Digital fabrication for k 12 education

DIGITAL FABRICATION Patrick Woessner
STLinSTL 2019

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
0 5 10
I Recognize Wally I Know What
This Is
Jo Prusa Sends
Me Flowers On
My Birthday

WHAT IS DIGITAL FABRICATION?
“It is an evolving suite of capabilities to turn data into things and
things into data. Many years of research remain to complete this
vision, but the revolution is already well under way. The collective
challenge is to answer the central question it poses: How will we live,
learn, work, and play when anyone can make anything, anywhere?”
Neil A. Gershenfeld, Director of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 3D
PRINTING
•Learning from the design process:
• Math and Spatial Reasoning: Navigating the 3D design environment, Designing on
all sides-X, Y, Z, Alignment tools, Geometric shape building, Dividing and
combining, Measurement tools, Units, Scale, Ratio, Rotating, Mirroring, Boolean
operations, and Precision
•Learning from the fabrication process:
• Machine operation: Machine settings-raft, supports, infill
• Designing for the machine including its limitations: slicing a model into smaller
parts that later get attached, designing supports like cones that can be cut off later,
re-orienting the model for better support
• Science behind the process: The technology of additive processes, slicing, G-code
Source: Stanford

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: LASER
CUTTING
• Math and Spatial Reasoning: Navigating 2D design environment, X,Y , Geometric
shape building, Dividing and combining, Measurement tools, Units, Scale, Ratio,
Rotating, Mirroring, Positive and negative space, and Precision.
• Graphics: Vector design, Alignment tools
• Ordering, sequencing and visualizing: Layering for the sequence of etching and
cutting.
•Learning from the machine cutting process:
• Machine operation: Machine settings- stroke, fill, hairline, RGB black.
• Science behind the process: Laser technology.
Source: Stanford

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: CNC
MILLING
• Math and Spatial Reasoning: Navigating 2D design environment, X,Y, Alignment
tools, Geometric shape building, Dividing and combining, Measurement tools,
Units, Scale, Ratio, Rotating, Mirroring, Positive and negative space, and Precision.
• Graphics: Vector design
• Ordering, sequencing and visualizing: Layering for sequence of drilling, milling and
cutting.
•Learning from the fabrication machine process:
• CNC Routing and Engraving software: Tool paths: drill, profile, pocket, V-Carve, 3D
modeling, slicing, tool geometry, feeds and speeds, G-Code, measuring.
• Machine operation: loading stock, zeroing X,Y,Z, switching tools
• Science behind the process: CNC and milling technology.
Source: Stanford

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Image Source: Stanford

3D PRINTING: PROCESS
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three
dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
CAD Model - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - 3D Object

3D PRINTING: DESIGN SOFTWARE
•Models are constructed using design (CAD) software (.stl file)
•Ease of use ranges from simple (K-4 students) to very complex
(professional grade)
•Price ranges from free to thousands of dollars per user
•Platforms range from browser-based to OS specific

TINKERCAD
•Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use web app for 3D design, electronics,
and coding from AutoDesk
•Best for beginner and intermediate users
•Accounts can be created using Google or Microsoft credentials
•Includes Learn and Teach tutorials and resources for classroom use
•Projects can be exported as .stl or .obj (3D printing) or .svg (laser
cutting)

FUSION 360
•Fusion 360 is a cross-platform, professional grade modeling program
from AutoDesk
•Best for intermediate and advanced users
•Students and teachers can get a free 3 year license
•Projects can be exported as .stl (3D printing) or .dxf (laser cutting)

SKETCHUP
•SketchUp is a free, easy-to-use, cross-platform modeling tool
•Best for creating structures for users at all skill levels
•Can be installed locally or used on the web
•Accounts can be created using Google credentials
•Teachers can get a free SketchUp Studio account (includes all
programs/features)
•Projects can be exported as .stl (3D printing) or .dxf (laser cutting)

MESHMIXER
•Meshmixer is a free cross-platform, professional grade modeling
program from AutoDesk
•Models can be imported for editing and repair
•User Manual provides basic overview; tutorials available online
•Projects can be exported as .stl or .obj (3D printing) or .svg (laser
cutting)

