For this project, we didn't have to have the idea ourselves. We just made identical widgets to learn more about how CNC works and to use the mill. We started by drawing the widget in inventor and uploading it to Fusion 360. We then added a valid tool path and saved the g code in our H Drive and onto a flash drive. I plugged it into the mill's computer and copied the G Code from the flash drive. I set the bit to the bottom left corner using the controller and shut the door. I hit Cycle Start and it took about 15 minutes to complete. I unstuck the foam from the tape and took some pictures. It was so cool to watch the bit cut through the foam like butter.
This project really helped with making the whole CNC concept click in my head. I understood how the machines worked and how to use them after completing this project. Like I mentioned before, I really enjoyed watching the bit cut the foam like butter. This project also strengthened my knowledge of inventor because the curves and turns of this widget were really hard to make equal and perfect for everything to be centered and work. All in all, this CNC Mill project really made CNC click for me and strengthened my understanding of inventor.