Suitable hardware is only half the battle, and a vital component will be automated software that turns a design into a pattern of cutting vectors – equivalent to the ‘slicers’ that are so capable in the 3d printing world.
What makes such software so complicated is that 3d printer slicers – already highly sophisticated – ‘only’ have deal with a simple nozzle, a flat build surface and 2.5d layer-based deposition.
Computer controlled milling machines on the other hand need to deal with multiple cutting tools, an arbitrarily-shaped starting object (surrounded by clamps), and true 3d material removal.
As a result, successful ‘CAM’ (computer-aided manufacturing) design for cnc milling is usually the realm of well-trained experts.
Now, a Chinese company called NestWorks is claiming to have such automated software, to go along with an as-yet-released machine called C500:
NestWorks C500 eliminates the steep learning curve with a smart CAM solution to automatically parses any 2d and 3d files, and generates toolpaths and machining parameters with one click – from pcb milling to 3D model fabrication. It automatically recognises clamped material types and tools, then pairs them with machining parameters – no need for decades of hands-on know-how.
The company describes C500 as a 91kg machine (so not flimsy then), with many automated features including a five-position tool-changer, that has a 230 x 213 x 128mm work area – which climbs to 320 x 250 x 150mm if the automatic tool changer is removed.
Before going on, I need to thank this video about the C500 on the James Dean Designs YouTube Channel, (which seems to be run by James Prestage) for bringing it to my attention.
If the video has its facts straight the work bed is a big chunk of steel (excellent), and the spindle motor is rated at 800W and 9,000 to 18,000rpm (also excellent, although maybe a bit quick for cutting steel?).
Its automation is backed, says NestWorks, by three on-board probing tools: a 5Mpixel camera, a laser sensor and a mechanical 3d position-sensing tip.
A word of warning:
This machine is not currently available.
It is the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, which means it might never appear, and you are not guaranteed a product, or your money back, if you contribute to such a Kickstarter campaign. That said, a lot of large companies are now using Kickstarter as a marketing tool for product launches.
NestWorks appears to be part of Shenzhen-based Elephant Robotics Technology.
