Project

CNC Lathe Retrofit

Machining • CNC • CAM • 2024

At a glance

Context: School-owned CNC lathe modernization
Deliverables: Working CAM pipeline and machined parts

Idea

The retrofit started during the design phase of the HEI project, where manufacturing access and machining capability had a direct influence on possible design decisions.

The school-owned CNC lathe had been unused for a long period, but the machine still had valuable capabilities. The goal was to make it approachable again through a modern CAM workflow.

Troubleshooting

Before touching the software workflow, the machine needed basic recovery work: lubrication, checks of subcomponents, controller exploration, and calibration.

With the SINUMERIK 810D controller operational, the next challenge was making Fusion CAM output code that the machine could read reliably.

CAM Workflow

The available post-processor was close, but not compatible enough with the controller version running on the machine. After iterative testing and manufacturer communication, I tuned the post-processor so the generated CAM code was usable on the lathe.

The final result was a clearer path from CAD to CAM to the machine, making the equipment more useful for future student projects.

Project media