Supervisor Preflight Check
Just like the supervision of the Laser Cutter there are a number of critical factors that a Fab Lab Supervisor needs to satisfy for themselves before Green Lighting a job. it is not a question of skill or experience (newbie or an experienced machinist) - Only a recognised Fabrication Lab Supervisors have the delegated authority to supervise the use of Edge Fabrication Lab tools and approve the safety of each and every job.
As such the Supervisor on duty must satisfy for themselves
Safety
The area is clean and safe to operate the machine in
Everyone in the area is wearing the correct PPE
Everyone in the area is has received a safety brief.
The Machine is maintained and safe to use
Preflight Check - Machine physically ready to use
An appropriate cutting tool has been selected for the job
The cutting tool is correctly fitted on the machine
The material is appropriate to be cut on this machine and is secure on the bed
There is no tools clamps or fixings in the path of the tool or that will obstruct the movement of the gantry.
Preflight Check - BEFORE EXPORTING JOB AS NUMERICAL CODE - Check Job is Programmed Correctly//
Feeds and speeds are appropriate for the material being machined and the cutting tool being used.
Depth settings hare appropriate for the thickness of the material.
Maximum Depth of cut has been verified.
Correct Plate dimensions have been verified.
Program Simulation has been run to verify correct programming of job.
Preflight Check - Last checks before go
Verify that correct version of the NC file has been sent to machine.
Ensure machine has been homed.
Ensure correct tool has been verified.
During the Job
Ensure participant is actively observing progress of job.
Ensure participant is watching for small parts being sucked up by/ stuck in the vacuum extractor.
Ensure participant is watching that vacuum hose and extractor/ guard assembly does not foul with material.
Ensure only one person inside yellow line when machine is operating.
Ensure that operators are verifying that the spindle has completely stopped before approaching machine (encourage use of Point & Shout technique).
Tangential Knife Operations
Step 1 - Swap out sacrificial boards
Swap the sacrificial MDF Board used with the spindle for the sacrificial Polystyrene Board used with the knife.
Step 2 - Remove AXYZ Spindle Unit
Move machine head to a position that is convenient for making changeover of the different tools.
remove the vacuum hose as safety collar.
With an allen Key loosen the 5x Hex Studs securing the Spindle mounting plate to the machine head mounting plate.
Disconnect control cables connecting spindle to the machine head by turning the aviation connector plug sleeve anticlockwise.
Support the weight of the spindle while simultaneously completely removing the hex studs.
Now place spindle unit safely to one side.
Step 3 - Install Multicam Tangential Knife Works
align the holes on the Knife Works mounting plate with the holes on the machine head mounting and insert the 4x hex studs and tighten.
Use the lowest holes available
Do not use the cross-threaded hole 2nd from the bottom on the left-hand side
Step 3 - Install Multicam Tangential Knife Works - Continued
When tightening bolts
support the knife with another pair of hands - or your gut hand
get the top left and bottom right screws 3/4 threaded.
make sure the knife plate is flat against the machine head mounting plate.
Thread the bottom left, then top right screws 3/4 threaded
Finger tighten all screws in the same order
Use the 3mm Allen Key to fully tighten.
Step 3 - Install Multicam Tangential Knife Works - Continued 2
Connect the control cable via the aviation plug.
Connect the air supply hose;
push the socket down
jam the hose in - the socket has teeth that will grip the hose.
Step 3 - Install Multicam Tangential Knife Works - Continued 3
Add 2 drops of machine oil to oil nipple (2 drops to be added every 2 hours of operation)
Execute function F58 - Changes A2MC from Spindle control to Tangential Knife control setting. At this point the machine will reboot
Allow the machine to home the knife on the X&Y axis
Step 4 - Fit Knife Blade
WARNING - KNIVES ARE EXTREMELY SHARP
Move Machine head to middle of table and place scrap foam on knife as guard whenever knife is not in use.
Extreme care should also be exercised when handling Knife blades as they are expensive and fragile and are likely to break if dropped.
Only remove them from their packaging over the sacrificial board
Step 4 - Fit Knife Blade - Continued
- Wear protective gloves whenever handling the knife.
- Select specific knife blade appropriate for your cutting requirements.
- The knife cutting length should be as close as possible to the thickness of material
- Again, position Machine head over sacrificial board in a convenient position for installing the required knife blade.
- Execute Function F42 to 90 deg to expose the knife retention grub screw and remove grub screw with 3mm Allen Key.
- Insert Knife blade with into holder with keyway oriented to the grub screw hole. Screw in grub screw and tighten.
MAKE SURE THE KNIFE IS FITTED STRAIGHT
The grub screw should only contact the flat area of the knife blade hilt
Step 5 - Set Knife Length
The machine head needs to be calibrated to the correct Z axis value so that the knife tip's highest point of travel is level with the upper surface of the sacrificial board. This requires the operator calibrate the z axis manually ( or by eye) while the knife is reticulating.
