Machining

A collection of machined components demonstrating CNC manufacturing skills through the production of custom parts.

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Project Summary

The CNC Machining project showcases components manufactured for a variety of engineering and robotics applications. Each part demonstrates practical machining experience, from interpreting engineering drawings and preparing CAM toolpaths to producing finished components that meet functional and dimensional requirements.The collection highlights a range of machining operations, materials, and manufacturing techniques used to support prototype development and mechanical system integration across multiple projects.

Videos

Thread machining for the Woolly drivetrain shafts was performed on a CNC lathe to achieve the required thread dimensions and fit. This video captures part of the machining process used to produce the finished shafts for the robot.
As part of the Woolly project, I bored the center hole of a sprocket to its specified tolerance. The operation required carefully controlling the final diameter so the sprocket would fit properly on its mating shaft.
A finished coaster machined from 6061 aluminum demonstrates the surface finish and detail I was able to achieve through CNC machining. This project was a smaller personal part used to practice machining techniques and refine the final appearance of the aluminum.

Images

CNC lathe used for machining work
While working at MTG, I used this CNC lathe to manufacture precision components for the Woolly robot. The machine supported the production and modification of custom parts needed during the development and assembly of the robotic platform.
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For my personal projects, I purchased a smithy to give myself the ability to manufacture custom components in-house. Having my own machining equipment allows me to prototype, modify, and produce parts without relying entirely on outside fabrication.
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One of the components I machined for the Woolly robot was this shaft used with the mecanum wheel assembly. At this stage, I was cutting the external threads required for the shaft, ensuring the component could be properly assembled and secured within the drivetrain.
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After machining was completed, the finished Woolly drivetrain shafts were paired with bearing housings produced by another engineer. Each shaft included threads machined to specification along with a snap-ring groove for the retaining ring, allowing the components to be properly located and secured during assembly.
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A second set of completed Woolly drivetrain components highlights the interface between the machined shafts and bearing housings. The finished parts were prepared for assembly with the required shaft diameters, threaded sections, and retaining-ring grooves machined to their specified dimensions.
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Before final assembly, I checked the fitment of the retaining nut and snap ring on the machined shaft. This verification helped confirm that the threaded section and retaining-ring groove had been machined correctly and that the hardware seated as intended.
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Machined from 6061 aluminum, this Pokémon card was created using my 3020 Plus 500 W three-axis desktop CNC. The project gave me an opportunity to experiment with detailed engraving, toolpath generation, and surface finishing on a relatively small CNC platform.
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For the DJI project, I machined this custom motor mount from 6061 aluminum using the same 3020 Plus 500 W desktop CNC. Producing the part required machining multiple features and mounting surfaces while maintaining the dimensions needed for proper fitment with the motor assembly.
Machined DJI Inspire motor mount
Shown together are all four completed motor mounts for the DJI project.