OTHER (FREE) DESIGN SOFTWARE
OPTIONS
Software Level System
3D Slash Beginner Browser
Sculptris Beginner Windows, Mac
3D Builder Beginner Windows
Figuro Intermediate Browser
FreeCAD Intermediate
Windows, Mac,
Linux
OpenSCAD Intermediate
Windows, Mac,
Linux
Vectary Intermediate Browser
Blender Professional
Windows, Mac,
Linux
OnShape Professional Browser
More Info: All3DP

3D PRINTING: SLICING SOFTWARE
•Models are prepared for printing using slicing software (.gcode file)
•Price ranges from free to hundreds of dollars per user
•Platforms range from browser-based to printer and/or OS specific

CURA
•Cura is a free, cross-platform, open source 3D printer slicing
application developed by Ultimaker
•Compatible with most desktop 3D printers
•Many printer manufactures have developed their own version of Cura
(e.g. Lulzbot, Peopoly, Dremel)
•Features include Pause at Z Height, Variable Layer Height, Vase Mode,
Cura Marketplace

SLIC3R
•Slic3R is a free, cross-platform, open source 3D printer slicing
application maintained on GitHub
•Prusa has developed their own version of Slic3r
•Features include auto-repair of non-manifold meshes, supporting
multiple simultaneous printers with a spool queue, SVG export of
slices

SIMPLIFY3D
•Simplify3D is a professional grade, cross-platform 3D printer slicing
application
•Best for advanced users who want total control over their prints
•License is $150 for two installs; education discounts available
•Features include print simulation, custom supports, multiple machine
support

OTHER (FREE) SLICING SOFTWARE
OPTIONS
More Info: All3DP
Software Level System
ideaMaker
Beginners, Advanced
Users
Windows, Mac, Linux
KISSlicer
Beginners, Advanced
Users
Windows, Mac, Linux,
Raspberry Pie
MakerBot Print Beginners Windows, Mac
MatterControl
Beginners, Advanced
Users
Windows, Mac, Linux
OctoPrint
Intermediate Users,
Advanced Users
Raspberry Pi, Windows,
Mac Linux
Repetier
Intermediate Users,
Advanced Users
Windows, Mac, Linux

3D PRINTING: COMMON DESIGN
PROBLEMS
•Sinking and Floating Objects
•Thin Walls
•Space Between Objects
•Supports

3D PRINTING: MODEL REPAIR
TOOLS
•3D models must have a water-tight manifold to print correctly

3D TOOLS
•3D Tools is a free, browser-based repair service built from Microsoft
built on the Netfabb application
•Good for anyone who needs quality STL repairs free of charge
•Repairs the 3D mesh by closing holes and fixing geometry to create a
water-tight 3D mesh suitable for 3D printing
•Requires a Microsoft ID to log in
•No preview; repaired models download as .3mf

MAKEPRINTABLE
•MakePrintable is a browser-based repair service with free and paid
versions
•Good for anyone who needs quality STL repairs free of charge
•Free version: repair non-manifolds, flipped-faces, boundary edges
and intersecting objects on 3 models a month
•Paid version: instant repairs, texture support, hollowing support and
adjustable wall thickness
•Institution plans start at $45/month

NETFABB
•NetFabb is a cross-platform, professional grade repair program from
AutoDesk
•Good for anyone who needs total control over model editing
•Students and teachers can get a free license for NetFabb Premium
•Premium version: file analysis and repair, identify areas that require
support and generate support structures, use packing algorithms to
optimally place parts within the build volume
•Fusion 360 supports a direct connection to Netfabb

OTHER (FREE) MODEL REPAIR
OPTIONS
More Info: All3DP
Software System
3DprinterOS Browser
MeshLab
Windows, Mac OS X,
Linux, iOS and Android
3D Builder
Windows, Windows
Mobile, Xbox One, and
Windows Hololense
Blender
Windows, OS X, and
Linux
FreeCAD
Windows, OS X, and
Linux
Open3mod Windows

3D PRINTING: 9 TYPES OF 3D
PRINTERS
•Fused deposition Modeling (FDM)
•Stereolithography (SLA)
•Digital Light Processing (DLP)
•Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
•Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
•Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)
•Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
•Binder Jetting (BJ)
•Material Jetting (MJ)
More Info: 3D Insider

3D PRINTING: 4 TYPES OF FDM
PRINTERS
•Cartesian
• most common FDM 3D printer found on
the market
• printing bed usually moves only on the
Z-axis, with the print head, working two-
dimensionally on the X-Y plane
•Delta
• a round printing plate combined with an
extruder that is fixed at three triangular
points
• each of the three points then moves up
and down, determining the
position/direction of the print head
•Polar (polar coordinate system)
•SCARA (robotic arm)
Image Source: All3DP

