Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
The University of Sydney Library acknowledges that our buildings, collections, and practices exist on unceded Aboriginal lands. We recognise the diversity and knowledges of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all the lands the University stands on, and respect the ongoing connection Aboriginal people have to these lands, their cultural practices, knowledge systems and histories. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, who have handed down custodianship to each generation for more than 60,000 years.
Money, J. (2021). Yilabara (Now). Filmed on Gadigal Country. Commissioned by the University of Sydney Library
CNC carving
About CNC carving
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) carving is a precise manufacturing technique using computer-controlled machines to carve and shape materials (like wood, plastic or acrylics) based on a digital design.
CNC carving provides consistent and accurate results, making it a popular choice for prototyping designs and creating personalised items.
Book CNC carving equipment
ThinkSpace is equipped with a CNC carving machine (Nomad 3) and software (Carbide Create).
Booking equipment is free for staff and students. You just need to bring your material and enjoy carving.
Nomad 3 Specifications
Materials that can be carved:
- Plastic: ABS, Cast Acrylic, Corian, HDPE, PVC
- Wood: Hardwood, Softwood, Bamboo, MDF
Maximum size of material:
- Width (X axis): 20 cm
- Length (Y axis): 20 cm
- Height (Z axis): 7 cm
- Depth of carve: 2cm
Nomad 3 CNC carving
How to use CNC carving technology
Our friendly Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs) will be available at ThinkSpace to help you throughout the CNC carving process.
1 Create and design
Ahead of your booking, use Carbide Create (free downloadable software) to design and create your model.
Construct your design by importing STL files, vector files and images, and using primitive shapes. You can set toolpath types to tell the machine how to cut your design into the material.
2 Export the G-code file
Once you've completed the design, export your model as a G-code file. Save your G-code file on a USB.3. Import the G-code file
Bring your G-code file to your booking session. Import the file on Carbide Motion, a software installed on ThinkSpace devices that connects to Nomad 3 (Library’s CNC carver).
3 Set up Nomad 3 and your material
Place your material (either plastic or wood) on Nomad 3. Initialise Nomad 3 by setting job zero. Close Nomad 3’s protective cover.
4 Start carving
Start your carving job on Carbide Motion and enjoy watching Nomad carve your object. Carving jobs usually vary between 1 minute to 4 hours. Collect your object once the carving job is complete.
Contact
Talk to a Peer Learning Advisor to learn more about CNC carving.