Make a Part Overview

Intelli-MAX LAYOUT and MAKE are the software tools used in making a part. Following the below listed steps provides the process for successfully making a part. See https://knowledgebase.omax.com for detailed information on making a part.

LAYOUT

Import or create a drawing file (DXF file).
The first step in making a part is to obtain or create a drawing file. LAYOUT software provides tools to create and edit new and existing drawing files (.dxf) for machining. Drawing files may also be imported from other CAD programs.

Assign machining qualities (edge finish).
The next step is to assign machining qualities (edge finish) to the drawing entities (lines, arcs, etc.) that tell the nozzle how fast or slow to move to obtain the desired edge finish.

Clean the drawing.
Next, the drawing should be cleaned to remove duplicate entities, extra dots, gaps, and other garbage entities that are hard to find in the drawing. A clean drawing eliminates machining confusion by defining only one continuous path for the machine to follow.

Add path elements to the drawing.
After cleaning, path elements need to be drawn. Path elements tell the machine where to cut, where to travel without cutting (traverse), when to pierce the material (lead in) and the exit points (lead out).

Create the machine tool path file (ORD/OMX).
The last step in LAYOUT is to convert the drawing file to a machine tool path file (ORD/OMX) that tells the machine how to cut the part.

MAKE

Start up the machine.
After the drawing file is prepared and converted to a machine tool path file, the next step is to start the machine per the Startup Checklist.

Open and configure the ORD/OMX file.
The tool path file is opened and the material setup data is entered so the machine knows the path to cut and the material type and thickness.

Load and secure the material.
The material is then placed and secured to the cutting stage. Fixturing the material to prevent any movement in the X, Y, or Z directions is critical in making good parts.

Position the nozzle
Attach the splash guard to the nozzle assembly with the cup up. Set the nozzle stand-off at the highest point of the material surface, then move the nozzle to the start of the machine tool path.

10.

Prepare for machining.
Conduct a dry run to ensure the part fits on the material and the nozzle clears any obstacle. Any problems found during the dry run can be corrected before machining the part.

11.

Machine the part.
Flip the splash guard cup down. Adjust the drain, then add water to raise it above the material surface (if applicable), then begin machining. When finished remove and inspect the part.