3D PRINTING: CARTESIAN VS.
DELTA
Cartesian
•+ Popularity: far more support
for users of these printers
•+ Choice: Dozens of major
manufactures and hundreds of
DYI options
•+ Print Quality: better surface
finish than prints from a Delta
printer
•- Height: very limited compared
to Delta style printers
•- Weight: can be very heavy
Delta
•+ Efficiency: more efficient use
of the printing space
•+ Height: can print taller objects
than most Cartesian printers
•+ Speed: designed for quick
printing
•- Precision: tend to print with
less detail and a rougher surface
finish
•- Bowden style extrusion: limits
the number of filaments that can

3D PRINTING: BOWDEN VS. DIRECT
DRIVE
Image Source and More Info: 3D Printer Power

3D PRINTING: TYPES OF FDM
FILAMENT
PLA Filament
ABS Filament
TPU Filament
Metal Filament
PET Filament
PETT Filament
Nylon Filament
PVA Filament
Sandstone Filament
Wood Filament
HIPS Filament
Magnetic Iron Filament
Conductive Filament
Carbon Fiber Filament
TPE Filament
Glow in the Dark Filament

3D PRINTING: PLA FILAMENT
Polylactic acid (PLA) is easily the most popular 3D printer filament
type. It’s easy to print with, has a lower printing temperature than
ABS, and it doesn’t warp as easily, meaning it doesn’t require a
heated bed (although it definitely helps). Compared to other types of
3D printer filament, PLA is brittle, so avoid using it when making
items that might be bent, twisted, or dropped repeatedly, such as
phone cases, high-wear toys, or tool handles.
• Strength: High
• Flexibility: Low
• Durability: Medium
• Difficulty to use: Low

3D PRINTING: ABS FILAMENT
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is actually moderately superior
to PLA, despite being slightly more difficult to print with. Products
made of ABS boast high durability and a capacity to withstand high
temperatures, but 3D printer enthusiasts should be mindful of the
filament’s high printing temperature, tendency to warp during
cooling, and intense fumes. Be sure to print with a heating bed, and
in a well-ventilated space.
• Strength: High
• Flexibility: Medium
• Durability: High
• Difficulty to use: Medium

3D PRINTING: TPU FILAMENT
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has rubber-like qualities, making it
extremely flexible and durable. Use TPU when creating objects that
need to take a lot of wear or if your print should bend, stretch, or
compress. Example prints might include toys, phone cases, or
wearables (like wristbands).
• Strength: Medium
• Flexibility: Very High
• Durability: Very High

3D PRINTING: METAL FILAMENT
Metal filaments are actually a mix of metal powder and either PLA or
ABS. Bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, and stainless steel are just a
few of the varieties available. Prints can be polished, weathered, or
tarnished after printing.
• Strength: High
• Flexibility: Low
• Durability: Medium

FILAMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
“Best” Filament Brands
•HATCHBOX
• perfect tolerances, no tangles, and high
strength
•ColorFabb
• higher strength and more durability than most
brands
•Proto-pasta
• specialty filaments of great quality
•Polymaker
• PolySmooth™ can be smoothed with alcohol
•eSUN
• low-cost, good quality for daily use
Miscellaneous Considerations
•Don’t stockpile: limited shelf life
once opened
•Store in air-tight container with
desiccants
•Unload printer if it will be idle for
an extended period
•Infused filaments require a
hardened nozzle (e.g. Olsson
Ruby)

3D PRINTING: PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
•Do you want a kit or pre-assembled printer?
•What is the expected duty cycle (prints per day/week/month/year)?
•What size do you want to 3D print your objects?
•What type of print materials (filament) do you want to use?
•What print resolution do you expect to print at?
•Do you want to print with more than one color?
•Should you opt for a closed or open frame?
•What level of service and support are offered?
•How much “tinkering” are you comfortable doing?
•How much are you willing and able to spend?