Now move Machine head over sacrificial board.
WARNING
the next Step Starts the Knife
Step 5 - Set Knife Length - continued
- Execute Function F24 - Set Knife Length. This will start the knife's reticulating movement.
Using the Z axis jog buttons (and =/- buttons to adjust jog speed -fast, medium or slow) to lower the tip of the blade slightly into the sacrificial board.
When you have adjusted the Z axis to the correct depth the tip should be just under ( by the smallest fraction possible) under the surface of the sacrificial board at the highest point of travel.
When you are happy with the calibration of the Z axis select enter.
A2MC will now ask if you want to Set Knife? Perform a visual check of whether the knife is running parallel to the X axis. If the knife is aligned on the X axis Select
no. If the Blade is not aligned select
Yes and perform the
Set Knife procedure.
Other Knife Operations
Manual Tip-Off
This Function is used for tool tip off if the tool is physically bigger the the touch disc mounted on the gantry or when planning the waste board.
Change the tool using Tab 6 → Change → Select Tool eg 45mm Surface planer (Tool 10)
Insert the 45mm Surface Planer and press ok.
Move the spindle roughly 300mm x 300mm in from the home position
Key in F24 to select Manual Tip-off
Drive the head physically down to touch the wasteboard. use the +- button to cycle through the speed options (Fast, Medium, Slow, Step). Once touched the board press ok.
Planeing the Wasteboard
1) Position the wasteboard hard into the corner and location blocks
2) Turn on the vacuum pump!
3) Remove location blocks!!!`
For a new board both sides need to be dressed to remove wax coating and level the board. 1.5 to 2 months under heavy use.
1mm deep initially on first side on a fresh board
.5mm deep on second side on a fresh board
From this point the board should need not flipped until a new board is used.
.2mm deep there after on the same side
Planning the Wasteboard
4) Key in F28 on A2MC Console
Wasteboard must be set AFTER the planing table or machine bed damage may result!
Plane table yes
Tool Diameter 45
Overlap 50%
Length (X Axis) 2420mm
Width (Y Axis) 1230mm
Z depth .5 mm
Feed rate 12000mm
Spindle RPM 10000
Set origin NO
Plane table Yes
Set the Wasteboard
When planing is complete replace location blocks.
Now you need to set the waste board (ie zero the Z Axis)
5) Key in F28 on A2MC Console
Jog tool down to complete a manual tip off (as per manual tip off) and press OK when you are have just touched.
Full List of A2MC Tabs and Functions
Original file
FUNCTION | NOTES |
Function 01 - Machine Properties | |
Function 02 - Verify Job | |
Function 03 - Machine Limits Control (Co-ordinate display) | |
Function 05 - Execute M-Code | |
Function 06 - Execute G-Code | |
Function 07 - Enable/Disable Machine's Motors | |
Function 09 - Abort Job | |
Function 10 - Set User XY Origin“ | |
Full List of A2MC Tabs and Functions Continued
FUNCTION | NOTES |
Function 11 - Choose Current Origin | |
Function 12 - Seek Machine Origin | |
Function 13 - Go to Current Origin | |
Function 16 - Set Parking Position | |
Function 20 - Set Material Thickness | |
Function 24 - Set Tool Height of tangential knife heads | |
Function 25 - Set Tool Height ” | |
Function 26 - Set ATC Tool Heights | ATC not fitted |
Function 27 - Set User Z Origin | |
Function 28 - Set and Plane Waste Board“ | |
Function 30 - Edit Tools | |
Function 31 - Change Active Tool | |
Function 34 - Unload Spindles | ATC not fitted |
Function 35 - Set dual carriage spacing | ATC not fitted |
Full List of A2MC Tabs and Functions Continued 2
FUNCTION | NOTES |
Function 40 - Current Job Properties | |
Function 41 - Feed Speed | |
Function 42 - Spindle Control | |
Function 43 - Job Repeat ” | |
Function 44 - Job Array “ | |
Function 45 - Plunge Speed | |
Function 46 - Measured Move | |
Function 47 - Cut Rectangle” | |
Function 50 Vacuum Pump, Dust Collector and Mist Control | Not Fitted |
Function 51 - Digitise 2D & 3D Jobs.“ | |
Function 54 - Safety Interlock | |
Function 56 - G41/G42 Compensation | |
Function 58 - Multi XML ControlFunction | |
Function 59 - G41/G42 Modal Preset ” | |
Function 801 - Set Static IP Address | |
Function 821 - Set up Tool Tip Sensor | |
Function 822 - Setting up Tangential Knives | |
Common Tabs and Function Keys