Warning

The current version of MillMage is a Release Candidate — a stable version of software that is nearly ready for official release, but in need of additional public testing. Please report any unexpected behavior in the MillMage Software Questions section of our forum, including screenshots and as much detail as possible. Ask hardware compatibility questions in the MillMage Hardware Compatibility section.

Users new to MillMage should follow the Getting Started guide.

Video: How to Use a Release Candidate

This video features our sister software, LightBurn. While there may be slight differences in appearance and layout, the demonstrated processes are similar in MillMage.

Warning

This documentation is in active development and in a prerelease state. These documents are not complete and may include missing pages, broken links, and placeholders. Content is being updated as feedback is reviewed. Your patience is appreciated.

Warning

Secure the material stock to the CNC machine by following the CNC manufacturer workholding guidelines.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW CNC MANUFACTURER WORKHOLDING RECOMMENDATIONS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGED PROPERTY, BODILY HARM, OR DEATH.

Verify that the material stock is properly secured by vigorously pushing and pulling against the workpiece in all directions.

View the Workholding Guide for examples.

Use Vacuum Table to Hold Workpiece With Suction

A vacuum table uses suction to hold the workpiece firmly in place. A typical vacuum table will have a machined surface with many channels or pockets and once connected to a vacuum pump, will provide a strong and uniform holding force to flat objects.

Pros

Excellent holding power without the need for clamps or fixtures, with an average maximum holding pressure of ~14.7 psi/760 mmHg at sea level
Allows for full access to the top surface of the workpiece
Quick cycle time
Supports multiple objects at one time

Cons

May not be suitable for porous or irregularly shaped materials
Small objects can be easily knocked free
May pucker thin sheet material
Holding force limited to ambient air pressure
Impacts Z Axis machineable height
Debris from CNC operations may clog air intakes
Requires additional accessories

Warning

Secure the material stock to the CNC machine by following the CNC manufacturer workholding guidelines.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW CNC MANUFACTURER WORKHOLDING RECOMMENDATIONS CAN LEAD TO DAMAGED PROPERTY, BODILY HARM, OR DEATH.

Verify that the material stock is properly secured by vigorously pushing and pulling against the workpiece in all directions.

View the Workholding Guide for examples.

Other Workholding Methods¶

Screw Workpiece Down

Predrill several pilot holes away from the machining area. Secure with screws appropriate for the material stock.

Clamp Workpiece

Use metal, wood, or plastic clamps to secure the stock from the top-down and/or sides.

Adhere With Double-sided Tape

Cover the flat base of the material stock with double-sided tape to adhere it to the CNC work area.

Adhere With Masking Tape and CA Glue

Cover both the flat base of the material stock and the CNC work area with tape and use CA glue to stick them together.

Jigs and Fixtures

Use custom-made jigs and fixtures to secure stock and for rapid cycle time when machining on multiple objects within the same operation.

Tack Down With Machineable Brads

Use machineable brads to secure the stock to the wasteboard, without risking tooling should collisions ever occur.

Use Vacuum Table

Hold down flat stock and release the material at a flip of a switch or automatically through MillMage.

Secure Workpiece in Vise

Securely mount a vise to the CNC work area and use the vise jaws to hold the material stock.

Workholding Optimizations¶

Workholding When Cutting Through Workpiece

Add custom tabs to keep objects in place when cutting through material stock.

For more help using MillMage, please visit our forum to talk with MillMage staff and users, or email support.