General Information

Table Size: 5′-0″ x 10′-0″

Gantry Height: 10″ with MDF Spoil board or 11″ without MDF Spoil board

Four zone vacuum table

Pneumatic Alignment Pins

Automatic Tool Calibration Pad

Safety Guidelines for CNC Router

Safety Guidelines

Acceptable and Prohibited Materials

CNC Router Materials

Knowledge Base

CNC Cutting Knowledge Base

CNC Cutting Basics

Preparing for CNC Cutting

CNC Cutting Rhino Commands

Policies

Appointments

Users are expected to arrive on time for all scheduled appointments. Arriving more than 5 – 10 minutes late may result in the loss of the appointment. Requests to reschedule must be made at least (1) business day in advance.

CNC File Check Appointments

A CNC File Check Appointment is required before a project may be scheduled for cutting. This appointment is for reviewing and approving the user’s completed project preparation, not for completing Rhino modeling or RhinoCAM programming. File checks are not performed via email.

Before the appointment, users are expected to:

• Prepare a complete Rhino file.
• Review the provided RhinoCAM guides.
• Attempt to program all required toolpaths in RhinoCAM using the provided resources.
• Obtain and bring the actual material intended for cutting.

Users are not expected to complete the RhinoCAM setup without questions or errors. Lab staff are available to provide clarification and guidance when users encounter difficulties; however, users are expected to review the provided resources and make an attempt before the CNC File Check Appointment.

During the appointment, lab staff will review the Rhino file, RhinoCAM setup, and material to verify that the project is properly prepared and can be cut safely. Lab staff may provide guidance and assist with minor corrections.

The appointment may need to be rescheduled if the Rhino file is incomplete, no attempt has been made to prepare the RhinoCAM toolpaths, the required material is not present, or substantial revisions are required.

Once the project has been reviewed and approved, a CNC Cutting Appointment may be scheduled.

CNC Cutting Appointments

CNC Cutting Appointments are for cutting projects that have successfully completed a CNC File Check Appointment. CNC Cutting Appointments cannot be scheduled on the same business day as the CNC File Check Appointment.

Appointment times are based on the estimated cutting time provided by RhinoCAM, multiplied by a factor of three to account for setup, tool changes, and other operations.

File Preparation & Toolpaths

Users are responsible for preparing their own Rhino files and RhinoCAM toolpaths using the resources provided by the Digital Fabrication Lab.

Lab staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance but will not complete Rhino modeling or RhinoCAM programming on behalf of users.

Lab staff reserve the right to reject files or toolpaths that are incomplete, improperly prepared, or do not comply with lab policies or safety requirements.

Material

Lab staff reserve the right to refuse materials that are not included on the Acceptable Materials List, are incompatible with the selected machining operation, are improperly sized or prepared, or cannot be safely secured to the CNC router.

All laminated stock must adhere to the Laminated Stock Requirements.

Machine Operation

Users are required to remain present and actively monitor their project throughout the CNC Cutting Appointment. Users are responsible for cleaning the CNC router and surrounding work area upon completion of their job.

Material Storage

Materials can be stored in ARC 175 (1) day prior to the CNC Cutting Appointment. All materials must be clearly marked with a name and phone number. Unmarked materials and/or materials stored longer than (3) days will be discarded. The Digital Fabrication Lab is not responsible for lost or stolen materials.

Yard Storage

Materials may be stored outside in the yard with approval. All materials and projects must be stored out of the firelane adjacent to the building. 

It’s recommended to protect materials from the elements with either a tarp or plastic. Users must provide the applicable supplies needed to protect their materials. Additionally, it’s advised to raise materials on blocks to protect from ground moisture. All materials must be clearly marked with a name and phone number.

Procedure

At the Conception of a Project:

1. Visit the Digital Fabrication Lab’s website to determine machine limitations, tools, acceptable materials, etc.
2. Review the RhinoCAM PDF Guide to understand the geometry required for toolpathing and how geometry should be prepared and arranged in Rhino.
3. If needed, schedule an appointment with the Lab Coordinator to discuss project feasibility and possible fabrication strategies.

Preparing a Rhino File for RhinoCAM:

1. Complete and cleanly model all geometry required for toolpathing in Rhino.
2. Verify that the geometry is prepared and arranged according to the RhinoCAM PDF Guide.
3. Save Rhino file(s) to USB drive.

RhinoCAM:

1. Visit ARC 172 (ARC Computer Lab) during regular hours to prepare the RhinoCAM toolpaths.
2. Use the RhinoCAM PDF Guide to set up the required machining operations and toolpaths.
3. Save the Rhino file(s) with the completed RhinoCAM settings and toolpaths to a USB drive.

CNC File Check Appointment:

1. Once the Rhino file and RhinoCAM toolpaths have been prepared, email kyle.kithas@unlv.edu to request a CNC File Check Appointment.
2. Bring the following to the appointment:
   • Rhino file with RhinoCAM settings and toolpaths on a USB drive.
   • The actual material stock that will be used for the project.
3. During the file check, the Rhino file, RhinoCAM toolpaths, and material will be reviewed for compliance with lab policies and safety requirements. Minor adjustments may be made during the appointment. The appointment may need to be rescheduled if substantial revisions are required.
4. Once the project is approved, a CNC Cutting Appointment will be scheduled.

CNC Cutting Appointment:

1. Ensure you have completed all required CNC safety training modules in WebCampus prior to your appointment. Lab staff will verify completion. Failure to complete the required safety training will require the CNC Cutting Appointment to be rescheduled.
2. Bring the approved material and your RebelCard. Ensure sufficient funds are available before the appointment.
3. Assist lab staff with setting up the material and preparing the CNC router for cutting.
4. Remain present and monitor the job throughout the cutting process.
5. Upon completion, remove the project and material remnants and clean the CNC router and surrounding work area.
6. Your RebelCard will be charged at the end of the appointment.