CNC router modernization

A large-format CNC router has been stored in the Pappalardo Laboratory wood shop for several years in an unusable state. A need assessment determined that it would be cost effective to bring the router online for use in the mechanical engineering curriculum. The router was cleaned and inspected; it was determined that the router was in sound mechanical condition. The stepper motors, control system, and power supply were also functional, but the CNC interface software was outdated. To ensure the long term viability of the router as an effective teaching tool the most cost effective solution was to upgrade the motors, control system, and CNC interface software using a package provided by the original supplier, Techno-Isel Inc. The motors, control system, and software were installed, bringing the router to a fully functional state. Dust and ejected cuttings cause a safety hazard and cleanliness problem when operating the router. An enclosure was designed and installed in order to trap the majority of debris and reduce noise levels in the workspace, and a brief user guide has been compiled to ensure safe and effective usage.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Doody, Aaron L. (Aaron Lee)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• David Wallace.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40405

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/40405