Design and Implementation of Multifunction CNC Machine

The invention of portable and smaller sized 3D printer with additional functions relates to the technical field of printer devices.  A 3D printer is a machine that transforms a virtual object into a physical object you can touch and hold. This technology is introduced a

Project Title

Design and Implementation of Multifunction CNC Machine

Project Area of Specialization

3D/4D Printing

Project Summary

The invention of portable and smaller sized 3D printer with additional functions relates to the technical field of printer devices.  A 3D printer is a machine that transforms a virtual object into a physical object you can touch and hold. This technology is introduced about a decade ago in Pakistan but hasn't gained much attention, it deserves being the interactive technology. Although some work has also been done on 3D printers and CNC machine but individually. The 3D printer machines that are available in Pakistan are imported or if they are manufactured here are too costly for a common man to afford, so our machine aims to provide the cost-effective solution to that problem. Furthermore, providing an additional feature of interchangeable heads that can add up more functionality to it. For example, the 3D printer machine costs more than 3 lacs by a Robo company. Whereas, our project would only cost about 1 lac 80 thousand.

Our project focuses on combining tasks together in a single portable CNC machine. The 3D printer comprises of three different functions performing heads that can be interchanged to perform any of the operations as 3D printing, laser engraving or CNC carving. Each of the three configurations offers different advantages depending on the task to be performed. The 3D printer is empowered by an extremely accurate stepper motor, together with a high precision linear bearing making every movement more precise. This multi-purpose 3D printer unleashes more choices and possibilities with an affordable price, furthermore the period of production is short and the final product quality is improved. 

Project Objectives

Our project has 3 objectives:

The first objective is to design and implement the low-cost CNC machine that can perform 3D printing, Laser engraving, and CNC carving.

The second objective is to simulate the 3D model designs in the software, (for example TinkerCad, SketchUp or AutoCAD) and observe the machine printing that particular object.

 The third objective is to finally introduce the concept of easily interchangeable heads with only fewer efforts, in order to perform any particular function according to the requirement. 

Project Implementation Method

The implementation method is divided is into two parts:

Software part:

Firstly we design a 3D model with the help of software, e.g) TinkerCad, Sketch-up or 123D Autodesk. The use of software differs from design to design. Likewise, TinkerCad is used for simple designs/objects while for making complicated designs or buildings, Sketch-up is fairly easy to use. To design a 3D model in the software we use to divide and conquer method, the complex design is divided into parts and those parts are made separately, at the end all parts are grouped together to form the final model.

Hardware part: 

The software generally generates a .stl file of the 3D model but the motors used for CNC purpose understands only G-Code(Geometrical Code) that is why a converter is used to convert the .stl file into G-code. G-Code commands the motors to move in a particular direction as required by the object. Then that code is loaded into the microcontroller to further precede it to the motors. Stepper motors move along x, y, and z-axes in liner directions according to the commands. Finally to 3D print any object it has a thermoplastic extruder along the linear axes which prints layer upon layer of hot plastic. Other materials like pulleys, belts, and bolts are used to make the position of axes more accurate.

For laser engraving functionality, a very high intense beam laser is used,  which laser engraves materials like wood, plastic and acrylic sheets.

Similarly, to perform CNC carving a sharp and thin drill head is used to carve the objects accurately, mostly this functionality is used for wood to make show piece or other domestic furniture frames.

Benefits of the Project

Some of the benefits that we will get from our project,

1) It is cost effective.

2) Lightweight machine

3) Easy to use

4) Multiple functionalities

5) Friendly Interface

6) Easy software installation

7) Due to its multiple functionalities, it has widespread usage in almost all fields

e.g) education purpose, medical usage, building architectures, people with disabilities

8) Creates flexibility in manufacturing

9) Scalability and High Production

10)  Less Labor

11) Design Retention: After the design is loaded and a flawless prototype is created, the program can easily retrieve the design to run it and create the object again.

12) Versatility as a CNC machining can create virtually any component you can imagine. 

13) Increased safety: As the entire work is done by a machine there is no involvement of the operator in the process.

14) Better precision: As the machine would eliminate 100% human errors.

15) CNC machine could reduce industrial waste to a very high percentage.

16) Enables complex tasks, such as detailing

17)Boosts production volume

18) Reliable Endurance: CNC machines work around-the-clock daily, weekends and holidays. They only stop for needed maintenance or repair.

19) Easy accessibility of components that are not available in the market.

20) Better Quality products as compared to the products available by traditional manufacturing products.

21) Creative Designs and Customization Freedom.

22) Less waste production with 3D printing functionality as there will be no removal of material.

23) Environmental friendly

 24) Precise markings and high quality of laser engraver.

25) Laser engraving and CNC craving work with a range of shapes and sizes.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The main structure of the machine is made with the aluminum channel by cutting it into pieces and connecting all separate pieces with nuts and angle brackets to forms the main structure. Afterward, horizontal and vertical sliders were built, horizontal slider for heat bed and vertical slider for extruder and filament with the steel rods. Four highly accurate performing NEMA-17 stepper motors are used at the base of the structure which moves the sliders according to the directions given by the 3D modeling software.  

For performing multi-function the heads need to be changed. The interchanging of heads is quite simple because by just untying some screws the heads can be changed.

Now with the help of Tinker cad software, the 3D models are designed, this software generates an STL  file which is converted into G code(geometric code) then it is loaded into the microcontroller(MACH 3) for directing the motors. The motors move according to the directions provided by the G-Code and print layer by layer the required object, after several iterations the final product is ready. By using similar methodology the other two functions, laser engraving and CNC carving are performed.

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Type of Industry

Education , IT , Medical , Manufacturing , Media , Health

Technologies

3D/4D Printing, Robotics

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Required Resources

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