Quick Start Guide

Submission and Machine

Checklist

• Install Rhinoceros 3D

• Download the Fab Lab CNC 3 Template (below)

• Create 'stock' with correct dimensions

• Ensure all 3D objects are closed solid poly-surfaces

• Ensure all geometry is offset 10mm from stock edge

• Ensure all linework is on the correct layer (external, internal, hole pocket, etc)

• Specify depth of cuts by renaming layers

• Check and remove duplicate geometries

• Update 'material', 'student name' and 'student ID number' in file

Download the Template File here:

Please use the 3-Axis Template for 2-Axis operations.

FabLab CNC Router Rhino 5 Template.zip

archive · 312KB

Open

CNC 3-Axis Template

Video Tutorials

CNC 3-Axis YouTube Playlist

Tool Library

Fab Lab CNC Tool Library

Cost

$2.00 per minute + material costs

Fab Lab Materials List

We charge a small fee to cover use to the CNC facilities at the Fab Lab.

This cost covers the:

• File Set-up - $1/min

• Cutting Time - $0.50/min

• Material Cost - $/area of sheet used

CNC milling jobs can often take hours to complete and are charged on time (plus material if sourced from the Fab Lab). It is important students are aware of this, so they can budget accordingly.

The CNC can mill multiple types of materials. The FabLab usually stocks:

Material	Maximum Thickness
MDF	6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 25mm
CD Non Structural Ply	12mm, 18mm
Furniture Grade Ply	12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 24mm
Film Faced Ply	12mm, 18mm
XPS Extruded Polystyrene	30mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm
Aluminium Sheets	0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.2mm, 1.6mm
Aluminium Bar	6mm, 12mm 25mm

Custom Material

If you would like to cut a material we don’t already stock, come and see us in the Fab Lab before you buy your material so we can make sure the material is safe and possible to cut.

Outsourced hardwood may be brought in for CNC milling, and the Workshop provides facilities for laminating if required, prior to milling.

The Fab Lab is able to accept bulk deliveries, please co-ordinate at least two weeks prior to submitting your job.

SUBMIT

Once you are confident your file is ready, please submit job here:

Job Submission

It is highly recommended you book a consult before submitting your first CNC job.

Book a Consultation