2485 2025 CAM Standards - CD Release.pdf (11.1 MB)
Team 2485 is excited to release our 2025 updated CAM Standards, which have guided our CNC machining process during the Reefscape Season! CNC machining has been a technique under constant development for our team, and through the years we’ve undergone major revamps for our process! By implementing new machining ideas, and optimizing the input values through repeated testing, we’ve been able to greatly reduce our manufacturing time.
This year, Overclocked (previously the W.A.R. Lords) are proud to say that our full robot and all prototypes were machined in-house, on our CNC Mill and CnC Router. Prior to our first release of CAM Standards two years ago, the belly pan took a consecutive 6-8 hours of milling. By contrast, with the machining techniques published in our first release, last year’s and this year’s belly pan took just 53 and 42 minutes respectively! This release provides improved explanations and more streamlined procedures. The included CAM Standards are modeled around the HSMWorks Ultimate software, which seamlessly integrates with Solidworks. The document includes screen captures of HSM works to show screen how to set up the CAM. The principles shown can be applied to any CAM software, and can more broadly represent recommended machining practices for any team.
Our team operates on a Velox 48”X52” table router with a Mach 3 control system for larger plate parts, and a Supra 10”X54” Knee Mill by CnC Masters with an Acurite Millpower G2 control system for smaller plate work and any box tube. Thus, some of the values in these CAM standards, such as the 18,000 RPM speed for milling, are tailored to the capabilities of our in-house machines. We encourage teams to adapt these values to their own mills, implementing the efficient practices we’ve proposed and found success with! Especially for newer teams, who are still in the process of getting involved with the complexities of CNC machining, we hope our comprehensive guide can be a strong introduction to CAM and effective techniques.
As always, let us know if you have any questions, and we’d love to help out!