LMCS - Digital Machinery


Digital Machinery is an evolving realm within The Shed with a focus on using digital tools (i.e. computers) to create 3D models before they are either printed using the 3D printers or cut on the CNC machine. There are various software packages that can be used depending on your experience and time commitments.

Beginners
  • SketchUp is easy to use has a free browser-based version. This is a good place to start for creating your own models that you'd like to 3D Print.
  • V-Carve - available for use on the LMCS computers, is relatively easy to learn and quick to use however it is limited to cutting of the two dimensional plane. This software is better suited to the CNC machine.

Non-Beginners
  • Fusion 360 - can be downloaded on your own computer and used for free (with limitations) or under an education license. F360 is powerful, however for those not used to working with software it can be daunting. There are plenty of good YouTube videos to help you learn.
  • Solidworks - is a favourite of some LMCS members however there is a cost to using it.

Slicing
  • Ultimaker Cura - available for use on the LMCS computers and can be downloaded and used for free at home. Cura is for "slicing" your exported models files (e.g. STLs) to generate the g-code needed for the 3D printers.

Please refer to the LMCS calendar for session times. It's recommended that you bring your own laptop and a thumb drive (USB stick).

The following links provide members with some useful tools and documentation.

Documentation
Digital Machinery - CNC Operation
Feeds and Speeds
Make Your Own Pottery Tools