Metal Part Machined Using Hand Coded CNC Programming

Oct 24, 2026 Last reply: 14 hours ago 4 Replies
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The maker produced a rectangular metal component using CNC machining, which contrasts with typical methods. Instead of relying on pre-set templates, the maker utilized their own CNC programming for this project. The resulting piece, made of aluminum, served as the subject for the NIMS practical test. It is evident that the maker successfully completed their first hand coded and unsupervised part, an impressive feat.



Construction of the component involved several distinct features. The front face of the part showcases multiple milled features, including a central oblong slot pocket. Along one top edge, a circular scallop cutout is integrated. A raised plateau on the structure is finished with chamfered corners. Furthermore, the flat rear surface holds two counterbored holes, and handwritten black marker text appears there reading 'Pass fit'.



The machining process involved two separate passes. The rough pass employed a d geometry of .790, while the finish pass utilized a d geometry of .750. The maker also specified diameter and height wear to be .006 to allow for final adjustments. Using two passes with a .750 end mill is a specific technique that seems appropriate for the complexity of the milled areas.



One aspect that remains an open question is how the maker managed the precise dimensions of the various through-holes of varying diameters, given the specified wear parameters.


The decision by the maker to set the diameter and height wear to .006 seems like a very thoughtful consideration. That allowance ensures that even after the final pass with the specified end mill, there is still room for necessary final adjustments to meet tight tolerances.

Regarding the front features, could the maker clarify the specific method used for creating the various through-holes of differing diameters within the rectangular metal part? It would be helpful to know how those specific holes were drilled during the CNC programming phase.

The available information indicates that the part includes several through-holes of varying diameters. However, the details provided do not specify the exact method employed by the maker to create these holes during the machining process or the CNC programming phase. Therefore, that specific procedure has not been disclosed.

For future iterations of this metal component, it would be interesting to see the maker utilize a different geometry for the finish pass. Perhaps switching the d geometry from .750 to a smaller value could yield a finer surface finish on the milled features, making the part even more detailed.

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