Resources for SoAD Students at NYIT to learn and use all digital fabrication tools
Students can use the SoAD Fab Lab's TechnoCNC 3-axis Router (47" x 47") to generate complex geometry from a range of materials (foams, plastics, and wood) within a subtractive manufacturing framework.
For information about how to use the Carvey Mini CNC Router (12" x 8"), click here.
Reminders:
CNC machining is a complex fabrication process, we recommend starting early! As a rule of thumb, allow 1-2 weeks to complete the entire process (model design/edits for CNC, CAM programming, material prep/acquisition, and cut time).
At the SoAD FabLab, CNC Machining is a 2-step process consisting of a CAM Appointment and a Cut Appointment. The Lab does not do same-day cuts.
File setup and material retrieval takes the most time; this is the responsibility of the student. The more prepared a student is for their CAM Appointment, the quicker the entire CNC process will be.
Any students interested in CNC Machining must read and follow the standards below.
Students must have a SoAD Lab Sticker on their ID to book appointments and run CNC jobs. If you do not have this sticker, come into the lab to complete our quiz and sign our waiver.
Students must attend a CNC workshop OR review the CNC User Guide before attending their first CAM appointment.
File Requirements
It is the responsibility of the student to bring a digital model to their CAM Appointment that complies with the following rules:
Cut geometry situated within the bounding box in the Techno CNC template (47 x 47 in)
Rhino 7 (.3dm) file
On a flash drive (USB)
10,000 KB (10 MB) maximum file size, purged, save small, save geometry only
Any geometry that is not ready for CAM programming will be rejected and the student will have to reschedule the appointment before they are able to cut.
Use the CNC Template File on the Templates and Tutorials page to set up your 3D Model
Approved Materials
Students are responsible for providing their own stock material for cutting. Work with the CNC technician and/or staff to determine the best type of stock material for your geometry/applications.
Approved materials for CNC cutting include:
If you are gluing up sheets of material to reach the desired stock thickness, the glue must be completely dry before your Cut Appointment.
Come into the lab to ask about our recommended material vendors in the area
Still unsure or want to learn more about CNC machining? Book a CAM Appointment via EZBook
Students will schedule their Cut Appointment at the end of their CAM Setup Appointment with the CNC Technician. File cut time will be determined during the CAM Appointment. Cut times can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4+ hours.
Appointment Requirements
You must have already completed your CAM appointment with no file issues. You will know this step is completed when your CAM file is saved (by the CNC Technician) on the CNC computer in the shop
Bring in your stock, ready to cut. (NO wet or uncured glue, paint, etc.)
For safety reasons, at least one student must be present in the CNC room to monitor the cut the entire time a job is running.
Material Availability (MA):
Material Availability (OW): out of stock