting them with a series of rectangles and triangles in order to create the shape. Then I extruded the different parts to the proper heights linking them together as I went. I then began cutting holes in the bracket that were placed meticulously and sized correctly. When I had completed the holes the part was finished and I would have then been able to upload it to Fusion 360 if I had possession of the software.
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SummaryI managed to create a part to the proper specifications even though I was using a program that was not meant to be used in such a way. I am proud of that. Even though I was not able to create a physical product I still did what I could with what I had. After having watched the reference videos I think if I had possession of Fusion 360 I could use it to a reasonably effective degree and I think I could've cut this part out. In the situation I am in I am trying to do the best I can.
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