[deejayspinz]

Hi folks,

I am new to CNC and have been doing a lot of research to learn and understand the process and think I have most of it. I have a DIYDesktopCNC as my learner and have a part designed and ready for milling. I understand that I have to take it to CAM to g-code then something like Mach3 to mill it. The part will be milled from aluminum and I will need to add 'tabs' (see sample picture below) to keep the part in place as its being milled from the stock .

A few questions:

1) What is the CAD term/lingo used for adding these 'tabs'?
2) Where / which software do I add these tabs? In the CAM package? Or do I include them as part of the design of the part itself?
3) Any suggestions on how large / thick to make them? In the sample below, the person used 4 tabs.
4) other suggestions?

[fatal-exception]

1) "Tabs"
2) Depends on what CAM software you are using. Most 2 1/2D CAM packages have the ability to add tabs to your part. (SheetCAM works well for this)
3) They don't have to be very big to hold the part securely. Make the length equal to the tool diameter and the thickness equal to 1/4 the tool diameter. Use 3 tabs as a minimum. The tabs shown are a lot smaller. This may be due to experience with cutting this particular part. You will find out how small you can make them with experience.