3D PRINTING: TIME TINKERING VS
PRICE
Price of Printer
TimeTinkering
$200 Creality Ender 3 $1000 Prusa i3 MK3S

3D PRINTING: BEST 3D PRINTER
Original Prusa i3 MK3S
Manufacturer: Prusa Research
Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm
Print Bed: Heated, Removable, PEI Coating
Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
Third-Party Filament: Yes
Max. Extruder Temperature: 300ºC
Max. Print Bed Temperature: 120ºC
Connectivity: SD Card, USB
Onboard Controls: Yes
More Info

3D PRINTING: BEST WORKHORSE
3D PRINTER
Lulzbot TAZ 6
Manufacturer: LulzBot
Build Volume: 280 x 280 x 250 mm
Print Bed: Heated glass bed with PEI film
Filament Diameter: 3.00 mm
Max. Print Speed: 200mm/sec
Third-Party Filament: Yes
Layer Thickness: 0.050mm – 0.50mm
Connectivity: SD Card, USB
Onboard Controls: Yes
More Info

3D PRINTING: CLASSROOM
EXAMPLES
Westward Expansion 3D
Museum
•7th Grade History project
•Guiding Question: What were the
positive and negative
consequences of American
expansion between 1787 and
1890?
•3D Element: Using their research,
students will use Tinkercad to
design and print an artifact that
represents their topic.
•Project Page
3D Design Assistive Tech
•6th Grade Integrated project
•Learning Goal: Through research,
identify a challenge that affects
individuals with disabilities, and
create a modification/aid using
engineering and technology.
design and print an assistive
technology item.
•Project Page

EXAMPLES
Ancient Artifacts
•5th Grade History project
•Project Goal: Work as a class to
design a new civilization and then in
small groups to create a 3D model
of an artifact that represents one of
the seven characteristics of that
civilization.
design and print an artifact that
represents their topic.
•Project Page
Symbolism in Dystopian Novels
•6th Grade English project
•Objective: Decide on
a symbol from your book club
novel and prove its value to the
story.
design and print their symbol.
•Project Page

EXAMPLES
CO2 Racer
•8th Grade Science Project
•Project Goal: Build the fastest
CO2 car from a stock body
•3D Element: Using their
knowledge, students will use
Tinkercad to design and print a
set of wheels
•Project retired re: curriculum
change
MySTL Cap Project
•6th Grade interdisciplinary project
•Objective: create a 3D Model of a
building that honors our city's
past, acknowledges the present,
and reflects St. Louis' growth for
the future
students will use SketchUp to
design and print their building
•Project Page

3D PRINTING: PROJECT IDEAS
Lithophane Vase
•Cura and PrusaSlicer have a “vase
mode” for open, single-layer
prints
•3dp.rocks has an online
lithophane tool for converting
images

3D PRINTING: PROJECT IDEAS
3D Selfie (live model) 3D Selfie (still images)
•FaceGen 3D Print Pro can turn
still images into a 3D facial scan
•Skanect software and the
Structure Sensor can create a 3D
facial scan

3D PRINTING: DESIGN TIME
•Open www.tinkercad.com in your web browser and log in using
Google/Microsoft/FaceBook OR create a new account
•After the short live demonstration, create a model to share with your
peers

LASER CUTTING AND ENGRAVING:
PROCESS
Laser cutting and engraving is a subtractive manufacturing where
material in the form of an image is removed (vaporized) from a
material (wood, acrylic, etc.).
CAD Model - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Finished Product
.SVG File Controller Software CO2 Laser

IMAGE TYPES
Vectors (.ai, .eps. .pdf, .svg)
•A vector image uses geometric
forms such as points, lines,
curves and shapes (polygons) to
represent different parts of the
image as discrete objects.
•A vector image remains crisp and
clear at any resolution or size.
•Laser cutting requires a vector
image
Bitmap (.png, .jpg, .gif)
•A bitmap image is made up of a
fixed number of pixels (or
building blocks) that form a
complete image.
•The image cannot be enlarged
without distortion occurring.
•Laser engraving can use bitmap
OR vector images

DESIGN SOFTWARE
•Designs are constructed using vector graphics design software (.svg
file)
•Price ranges from free to thousands of dollars per user

INKSCAPE
•Inkscape is a free, open source, cross-platform vector graphics editor
•Has a learning curve, but can be used by designers of all skill levels
•Very similar in functionality to Adobe Illustrator
•Includes built-in interactive tutorials and videos
•Large collection of Inkscape Extensions available
•Projects can be exported as .svg files for cutting and engraving

INKSCAPE ROLLAPP
•Inkscape RollApp is the online version of Inkscape; all you need is a
browser
•It has all the features of Inkscape plus integration with Dropbox,
Google Drive, and One Drive
•Accounts can be created using Google, FaceBook, or Amazon
•Chrome users can add the Inkscape Extension

