Thanksgiving is over and the holidays are just around the corner. This is a great opportunity for CNCers to put their skills to work by CNCing gifts for family and friends. In fact, many plants and factories allow highly skilled machinists to use machines for personal projects after hours.
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Controls. CNC Machining is a manufacturing process that uses computers to control machining tools to make parts or end use products. The process begins with a Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to create designs and vectors. Vectors are graphic coordinate numbers that control the movement of a CNC cutter. The next step is to use a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to create G-Code. G-Code is the set of instructions that the CNC machine uses to actually make the end use product. The final step is for the machinist to load the G-Code into the machine and run the design. Skilled CNCers can use their machines and skills to make products out of metals, plastics, or wood. They can make a single highly-precise piece or run the machine to make several of the same item. We’ve compiled a list of articles containing great CNC gift ideas below:
And if you're shopping for aerospace engineers, rocket scientists, and other cosmos enthusiasts, check out our 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Space Lovers.