Have you ever been curious how production knifes handles and Kydex are made? Or maybe you have a great design with a solid customer base but have a hard time finding reputable machine shop to preform the specialized work you need.
In that case this post is for you! By the end you should have a basic knowledge of how factory knifes are made and might even be able to explain what CNC is. It stands for Computer Numerical Control but dont worry there wont be a quiz. Its basically just machining with lots of help from computers.
CAD
1.DXF files are the most basic 2D Cad Files that serve as a foundation to build higher level CAD models. Your typically going to need one of these files before most CNC/Waterjet/Laser Shops will quote a job and at a minimum you need a well dimensioned sketch.
DXF files look like this:
2. A number of free software programs such as DraftSight and QCAD (open source) can be used to create these files. If you are using them for commercial applications be sure to check the end user agreement or upgrade to a commercial license.
3. Taking a 2D DXF file to a 3D STEP file is beyond the scope of what I can cover here. But the bottom line is CNC machines are only as good as the 3D model and the 3D model is only as good as the 2D model.
You can draw about anything with CAD
Including Professional Thermoform Tooling! I might have removed a few trade secretes on this one! But lets just say the retention, repeat-ability and overall function is second to none when you have a CNC Mill cutting your molds.
CAM
1. People often confuse CAD and CAM.
CAD is what you draw
CAM is how you cut it.
CNC
So thats the basics of CNC! There are some pros and cons for knife makers
Pro:
Low cost per part
High Production Capacity
Cuts most materials
High Quality
Mixed Production Capacity - A properly set up machine can store 1000s of programs for different jobs.
Con
Medium Tooling expense
Typically dont do just 1 part.
Not suitable for fragile materials
So that's the basics when I get some time I will post a some trips and tricks on making DXF files for professionally designed knifes.
To inquire on any part you might need call the shop 419-220-4009 or shoot us an email at info@stonercnc.com
Thanks
Matt Stoner
In that case this post is for you! By the end you should have a basic knowledge of how factory knifes are made and might even be able to explain what CNC is. It stands for Computer Numerical Control but dont worry there wont be a quiz. Its basically just machining with lots of help from computers.
CAD
1.DXF files are the most basic 2D Cad Files that serve as a foundation to build higher level CAD models. Your typically going to need one of these files before most CNC/Waterjet/Laser Shops will quote a job and at a minimum you need a well dimensioned sketch.
DXF files look like this:
2. A number of free software programs such as DraftSight and QCAD (open source) can be used to create these files. If you are using them for commercial applications be sure to check the end user agreement or upgrade to a commercial license.
3. Taking a 2D DXF file to a 3D STEP file is beyond the scope of what I can cover here. But the bottom line is CNC machines are only as good as the 3D model and the 3D model is only as good as the 2D model.
You can draw about anything with CAD
Including Professional Thermoform Tooling! I might have removed a few trade secretes on this one! But lets just say the retention, repeat-ability and overall function is second to none when you have a CNC Mill cutting your molds.
CAM
1. People often confuse CAD and CAM.
CAD is what you draw
CAM is how you cut it.
CNC
So thats the basics of CNC! There are some pros and cons for knife makers
Pro:
Low cost per part
High Production Capacity
Cuts most materials
High Quality
Mixed Production Capacity - A properly set up machine can store 1000s of programs for different jobs.
Con
Medium Tooling expense
Typically dont do just 1 part.
Not suitable for fragile materials
So that's the basics when I get some time I will post a some trips and tricks on making DXF files for professionally designed knifes.
To inquire on any part you might need call the shop 419-220-4009 or shoot us an email at info@stonercnc.com
Thanks
Matt Stoner
