How to command the CNC foam cutting machine with CNC Programming?
The CNC foam cutting machine can cut 2D/3D/4D models with single wire,the machine can be 4/5 axis control with independent control of each axis.
Most of us have heard of hot wire CNC foam cutting machine as the new-age industrial revolution. The CNC foam cutting machine is an electrically equipped machine that uses a heated nichrome wire to chop down even the toughest polystyrene foam with ease. The results? You get a fine finish along with a dimensionally accurate structure. So, how exactly does this happen? Let’s check out the process of cutting with a CNC foam cutting machine.
Draw Your Vision
CNC programming starts with some international software like UG,Catia,MasterCAM,CAXA etc.Pick a ratio of 1:1, turn off the hidden lines, and delete the format along with any other information including centermarks, dimensions, centerlines, and various other annotations. Only keep the lines that you plan on cutting and once done, save this file in the DXF format on the drive.
Turn on the Hot Wire
Switch the hot wire of the machine on. As soon as you do this, the red arrows on the power switches will brighten. Reboot the computer and download the DevFoam software. Once you have launched the program, import the DXF file you created and saved before.
Choose What You Want
Carefully choose the object that you desire to use. Click on the option “Keep only selected elements”. That will leave you with exactly what you need and remove the unnecessary bits. Once you click okay, you will be redirected to the toolpath which will decide the depth.
Cut the Shape
Click on the ‘create cut path’ option to build a pathway. The hot wire will cut through this path on the foam surface and slowly proceed downwards. Be careful of causing any air cuts. In case there is an error of such kind, offset the hot wire by -.875 so that the path can be regenerated.
Control the Feed Rate
Be mindful of the thickness of the foam you wish to cut. The feed rate of the hot wire will go according to the thickness. You can customize the feed rate with a G-Code to ensure that you have a nice and smooth finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:Is cutting done in the devFoam program?
A:No.Cutting does not occur in the devFoam program. To ensure that the machine cuts through the foam, you will have to save the pathway in the form of a G-code.
What is a G-code?
G-code is the language used by a CNC foam cutting machine that helps in commanding it to cut through the foam.
What Happens after Cutting?
Once the foam block cutting machine has done its job of cutting, you can turn it back to its starting power. Also, don’t forget to switch off the hot wire power to minimize risks. Shut down the devFoam program and click on the reset option so that the program is fresh for the next batch.
Last-minute Tips:
Here are some additional tips for using a CNC foam cutting machine:
The hot wire must be positioned at the top of the foam exactly where you want it to be cut.
Keep weight on the foam so that it does not move while you cut it.
To settle the origin of the devFoam program, use the options zero Z, zero Y, Zero X, and Zero4.
Hit the option ‘cycle start’ when you want to start the cutting process.
