From SeniorDesign

System Requirements.doc - Our latest version of this file.

[edit] System Requirements

CNC Router Team Jeremy Shively, Elliot Long, Tom Blauvelt, Paul Vincent

1. Scope
   • We will design and build an entry level CNC router can cost thousands of dollars. We will work to design and build a less expensive CNC router and then make the plans and software available to the public.
   • Design and implement software and hardware for CNC router.
   • The project will be constructed with aluminum and controlled using the software that we write to cut precise designs.
2. Project Perspectives
   • The project is a commonly used machine that normally costs in the thousands of dollars with few consumer grade options available to the common hobbyist. We plan on making our designs and notes readily available so that fellow hobbyists can construct similar CNC routers for a fraction of the cost it would take to buy one.
3. Specific Requirements
   • CNC Router Structure
     • Materials
       • 3’ x 2’ x 6’ (x, y, z) cutting base (MDF)
       • Stepper Motors (4x)
       • Rotary Encoders (4x)
       • Lead Screws (2x 36 inch, 1x 10 inch, 1x 24 inch)
       • Extruded Aluminum
       • Power Supply
       • Rotary Cutter Tool
     • Tools
       • Tools required for assembly.
     • Standards
       • Gantry Design
   • CNC Router Controller Board
     • Materials
       • Microcontroller (Atmega 328)
       • Allegro Stepper Drivers
     • Tools
       • Microcontroller programmer
       • Assembly, C
     • Standards
       • Serial for the communication with the control program.
   • CNC Communication and Control Program
     • Materials
       • C# Code
       • Tools
       • C# Compiler
     • Standards
       • C# Coding Standards
       • The program will interpret G-Code
       • Serial for communication with the controller board
     • CNC DXF to G-Code Encoder
     • Materials
       • C# Code
     • Tools
       • C# Compiler
     • Standards
       • C# Coding Standards
       • DXF the AutoCAD Document Exchange Format
       • The program will output G-Code
4. Project Functions
   • 3D carving
   • Prototyping
   • Part reproducibility
5. User Characteristics
   • This project is designed for use by hobbyists that cannot afford commercial CNC routers but have an understanding of the basic functionality of a CNC router.
6. Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations
   • CNC - Computer Numerical Control
   • DXF - Document Exchange Format
   • Toolpath - Path of tool while cutting part
   • G-Code - “Preparatory code or function, are functions in the Numerical control Programming language” (Wikipedia)
7. References
   • http://www.caffeinesystems.com
   • http://www.wikipedia.com