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
•Adobe Illustrator is generally considered the industry-standard vector
graphics software editor
•Available as a stand-alone product or as part of Adobe Cloud
•Education prices for Adobe Cloud are ~$5/student
•Large collection of tutorials and help resources available
•Projects can be exported as .svg files for cutting and engraving

AUTOCAD
•AutoCAD is a cross-platform, professional grade CAD program used
to create precise 2D and 3D drawings from AutoDesk
•Best for advanced users
•Students and teachers can get a free 3 year license
•Projects will be exported as .dxf files, which must be converted to
.svg files for cutting and engraving

OTHER (FREE) LASER DESIGN
SOFTWARE
Source: All3DP
Software System
Onshape for Education Browser
SketchUp Browser
Solvespace
Windows, OS X, and
Linux
Solid Edge 2D Windows

LASER CUTTING AND ENGRAVING: 3
TYPES OF LASERS
•Diode
• A laser diode converts electrical energy into light energy
• Typically between 2W and 8W
• Able to cut cardboard and engrave wood
• Class 4 laser (dangerous, exposed beam)
• Safely google should match the wavelength of the laser
•CO2
• Laser source is generated from a gas mixture
• Typically between 20W and 150W
• Able to cut and engrave wood, acrylic, leather
• Class 1 or Class 4 laser (sealed OR exposed beam)
• Plastic shield protects the user from the beam
•Fiber
• Fast but expensive
• Can cut metal

LASER CUTTING: DIODE VS. CO2
Diode
•+ Price: small engravers start at
~$100
•+ Size: CNC style diodes can be
nearly any size
•+ Unlimited Height: can be set
on top of the item being
engraved
•- Software: will need to purchase
better controller software e.g.
LightBurn
•- Safety: exposed beam and
CO2
•+ Power: can cut and engrave a
wider variety of materials
•+ Run Time: can run for hours
instead of minutes
•+ Choice: dozens of
manufactures/models to fit any
budget
•- Maintenance: lenses, mirrors,
cooling, and exhaust all need
routine attention

TYPES OF MATERIALS
ABS
Acetal
Acrylic
Anodized Aluminum
Cardboard
Felt
Fiberglass
Linoleum
Nylon
Paper
Polyester
Rubber, Silicon Rubber
Textiles
Vinyl
Wood and Veneers

WOOD
•Hard woods (walnut, maple, oak), soft woods
(balsa, poplar), veneers, plywood and MDF can all
be cut and engraved.
•Plywood is offered in various types including a
wide range of color, texture, and thickness.
•Select plywood panels made with white-glue, or
that is otherwise marketed specifically for laser
processing.
•Plywood sold at most hardware stores isn’t
bonded with modified adhesives making it prone
to smoking, flaming, charring at the edges and
producing toxic fumes.

MDF
•Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is
an engineered wood product.
•MDF comes in a variety of thicknesses and colors;
it can be painted easily
•Often cheaper than plywood; good for making
proto-types or elements that won’t be visible
•MDF generates more exhaust smoke than real
wood; requires frequent cleaning of the laser and
stresses air filters

ACRYLIC
•Acrylic is the cheapest plastic to laser cut
•It is attractive (it has a glossy surface), comes in a
variety of thicknesses and colors, and the edges
of laser-cut acrylic have a “laser-polished” look
•Acrylic is typically manufactured using two
methods: cast into a glass mold, or continuously
extruded through a machine
•Cast acrylic turns frosty white when engraved,
which provides high-contrast engravings
•Cast acrylic comes in more colors and is less
brittle

PURCHASE CONSIDERATIONS
•Do you want a diode or CO2 laser?
•What is the expected duty cycle (cuts/engraves per
day/week/month/year)?
•What size materials do you want to laser?
•What type of materials do you want to laser?
•What type of venting is available (window vent or filtration unit)?
•What type of cooling system will you use?
•How much space do you have available?

