SELF-TAUGHT / CAD to CAM to CNC

Three years idle. Then our first part.

I learned CAM and CNC, brought fabrication in-house, and taught teammates to use it.

My contribution: CAM · Toolpaths · Machining · Teaching
Context: Team 1277 · In-house fabrication
Result: An idle CNC brought into use · CAD/CAM/CNC training for teammates
Skills & tools: Fusion 360 CAD/CAM
CNC Machining
Toolpath Programming
G-code
Feeds & Speeds
Material Selection
Machining Troubleshooting
Technical Training

The starting point

Our team's CNC had sat unused for three years. No one knew how to operate it. I'd already taught myself CAD, so I wanted to learn what it would take to make the parts I was drawing.

**Drawing, toolpath, part**Concept diagram of the workflow, not a specific toolpath.

The work

I learned CAM, toolpaths, G-code, and machine operation. My first attempts didn't all work. When I reached the limits of what I could figure out alone, I contacted a mentor from another team for help.

Fusion 360 CAM simulationMy recording of the CAM toolpath simulation in Fusion 360.

What changed

We could make custom aluminum, polycarbonate, and wood parts in-house. I created training materials and taught CAD/CAM/CNC concepts to teammates so the capability could extend beyond my own work.

CNC part in progressMy recording of a part being machined on Team 1277's CNC.

An unused machine became another way for the team to build.

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