Team 514: Safe CNC

The objective of this project is to design safeguards for the Senior Design Lab’s CNC router to protect students and staff from hazards and mitigate the need for PPE.

About

This project improves the safety of a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine used by students and staff in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s senior design lab. CNC milling machines are helpful for cutting metal and plastic but pose inherent safety risks. These risks include moving parts, flying debris, sharp edges, and airborne dust, which can cause injuries or breathing problems for users and anyone nearby. The goal is to increase safety and reduce the need for extra protective gear. Achieving this goal will create a safer and more user-friendly workspace.

To address these hazards the team designed a safety enclosure with four key features. First, the enclosure acts as a physical barrier. It prevents contact with moving parts and prevents debris and dust from escaping. Second, an automatic shutoff system stops the machine if the access doors open during the CNC’s normal operation. Third, a manual emergency stop button outside of the enclosure lets users turn off the machine instantly, providing extra protection and control in case of an emergency or system failure. Finally, a built-in vacuum system removes the fine dust the machine creates. This improves air quality and visibility while reducing dust buildup on the machine. A hose fitted into the side of the enclosure allows for effective dust extraction without limiting access to the workspace.

The simplicity of the enclosure and electrical system allows for future changes. This means that more safety features can be added to the design as needed. These updates will keep the machine safe and functional over time. By adding these safety features, this project creates a safer and cleaner CNC milling environment. These improvements protect users while keeping the machine reliable and effective for the senior design lab.

Team

Meet our team from Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering, dedicated to enhancing CNC safety.

Samuel Byers

Mechanical Engineer

Sam will graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Spring 2025. His interests are in environmental engineering and he will be working in water/wastewater at Kimley Horn after graduating.

Amanda Garcia-Menocal

Mechanical Engineer

Amanda will graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Spring 2025. Her interests lie in environmental safety and sustainability and she intends to pursue a career focused on sustainability after graduating.

Shelby Gerlt

Mechanical Engineer

Shelby will graduate with a B. S. in Mechanical Engineering from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Spring 2025. She is interested in aerospace engineering and will pursue a career in the Unite States Air Force.

Malik Grant

Mechanical Engineer

Malik will graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Spring 2025. His interests are in manufacturing engineering and he will be working at the insulation plant at Owens Corning after graduation.

Carlton Walker

Mechanical Engineer

Carlton will graduate with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Spring 2025. His interests are in aerospace engineering and he intends to pursue a career focused on this field after graduating.

Sponsor and Advisor

Shayne McConomy, Ph.D.

Project Sponsor

Eric Hellstrom, Ph.D.

Materials Science & Engineering Advisor

Documents

All documents and presentations throughout the design process

Future Work

Here's what's next

10 Mar.

Procurement

Acquiring necessary materials and components.

13 Mar.

Assembly

Building and assembling various components.

20 Mar.

Installation

Setting up and integrating assembled parts.

30 Mar.

Testing

Evaluating system performance to ensure quality.