How are large and huge products made using CNC? Segment manufacturing. Models.

CNC machines are suitable not only for creating small products, but can also be used in the production of large and even gigantic shapes.

In this article we will tell you how to make such products, which is important to consider. And you can always order models from us! Or buy a ready-made version. Our catalog contains hundreds of thousands of beautiful and stylish 3D models for obtaining high quality products.

Examples of manufacturing giant CNC products:

For example, in 2005, a giant symbol of the city of Denver was installed in the USA - a bear, the height of a 4-story building. This helped attract a huge number of visitors and tourists to the hotel near which it was installed.

The company that made this bear used CNC machines and special software. First, we prepared a 1-meter model for approval with customers. After which the project received support and its implementation began.

The 3D image was broken down into many pieces of the size that could be produced on a CNC machine (according to the size of the desktop).

For convenience, the program assigned its own color and number to each piece.

The parts were made of foam plastic. After which they were primed with a spray gun. Covered with gel. Next, polymer resins, synthetic fabrics, and fiberglass were applied to the foam plastic, and at the last stage, rigidity was imparted with additional tin reinforcement.

After which all the parts were assembled into a multi-story product similar to a construction set.

Many other giant sculptures were made using the same principle.

This technology is called segment technology.

Segmental CNC manufacturing:

Segment turning appeared in the second half of the 20th century. However, the machines at that time were predominantly mechanized, did not have CNC equipment, and the result largely depended solely on the operator. The presence of software control made it possible to perform work almost automatically. And thereby improve the quality of finished products, guaranteeing a decent result.

In general, we can say that segment manufacturing is used not only for huge products, but also for small ones. It is very convenient in cases where it is not possible to make something from a single piece. For example, with the help of segments (or parts) many types of furniture are created: tables and chairs, where legs, table tops, drawers, and backs for chairs are made separately. And in the end, fitting and assembly are performed.

Moreover, in most cases, this type of work is even preferable, since the product turns out to be more aesthetically pleasing, with a greater number of decorative elements, than when made from a solid piece.

The CNC system provides high versatility of the machine. If necessary, it allows you to quickly replace the program (files are loaded from an external memory source or PC directly to the CNC system) and the machine can be instantly reconfigured.

It is enough to change the workpiece, and in some cases, the cutter.

What is important to know when processing workpieces larger than the workbench?

The widespread use of CNC machines, their versatility and reasonable cost have led to the fact that machines are now often used not only by large enterprises, but also by small businesses. True, the machines in this case are usually chosen to be small; they can often fit even on an office desk.

Thus, if a larger product is needed, the work table becomes unable to accommodate the required workpiece.

A workpiece extending beyond the work table can become an obstacle to the free movement of the tool portal, which is strictly unacceptable and can lead to damage and emergency situations.

In addition, the workpieces must be securely fastened, which is again impossible if the work table is much smaller than the workpiece.

And if there is a need to process a larger product, then there is no point in buying new equipment. After all, you can process the product in parts. Break it down into parts, process each of them and then connect them.

How is this done in practice?

• The model is imported into the ArtCam program, divided by vectors into areas of the required size (taking into account the maximum desktop area),
• Layers are duplicated depending on the number of parts of the future product and for each layer that cannot be processed, the relief is reset,
• Then all layers are saved in a separate rtf file, and the origin is set,
• Next, based on each file, a separate control program is created with its own route of movement of the cutters,
• Finally, the parts are manufactured and assembled into a complete product.

There is another option. For example, a single program is created to process the entire model at once, this is done in ArtCam, after which a special utility breaks the program into parts that must be milled separately. Their size is set taking into account the working table of the CNC machine. 

However, let us say once again that these methods are only suitable if you plan to produce a large product, the dimensions and weight 

which exceed the permissible maximum load for your CNC equipment. And it is important to consider that gluing or joining by other means must be extremely strong and reliable.

In addition, it is important to take into account that individual parts of the relief must fit together with extreme precision, without steps or overlaps. And for this it is necessary not only to create an ideal control program, but also to correctly place the workpieces on the work tables, with the correct location of the origin of coordinates. An error or shift in one of the parts can lead to damage to the entire future product.

To avoid shifting, you can make a jig - boards with thrust grooves, mounted on the work table, for high accuracy in starting work.

An ordinary bench vice can be used as a universal fastener, so that one jaw always remains motionless and strictly aligned to one of the machine coordinates, while the other can be moved to any distance and press parts of different sizes. Thereby ensuring the exact origin of the workpiece coordinates.

Models:

You can buy models for CNC machines on our website. We offer a wide range of ready-made models. If necessary, we are ready to make a custom model.

We can increase the size for free and break it down into parts.

Other edits and improvements are available for an additional fee.

Two versions of models are presented: 3d stl and 3 d max. The first option is uneditable, but more beneficial for you. The second one is editable. Allows you to make any number of changes yourself and use models repeatedly.

Using our models, you can make sculptures and monuments, figurines, decor, furniture, products for churches and temples, art objects and much, much more.

You can always check with our specialists for detailed information.

We are waiting for your calls and applications.

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Decorative fountains on CNC machines. Models of sculptures.