Executive Summary

People are looking to self-produce in homes, schools, and small business environments. A CNC router solves this problem. The non-industrial design allows for easy storage and placement into different work spaces.  The machine’s purpose is to provide a way for people to manufacture wood and other soft material products.  The router can precisely cut materials into finished products or molds. One uses a CNC router by imputing a computer drawing into the controller software. The machine processes the file and cuts out the desired material.

DIY CNC Router
Cited from: http://hackaday.com/2013/10/24/a-very-professional-homemade-cnc-router/

Edited CNC router picture labeling the parts
Original picture Cited from: http://www.craftsmancnc.co.nz/images/craftsman900st/CNC%20900ST%20-%204.JPG

A CNC router consists of a material bed, gantry, linear motion, motors, and computer software. The parts chosen determine how precise the machine cuts. The material bed supports the cutting material and contains the gantry, linear motion, and motors. Linear motion is the rails and bearings along with the motion drivers. Motors attach to the drivers that attach to the computer. The router attaches to the gantry that glides along the rails to change position.  Hinges applied to the material bed allows the machine to fold for storage. This allows the machine to be larger and still fit into a smaller area when not in use. Wheels attached to the table supporting the material bed allow maneuverability.  

Sysytems lab where CNC Router will end up being placed

Storage and maneuverability is important when working in small spaces. People intend to use the machine for personal production. Space is important in limited work environments. Teachers need the ability to produce projects for shop classes. Industrial CNC machines in factories create modern day products. A small-scale machine provides industrial grade products in a small setting.

Many parts make up a CNC router. Teachers and students benefit from a custom router that fits in the systems lab. Students previously learn computer drawing before entering systems engineering. The students can make systems projects using previously taught skills. Teachers benefit from new possible projects that require the router. CNC routers bring production into small working environments. 

Wooden bridge project that could be done on a CNC Router