Understanding CAD Files

A CNC CAD file is a computer drawing from which a CNC machine can machine a set of parts or components.

CNC is an abbreviation of Computer Numerically Controlled. This describes the action taken by the equipment when possessing the information- the computer delivers to the CNC router a set of instructions in a numerical format- these tell the CNC router when to move, where to move, how much to move etc.

The CAD part of a CNC CAD file is an abbreviation of Computer Aided Design. This is it's most basic terms means drawing a blueprint on a computer rather than on paper.

CNC CAD files are generated by any computer software that is capable of allowing you to produce a design using vector based tools.

Most Basic Type Of CAD File

The most basic type of CNC cad file is one that contains a simple shape- this could be a letter, square or circle.

This type of CNC CAD file provides the CNC machine with a simple outline which it can be made to follow.

There are various options on how a CNC machine can be made to follow a basic CAD file like this- outside the line, inside the line or on the centre of the line.

This type of basic CNC CAD file is a 2D format- althoug the CNC machine works on three axis- X,Y & Z

As you can see from the diagram Z is the axis which controls the height at which the CNC router operates.

On a basic CNC CAD file this axis is dropped into the material to be cut at the start and then lifted out to a safe position when the part is cut.

So the 2D nature of this type of CNC CAD file is defined by the fact that only the two X and Y axis are moving.

Machining A 2D CAD File

When machining a 2D cnc cad file we can automatically tell the machine what we need to do.

This is a handy feature- for example, when cutting letters we need to tell the CNC machine to go outside the perimeter of the letter but go inside the perimeter of any cut outs in letters like A, D or P.

If we don't do this the centre cut out are too big.

All these factors are handled by us but it might be handy for you to know how CNC CAD files work.

More Complicated CAD Files

More complicated CNC CAD files control all three axis of the machine and are programmed to not only move the cutting tool around the process area of the machine but to also lift and drop the cutting Z axis during movement of the other two axis.

Running a CNC CAD file like this is pretty impressive and the finished work pieces are always very impressive.

To make this type of CNC CAD file you need specialised software that can design in all three axis planes.

Whilst a lot of CNC companies out there can generate pretty simple 2D CNC CAD files we have the ability to process and create the more complicated 3D files.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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