About
Computer numerical control, or CNC, is the automated control of machining tools via computer. A CNC machine processes a piece of material (metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, or composite) to meet specifications using a coded programmed instruction without a direct manual operator.
Some machines that work with CNC include drills, lathes, mills, and 3D printers. Our machine is a CNC 3D milling machine. Unlike the 3D printer, objects are created through a subtractive process that allows for finer details.
Accessories
End Mills
End mills are used to cut the CNC material. We carry flat and ball end mills in standard and long reach sizes. We stock the following diameters:
- 1/16”
- 1/8”
- 1/4”
Materials
We provide materials free of charge and stock a variety of sizes. You can bring your own material to mill as long as it's approved by a StudioLab technician.
- Basswood
- Urethane Foam
- Delrin Plastic
Software
Two types of software are required for using a CNC machine: CAD (computer aided designing) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing. You'll make your model using a CAD program, whereas the CAM program tells the computer how the model should be built.
We'll be using the milling machine's company's suggested software for all of our CAM needs. Otherwise, you're free to model using whatever program you like. Included below are some of the modeling programs that are installed on our computers.
| Program | Type |
|---|---|
| VPanel | Calibration and Status |
| SRP Player | Toolpath Generator |
| Virtual Modela | Toolpath Simulator |
| ClickMill | Freeform Milling |
| Dr. Engrave | Simple Engraving |
| 3D Engrave | Advanced Engraving |