LASERS: TIME TINKERING VS PRICE
Price of Laser
TimeTinkering
$400 Chinese K40 40W $6000 Glowforge Pro 45W

CLASSROOM EXAMPLES
Tessellations
•8th Grade Math project
•Learning Goal: Learn to identify
and create regular, semi-regular,
and demi-regular tessellations
•Laser Element: Using their
Inkscape to design and
cut/engrave a tessellation
•Project Page
Electric Circuits
•8th Grade science project
•Learning Goal: Learn to identify
and construct series and parallel
circuits
•Laser Element: Using their
research, students will use
Inkscape to design and
cut/engrave an “Operation-style”
gameboard
•Project Rubric

CLASSROOM EXAMPLES
King Tut’s Tomb
•5th Grade history project
•Learning Goal: create a digital
drawing that represents some
aspect of ancient Egypt
•Laser Element: Designs will be
•Project Page

PROJECT IDEAS
Magnetic Locker Sign
•Combine text and images in
Inkscape; uses self-adhesive
magnets
Light Switch Cover
•Teaches measurement; can also
be done via a template

PROJECT IDEAS
Engraved Photo
•Introduction to image editing
and speed/power settings
Snowflakes
•Design online via Make a Flake or
the Snowflake Generator and cut
in acrylic

PROJECT IDEAS
Painted Jigsaw Puzzle
•Use the Lasercut Jigsaw
Extension in Inkscape to create
the puzzle
Custom Pencils
•Use a jig and Inkscape to create
personalized pencils

LASER CUTTING AND ENGRAVING :
DESIGN TIME
•Download, install, and open Inkscape
•After the short live demonstration, create a design (image, text,
outline) to share with your peers

CNC MACHINING: PROCESS
CNC (computer numeric control) machining is a subtractive
manufacturing where material is removed using bits in a high-speed
spindle
CAD Model - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Finished Product
CAD Software CAM Software CNC Machine

CNC MACHINING: CAD/CAM
SOFTWARE
•Designs are prepared using CAD and CAM software to create a .gcode
file
•Platforms range from browser-based to device and/or OS specific

EASEL AND EASEL PRO
•Easel is a free, web-based software platform that allows you to
design and carve from a single, simple program
•Designed/optimized for use with Carvey and X-Carve machines, but
can be used with almost any CNC device
•Includes access to step-by-step projects
•Pro version is now free for educators; offers V Bits and more fonts

VCARVE
•VCarve is a Windows-based application for producing complex 2D
patterns
•Can be used with almost any CNC device
•The ‘Desktop’ edition ($349) is designed for small CNC machines,
aimed at hobby or non-production environments
•The ‘Pro’ ($699) edition is great for production oriented work
•Lab license: 40 machines for price of one individual license

OUT OF THE BOX OPTIONS
•Most manufactures include CAD/CAM software
•Inventables includes Easel/Easel Pro with their Carvey and X-Carve
units
•CarveWright includes Project Designer BASIC (free) and Project
Designer BASIC (upgrade) with their machines
•Carbide 3D includes MeshCAM 3D CAM software and Carbide Create
2D CAD/CAM software with their Nomad machines

CNC MACHINING: 5 TYPES OF CNC
MACHINES
•CNC Mills
•CNC Lathes
•CNC Routers
•CNC Plasma Cutters
•CNC Electric Discharge Machines
More Info: CNC.com

CNC MACHINING: 2 TYPES OF CNC
ROUTERS
•Table-Top (Open Design)
• Large, scalable work area
• 40” x 40” work area common
• Often uses a router instead of a spindle
• Generally quite loud
• Vacuum port used for dust and debris
• Requires safety goggles and “shop safety” protocols
•Desktop (Often Enclosed Design)
• Small work area
• 8” x 12” work area common
• Uses a spindle instead of a router
• Generally much quieter than open units
• Dust and debris is contained
• Safe for use with younger users

CNC MACHINING: TABLE TOP VS
DESKTOP
Table Top
•+ Price: 16” x 16” unit starts at
~$1200
•+ Size: rails can be of nearly any
length
•+ Router: can be
replaced/upgraded
•- Dust: port can connect to Shop
Vac
•- Safety: open router moving
around a table
Desktop
•+ Compact: can fit on a small
table
•+ Noise: can be used in an office
or classroom
•+ Portable: easy to move to
different locations
•- Price: 8” x 12” unit starts at
~$2500

CNC MACHINING: TYPES OF
MATERIALS
Acrylic
Anodized Aluminum
Corian
Machinable Wax
Urethane Foam
Vinyl
Wood and Veneers
Plastic
 ABS
 Delrin
 Expanded PVC
 HDPE
 Polypropylene
 Styrene

