CNC Microfluidics Part 2: Droplet Generator CAM Setup (Fusion 360)
Published by Alex Hwu on Feb 3rd 2025
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is necessary to generate the g-code files used by the CNC machine to prototype the microfluidic droplet generator. Fusion 360 offers a 'free' non-commercial license.
The video provides a reference on how to configure the CAM programs for the microfluidic droplet generator designed in Part 1 for CNC prototyping in 1 mm thick acrylic (PMMA). The programs are post-processed for use with Candle (Grbl), an open-source CNC controller, in order to CNC machine on an entry-level 3018 desktop mill.
Reference Speeds and Feeds:
0.1 mm End Mill
Channel Depths: 0.1 mm
Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM
Cutting Feedrate: 50 mm/min
Ramp Feedrate: 100 mm/min
Plunge Feedrate: 25 mm/min
Max Stepover: 0.05 mm
Max Stepdown: 0.05 mm
Ramp: Plunge
0.3 mm End Mill - (used in Part 3)
Channel W x D: 0.5 mm x 0.2 mm
Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM
Cutting Feedrate: 200 mm/min
Ramp Feedrate: 333 mm/min
Plunge Feedrate: 50 mm/min
Max Stepover: 0.30 mm
Max Stepdown: 0.1 mm
Ramp: Plunge
1 mm Drill Bit
Hole Depths: 1.0 mm
Spindle Speed: 20,000 RPM
Plunge Feedrate: 1000 mm/min
Cycle Type: Deep Drilling
Peck Depth: 0.5 mm
Min Pecking Depth: 0.5 mm
Dwell: 0 s
1/8" (3.175 mm) End Mill
Profile Depth: 0.9 mm
Spindle Speed: 11,000 RPM
Cutting Feedrate: 1000 mm/min
Ramp Feedrate: 333 mm/min
Plunge Feedrate: 100 mm/min
Repeat Finish Pass: Checked
Ramp: Unchecked