How to Create Drawings for CNC Machines

Whether you’re thinking about starting a manufacturing business in Ukiah, CA, or you’re exploring new technologies for your existing one, a CNC machine is a helpful tool that will give you a competitive edge. They can produce complex parts and prototypes by reading a drawing and cutting according to the instructions. Designing your ideas in a software program can be a complex task. Read on to discover how to make great drawings that CNC machines can use to turn your ideas into reality.

How do you develop a drawing?

The entire fabrication process starts off with a drawing. Develop your part in the CAD software of your choice. Once you’re happy with your design, save it as a DXF or DWG image and scan it into your CAM/CNC software. The software will generate a G-code which guides the CNC machine as it makes cuts to your chosen material.

Developing the right design is crucial in getting the results you want. One way you can do this is by tracing an image to create the cutting path. You can take an image, or even a physical object, and trace its shape to create a line drawing. The lines will tell the CNC machine where to make cuts. Scan your image and save it as a DXF file, then import it into your CAM software to automatically create the G-codes. Luckily, you don’t need to know the ins and outs of the G-code language to use a CNC machine. Simply import your drawings into the software and specify the following criteria:

  • Depth of the cuts
  • Specific feeds and speeds that must be used
  • Where and how to enter and exit the cut
  • How many step-downs (plunges of the cutting tool into the material) the machine needs to take

How do you clean up your drawing?

Your work isn’t done once you’ve settled on a drawing for your prototype or component. You need to clean up the drawing before sending it to your CAM software. Use the following strategy to achieve the best possible results:

  • Clean up your vector lines and reduce as many nodes as possible. The more nodes you have in your drawing, the more likely it is for the CNC machine to produce a product with “jagged” edges. Reducing the nodes improves your chances of having a finished product with smooth lines, especially if your piece involves a lot of curves. You should also use snap tools to make sure your lines and arcs are perfectly joined.
  • Be precise. When you export your final DXF file to create the G-code, only include the parts that are relevant to your finished product.
  • Be careful when you edit. If you’re editing in your CNC software, don’t accidentally edit layers that you want to keep the same. Only unlock the layer that you’re directly working on at the time.

Designing products using CAD software and a CNC machine is a complex process, but doing the job right helps keep your business competitive. If you’re looking to manufacture parts or prototypes in Ukiah, CA, finding the right CNC machine is the first step you should take. Contact Evden Enterprises to see how easy it is to turn your ideas into tangible products.