CNC MACHINING: TYPES OF BITS
•Different materials require different types of
milling bits
•Bit Material: high-speed Steel, Solid Carbide, and
Carbide-Tipped
•Number of Flutes: deep grooves that twists
around the bit
•Flute Type: upcut, downcut, straight cut, and
compression
•Bit End: fishtail, ball nose, v-bit, and engraving

CNC BITS: UPCUT FISH TAIL, 2
FLUTE SPIRAL
•SIZE: 1/32”, 1/16”, 1/8”
•USE: Corian, plastic, linoleum,
aluminum
•Upcut Fishtail bits are great for
fine detail and inlays. The upcut
tip design creates a cleaner edge
on the backside of the sheet
when cutting through materials.
•Ideal for carving plastics (HDPE)

CNC BITS: DOWNCUT FISH TAIL, 2
FLUTE SPIRAL
•SIZE: 1/32”, 1/16”, 1/8”
•USE: Thin wood, plywood, MDF
•Downcut Fishtail bits are great
for fine detail and inlays. The
downcut tip design creates a
cleaner edge on the topside of
the sheet when cutting through
materials.
•Ideal for wood and plywood

CNC BITS: END MILLS
•BIT: Ball Cut End Mill
•Use: Plastics, wood, aluminum
•Ball end mills are typically used to
create smooth flowing 3D surfaces.
•Ideal for sculpting 3D surfaces (wax)
•BIT: Two Flute Straight End Mill
•USE: Corian, plastic, linoleum, wood,
MDF
•Straight End Mill bits works well for
things with thin laminates or veneers.
•Ideal for woods and plastics

CNC BITS: END MILLS
•BIT: Single Flute Upcut End Mill
•USE: Corian, aluminum, plastic,
linoleum
•Spiral upcut bits are ideal for soft
plastics but are not recommended for
wood.
•Ideal for plastic (HDPE)

CNC BITS: V CARVE
Size: 60 degrees and 90 degrees
Use: Plastic, wood, MDF
V-bits are great for carving very
intricate, detailed designs.
Ideal for text or graphics with
fine lines.

CNC MACHINING: PURCHASE
CONSIDERATIONS
•Do you want a table top or desktop unit?
•What is the expected duty cycle (cuts/engraves per
day/week/month/year)?
•What size materials do you want to mill?
•What type of materials do you want to mill?
•To what degree do you want to customize your machine?
•How much space do you have available?

CNC MACHINES: TIME TINKERING
VS PRICE
Price of CNC
TimeTinkering
$326 (plus parts)
V1 Engineering
Lowrider2
$2000 X-Carve

CNC MACHINING: CLASSROOM
EXAMPLES
Mosaic Tile
•Any Grade
•Learning Goal: Create a visual
representation of your
personality
•CNC Element: Using their
Easel to design and mill an HDPE
tile
•Project Page
Custom Stamp
•Any Grade
•Learning Goal: Turn a hand-
drawn image into a vinyl stamp
•CNC Element: Using their
knowledge, students will use the
Stamp Maker App to crate a vinyl
stamp for inking
•Project Page

CNC MACHINING: PROJECT IDEAS
The Inventables website has hundreds of project examples and ideas

CNC MACHINING: DESIGN TIME
•Go to http://easel.inventables.com and create an account
•After the short live demonstration, create a design to share with your
peers

DIGITAL FABRICATION:
COMBINATION PROJECTS
•Coaster Design
• Students design a coaster for 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC machining
• Introduces students to the major differences between these fabrication techniques

DIGITAL FABRICATION:
COMBINATION PROJECTS
•Museum Gift Shop
• 5th Grade History
• Students designed an item to be sold in a museum gift shop
• Projects included 3D printed pencil sharpeners, CNC coasters, laser engraved
images
• Students “sold” their items to teachers and classmates
•Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird
• 8th Grade English
• Students designed an object that was symbolic in the novel
• Projects included a mockingbird, snowman, nut grass, oak tree, mad dog, and fire
• Students wrote an essay to accompany their choice

DIGITAL FABRICATION: FOR MORE
INFORMATION
•FaceBook has user groups for just about every major fabrication tool
•3DPrint.com Newsletter
•3D Printing Industry News
•Make Magazine Newsletter
•LaserGods.com
•K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces Google Group
•MRRF

DIGITAL FABRICATION: FOR MORE
INFORMATION
•Patrick Woessner
•pwoessner@micds.org
•314-995-7375 (w)

Digital fabrication for k 12 education

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