> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/cnc-machining/untitled/introduction.md).

# Quick Start Guide

### Submission and Machine

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Checklist" %}

* [ ] Install [Rhinoceros 3D](https://app.gitbook.com/@msd-makerspaces/s/the-fablab/~/drafts/-MgxqPdPPIBqpeNTmjsm/laser-cutting/software)
* [ ] 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.

{% file src="/files/-Mgxyxgjy-ic4Jl-oQOW" %}
CNC 3-Axis Template
{% endfile %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Video Tutorials" %}

### [CNC 3-Axis YouTube Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs2S6MTDVrU\&list=PLgGN9A-SZN9ldZ_eiixncdy0BcY4aKIQB)

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Tool Library" %}

### [Fab Lab CNC Tool Library](https://apps.powerapps.com/play/e/default-0e5bf3cf-1ff4-46b7-9176-52c538c22a4d/a/f6661744-4310-4683-b1be-0fe9229f22ce?tenantId=0e5bf3cf-1ff4-46b7-9176-52c538c22a4d\&hint=e892d133-be5a-4896-b27d-30c56b81fd7b\&sourcetime=1776331501568)

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Cost" %}
**$2.00 per minute + material costs**

[**Fab Lab Materials List**](https://apps.powerapps.com/play/e814a70e-f638-4554-a518-6a9fe37df6bf?tenantId=0e5bf3cf-1ff4-46b7-9176-52c538c22a4d\&source=portal\&screenColor=rgba\(0%2C%20176%2C%20240%2C%201\))

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. 
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="SUBMIT" %}
**Once you are confident your file is ready, please submit job here:**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MG1TJd5\_tZLmc0F8x39" %}
[Job Submission](/the-fablab/job-submission/job-submission-platform.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is highly recommended you book a consult before submitting your first CNC job**.**
{% endhint %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MgyNJZD6\_J5AbazwqGJ" %}
[Book a Consultation](/the-fablab/book-a-consultation.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/the-fablab/cnc-machining/untitled/introduction.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.