Written by Simon Edwards
The Project Concept: Moving Beyond 3D Printing
We are two A-Level pupils from a school in the UK. While we have extensive experience with laser cutters and 3D printers through our engineering studies, CNC routers were a completely new frontier for us. To kickstart our journey, we decided to keep our first project simple but high-stakes.
To test how the new Genmitsu 3020-PRO Ultra would handle non-ferrous materials, we designed a small fidget spinner in Autodesk Fusion. The goal was to mill it from 5mm Aluminium, ensuring the bearing holes were precise enough for a perfect friction fit and a smooth, free spin.
Preparation & Machine Setup
Assembly was straightforward, and we were soon ready for the setup. We fabricated a spoil board to protect the machine bed during the milling process. In the photo below, you can see us attaching the spoil board and securely clamping down our first aluminum workpiece to the 3020-PRO Ultra bed.
Z-Probe Precision: One of our favorite features of the 3020-PRO Ultra is the included Z-probe. After using many 3D printers that rely on automatic bed leveling, having this tool to set the Z-origin precisely on our metal workpiece was a fantastic addition to the workflow.
CAM Strategy & Machining Parameters
We programmed the part using a 6mm end mill in Fusion 360. Our strategy involved two key paths to test the 3020-PRO Ultra's versatility:
- 3D Adaptive Clearing: For efficient material removal in the bearing holes.
- 2D Contour: For a crisp, professional finish on the outer profile.
We stayed conservative with our settings for this first run: a 750mm/min feedrate and a 0.5mm cut depth. Having seen how effortlessly the machine handled these, we are excited to push the parameters further in our next project.
The Results: Precision Meets Metal
The machining went exactly according to plan. We used Candle to send the GRBL code to the machine and had full confidence in our setup. We also built an enclosure (seen below) to keep the aluminum chips contained and the noise levels down—essential for a school environment.
The finish we achieved on the 5mm aluminum was beautiful. Seeing our digital design emerge from the metal as a physical, high-quality part was a highlight of our engineering studies so far.
Final Thoughts & Future Coursework
This first project was a huge confidence builder. The 3020-PRO Ultra has proven itself as a capable tool for our A-Level coursework. We are already planning our next steps: 3D milling molds for injection molding and machining a carbon fiber drone frame.
Simple, effective, and precise. Thank you, SainSmart!
