Preparing files for CNC-milling has 2 steps: First you design your file in CAD-software and then you use CAM-software to generate the files that will run the machine (CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing). Below we'll talk about the CAM part of preparation. If you're looking for the CAD file preparation, have a look at CAD - 2D drawing &/or 3D modeling
On this page we explain how to prepare your machining files for cutting by using the Shopbot at Fellesverkstedet. This involves either using V-Carve or a different CAM-software (Fusion 360, Bark Beetle, RhinoCam, etc). How to prepare your machining files will greatly depend on your specific project but below are a few general steps to follow along for the different software and different type of cutting (2D vs 3D).
IMPORTANT: This step is optional. We don’t expect you to figure this all out on your own, at Fellesverkstedet we guide you through this process with Vcarve. But if you’re interested you can try to have a go at it yourself. Or if you’ve used Vcarve before this can be used as a reference to prepare your files in advance before coming in for production.
At Fellesverkstedet we've mainly been using V-carve because it's easy to set up and get familiar with, which works well for most projects coming in at the workshop. However the software also has a few limits depending on what you'd like to do (mostly with 3D-milling).
If you'd like to install V-carve and prepare your files at home you can follow the steps written lower on this page
Vcarve’s own documentation can be found on this link
2D Example file
Below is an example Vcarve file for ‣