Introduction: CNC VACUUM PIPE HOLDER USING MDF

About: Mechanical Engineer. Curious to learn new things and made Innovative things. FABLAB Assistant. Work with Additive manufacturing.

Hii friends .

i make this INSTRUCTABLE for trouble free operation of my exhaust pipe in CNC. 1st image show CNC have cover & skirt type box around spindle use for suck the debris while CNC operations.

1>CNC HAVE 150 MM Z-AXIS depth but some time we machined 80 to 100mm workpiece depth .
so, milling bit is around 110 mm from the spindle and outer box is only 35 mm deep.this creates lack of vacuum at higher depth because exhaust pipe is offcenter to the spindle and it does not create suction andnot capable to suck debris from 100 mm to ground level. 2>In Operation we can't see the spindle .if there is breakdown of milling bit we can't see and machine working on toolpath. this create problem in spindle alignments and workpiece break. SOLUTION:= 1>If we design custom exhaust pipe holder which holds pipe at some angle to create suction to suck all debris. 2>Some custom design will not have skirts outside. Let's Design custom exhaust pipe holder

Supplies

Supplies:

1>MDF 12MM (1ft x 1ft)As per your requirement and size of your design.

2>zip ties

3>Adhesive 4>Drill box 5>3mm screw with nut

Step 1: Step 1: Design in CAD Software Fusion360

Using fusion360 Because fusion360 have great 3d design and CAM feature gives more flexibility to design and manufacture a product or part.

Use vernier caliper for measure spindle heat diameter where you hold this design. Also, measure pipe diameter for pipe holder. Make U-type mechanism for locking assembly on the spindle head.

Alos check-out my Youtube video for Step by Step instruction.

Step by Step guide

Step 2: CAM WORKSPACE

After appropriate design cross-check your design with your machine.make sure wall thickness is greater than 15mm, it gives more rigidity to design at higher vibration.i make 4 mm slot at spindle head joint for use screw to tighten assembly at head.

After design use CAM workspace for making cutting toolpath. make sure the gap between both parts is greater than 6mm for 3mm milling bit and greater than 12 mm for 6mm drill bit.

In CAM Workspace see SETUP option in toolbar .click on new setup and you will see setup box .
setup your x&z axis as per your machine and set origin point.

Step 3: Make Toolpath for 2D Cutting and Check Simulation

After define Origin we Make toolpath for cutting operation.

For 2d toolpath goto > Toolbar > 2D > 2D coutour Option and click. select all bottom contour fro cutting operation.(1st image). Use TAB feature to make tabs. After click on the button you will see a box contain cutting parameter appears.(2nd image). A select tool from clicking on tool button .if you are online you see tool library .if you are offline making new tool using you machining parameters.(3rd image).Select bottom line per you workpiece height. (4th image). After finish to add parameter click on ok button and Fusion360 Automatically Generate toolpath.

The great thing of Fusion360 CAM feature is you can simulate your whole operation inside fusion and detect Problems.
After proper simulation, you will make your .nc file which can understand via control software.I am using shopbot CNC so i will export .spb inches file . For EXPORT FILE Right-click on your SETUP , select POST PROCESS.Opens new window. Select you machine name and file you wand also select machine parameter and export it.

Step 4: CNC Operatin and Assembly.

After machining, you see the finished parts in images.use sandpaper to remove tabs and other sharpen edges to the material.(1,2nd image).use a hacksaw to give angle before joint parts.

Use adhesive to joint both of parts.(3rd image.) make 4mm holes at both parts for attack zip ties for more rigid connection.

Step 5: INSTALL AND USE

For install use bolt and nut for connecting assembly at spindle head.(make this hole at u-shaped part for nut bolt fitting.)

This assembly gives me more flexibility in operation. Now, i can see the operation and no debris can fly outside.

Make it your own custom made CNC dust collector.