San Francisco CNC Pathway 1 - Concepts of CNC

The first class in a three-part series designed to give students an understanding of CNC machining and the CAD to CAM process

Description

Gain a foundational understanding of what CNC really is, what CNC machines can and cannot do, and how the CAD to CAM process works. Learn technical concepts like speeds and feeds, milling tools, coordinate systems, toolpath types and workholding strategies.  

Audience

This foundation class is suitable for shop users at any level of experience who would like to learn more about the CNC process. It is the first required class in the CNC Pathway in San Francisco. (While the Pathway is not a prerequisite for any classes in Boston or Toronto, it still provides a valuable introduction for anyone wishing to learn the fundamentals of CNC.) Because the CNC Pathway is a complex technical training, we have intentionally made completion of each class a prerequisite for the next. This means you will not be able to register for all three sessions at once. However, CNC 2 and 3 rarely fill up in advance, so once your instructor has marked your completion of CNC 1, you should be able to sign up for the next day's CNC 2 class right away if you choose. 

The entire CNC Pathway, and additional tool-specific trainings, are required order to use the following CNC machines in San Francisco:

  • DMS 5-Axis Router 

  • HAAS Lathe 

  • HAAS Vertical Mill 

  • Matsuura MX-330 

  • Datron neo 

This first class in the Pathway is a lecture format that does not require you to have any software installed.  For CNC 2 and 3 you will need to install Fusion 360.

Prerequisites

(The three below are waived if you are a remote employee or Resident hoping to learn fundamental skills without using the workshop.)

Safety - Global Workshop Safety Training

Safety - Onsite Workshop Orientation (San Francisco)

Fire Extinguisher Training (San Francisco)

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