Adaptable and Multi-Functional Smart CNC

Summary In this past decade the rapid advance of technology has brought a lot of innovation which has made life easier in all aspects. This also includes the industrial and manufacturing processes where the introduction of advanced machinery has made revolutionary changes inc

Project Title

Adaptable and Multi-Functional Smart CNC

Project Area of Specialization

Internet of Things

Project Summary

Summary

In this past decade the rapid advance of technology has brought a lot of innovation which has made life easier in all aspects. This also includes the industrial and manufacturing processes where the introduction of advanced machinery has made revolutionary changes increasing the efficiency and lowering the cost. One of the advance machineries that has changed the way we manufacture the product is CNC (Computerized Numerical Control). This piece of machinery has enabled us to freely design and automate the process of making a product. This machine can be used for multiple purposes i.e. it is used to cut objects (laser cutting, water cutting and plasma cutting), it can be used to make a 3d printer, it is used in milling etcetera.

The CNC has 2 or 3 axis which can move according to the co-ordinates it is provided. It uses servo motors for precision to reach the exact co-ordinates it is given. An object be it a metal sheet, a block of iron or wood is placed on the origin (0, 0, 0) coordinate of the CNC. The CNC is then provided with the G-code of the object to be made. Basically, the G-code tells the CNC to move the X, Y or Z axis to the desired point and then the spindle at the head of the CNC start rotating to cut or mill or draw the object. The CNC continues to work until the G-code ends then it returns to origin position. 

An application is integrated with the hardware which controls the CNC. The Arduino contains a program which interprets the G-code sent to it by the application and executes it by moving the 3-axis of the CNC.

Project Objectives

Objectives

The objectives of the project are: -

1) Currently the cost of the industrial CNC is far within the reach of the common people. My aim is to reduce the cost of the CNC by making it affordable and with as much precision as possible.

2) Spread awareness about the advantage and multiple uses of CNC.

3) My other aim is to add IOT to CNC by making an application which can be accessible through the internet and it can control the CNC from anywhere. The application will show the real time coordinates of the axis of the machine. This application will include simulation of the entire process and will be capable of sending G-code to the machine directly. This will greatly reduce the use of wires and make the process wireless.

Project Implementation Method

Project Implementation

To make this DIY CNC raw material such as plywood and hollow aluminum rods to make the frame guides and support of the frame. After the completion of the frame electrical component such as servo motors and limit switches will be attached and the wiring will be placed accordingly. After this the wiring of the servo motor and limit switches will be connected to the Arduino CNC shield. The Arduino will then be loaded with the GRBL for the G-code to run and then the G-code of the desired object or drawing will be loaded and executed and the output will be executed ln the CNC.

After the construction of the CNC the wireless application of the CNC will be integrated with the hardware which will then allow the CNC to be operated wirelessly and at the same time the simulation of the process can also be viewed in the application.

Benefits of the Project

Benefits

The benefits of the project are as follows: -

1. Low costing
2. High Precision relative to cost
3. Wireless control of CNC
4. Implementation of IOT concepts
5. Upgradable to 3D printer
6. Adaptable to multiple uses such as drawing, milling, embossing, cutting and cake decorating.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Technical Details

  Electrical parts:

• Raspberry pi
• Arduino
• Stepper motors 
•  limit switches 
•  stepper drivers
• Spindle servo Motor with drive
• power supply 
•  CNC shield 
• Wiring 
• wi-fi module 

Mechanical parts:

• Milling/cutting tool
• drawing tool (for 2d images)
• frame 
• axis belt
• spacer, washer, nuts, screws, bolts guides and supports

Software:

• Wireless application for controlling CNC
• Hosting and domain
• GRBL Panel
• Arduino GRBL

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Manufacturing

Other Industries

IT

Core Technology

Internet of Things (IoT)

Other Technologies

3D/4D Printing, Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com