S
Setup
Stock, and work coordinate system origin
00
Makera Desktop CNC Models
Two desktop CNC models exist within the Makerspace Network. This activity is written for the Carvera, but the CAM workflow applies across all three seen below. Check the spec table below for the differences and information on the machines available to you after this activity.
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Carvera
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Carvera Air
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Coming soon
Z1
| Specification | Carvera | Carvera Air | Z1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work area, 3 axis | 360 × 240 × 140 mm | 300 × 200 × 130 mm | 200 × 200 × 100 mm |
| Optional 4th axis work area | Ø92 × 240 mm | Not available | Not available |
| Weight | Approx. 50 kg | Approx. 30 kg | 17 kg |
| Spindle power | 200 W | 200 W | 150 W |
| Spindle speed | 0 to 15,000 rpm, closed loop | 0 to 13,000 rpm, closed loop | 0 to 13,000 rpm, closed loop |
| Collet | 1/8 inch; 6 mm & 3 mm available | 1/8 inch & 3 mm available | 1/8 integrated; optional 1/4 in, 6 mm, 4 mm |
| Tool change | Automatic tool changer | Quick tool changer | Quick tool changer |
| Tool capacity | 6 tools, ATC available | Manual, no ATC | Manual, no ATC |
| Spindle cooling | Compressed air, plumbed | Compressed air, plumbed | Compressed air, plumbed |
| Motion system | Servo motors, ball screws, linear rails | Closed loop steppers, ball screws, linear rods | NEMA 17 stepper motors, linear rails, Acme lead screws |
| Spindle runout | <0.01 mm | <0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Motion resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm | 0.02 mm |
| Supported materials | Aluminium, brass, copper, hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, foam, PVC, ABS, acrylic, PC, HDPE | Aluminium, brass, copper, hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, foam, PVC, ABS, acrylic, PC, HDPE | Aluminium, brass, copper, other non-ferrous metals, hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, foam, PVC, ABS, acrylic, PC, HDPE |
Section 01
CAM How-to
Step-by-step help to make your first CAM.
This tutorial walks you through creating your first CNC milling CAM file. Experienced users may attempt it independently, but must still use the provided tool library and recommended feeds and speeds.
Before running the machine, have a staff member review your CAM. Independent CAM files may take longer to review than files created by following this tutorial.
Download a part for your CAM
Download the starter part below as a ready-to-CAM model.
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The operations, in order
Work top to bottom. Each operation's walkthrough carries the parameters to enter and the steps to follow.
1
Facing
Flatten the top face before profiling
2
2D Adaptive
Bulk roughing of the profile
3
Bore
The keyring hole
4
2D Contour & Pocket
Finish the walls and floors
Order is irrelevant, but the first operation must not machine the next — control this with Stock to Leave (STL).
5
2D Chamfer
Break the edges
6
Trace
Engrave the name / text
7
2D Contour — Ramp
Cut the part free, leaving holding tabs
8
2D Contour
Additional 2D contour pass
9
Simulate, Inspect & Post-Process
Verify, then generate machine code
You must simulate every CAM file before posting. For the Makera Carvera, save the post-processor below to your local post library.
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What's next?
Your CAM is ready — here's how to get onto a machine.
-
01
Obtain CAM approval
Come into the James Kirby Makerspace or Design Future's Lab and have your CAM signed off by a Makerspace staff member. Your Setup machining time should read approx. 00:09:14.
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02
Complete the Practical Desktop CNC induction
Do it straight after your approval if you have time (~30-45 mins), or book a machine slot for later.
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03
Follow the operational how-to below
Work through the Operation how-to steps below during your induction. Staff will check you've completed the SWP and reinterate some key safety points during this induction.
Section 02
Operation: How-to
Step-by-step guide to running your program on the desktop CNCs.
1
Fixturing stock
Secure the stock to the machine bed
2
Makera controller, ATC check, loading G-code
Power on, check the tool changer, and load your G-code
3
Configure and run G-code
Set your work origin and run the program
4
Finishing stock
Finish the part, then clean down
Section 03
Additional Resources
Non-essential, but good for future reference.
Send manual commands
Auto levelling
Wired XYZ contact probe
Change the collet
★
What's next?
Once you've passed the induction you can now book and run the Desktop CNCs for your own projects. Ready to machine soft metals (aluminium, brass etc.), or after ideas for your next project?
Head to this learn page
